The North-West University (NWU) Soccer Institute capped a landmark season by claiming three of the province's top honours at the 10th North West Sports Awards.
The institute was named Team of the Year, head coach Nkululeko Malgas received the Coach of the Year award, and captain Aphelele Sibisi was crowned Sport Star of the Year.
The awards, presented at the Sun City Superbowl on Saturday, 1 August, recognised the Soccer Institute's rise from amateur football to the Motsepe Foundation Championship after securing promotion through the ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs earlier this year.
The triple recognition marks one of the most successful evenings yet for the NWU at the provincial awards, highlighting the impact of a football programme that has steadily developed into one of the country's leading university teams.
Collective effort pays off
Coach Malgas said the awards reflected the collective effort of everyone involved in the programme rather than individual achievements.
"It's a team effort that has been happening ever since I got to work here at NWU two years ago. I might be the person receiving the accolades and compliments, but behind me there's a young and hard-working team," he said.
"I am known as this strict person, but it's for a good cause because I am a perfectionist. I strive for excellence and professionalism."
Coach Malgas said the team's success was built on a culture of commitment and shared responsibility.
"We have a very hard-working group, a very close-knit family. We do a lot of hard work behind the scenes. During the ABC Motsepe National Playoffs, these boys were called 'tiny tots' because of their age, yet they were doing wonders."
Pressure is on to stay on top of their game
While celebrating the achievements, he said the focus had already shifted to the demands of competing in professional football.
"I always tell them that it's easy to get to the top but very difficult to maintain it. We are now going to experience a lot of pressure, but with systems in place we will conquer."
According to coach Malgas, the foundation of the team's success has been consistent planning and accountability.
"What has been working for us is planning, execution, hard work and evaluation."
The awards conclude a season that has transformed the NWU Soccer Institute. Promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship secured the university's place in South African professional football for the first time, with the team's performances now earning recognition beyond the field.
The three provincial awards reinforce the programme's progress under coach Malgas and recognise the contribution of a squad that has combined youth development with results, setting the stage for NWU's debut season in the professional ranks.
Photo: NWU Soccer Institute head coach Nkululeko Malgas (left) received the Coach of the Year award. Soccer Institute captain Aphelele Sibisi (right) was crowned Sport Star of the Year.
Photo: NWU Soccer Institute head coach Nkululeko Malgas (left) received the Coach of the Year award. Soccer Institute captain Aphelele Sibisi (right) was crowned Sport Star of the Year.
