South African sport’s biggest night returned to the Sun City Superbowl on Saturday, 19 August 2026, marking the 19th edition of the South African Sport Awards. The occasion looked back on 19 years of celebrating sporting excellence, unity and national pride.
Celebrating South Africa’s sporting stars
Under the theme ‘Crowned in Greatness,’ the evening honoured the athletes who built our sporting history, and celebrated the new generation now pushing the limits of what’s possible. This year’s nominees, from record breakers to athletes who fought back from setbacks, reflected the resilience and determination South Africa is known for.
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It was a night of memorable firsts and well-earned repeat wins. The Sport Star of the Year award went to Akani Simbine and Team of the Year honours were claimed by Protea Men’s Test Cricket. Both delivered performances that brought fans together and made the country proud.
A night of sporting excellence
Congratulations to every nominee and winner at the 2026 South African Sport Awards. Your dedication, discipline and passion keep South Africa’s name on the world stage. You are the heartbeat of our sporting identity, and you live the spirit of #IzinjaZeGame.
Sport Administrator of the Year
- Anthony Moruthane, Tennis
Recreation Body of the Year
- Khokho Association South Africa
Sport Volunteer of the Year
- Nqobile Kunene, Rural Horse Racing
Youth/Junior Sport Star of the Year
- Bayanda Walaza, Athletics
Youth/Junior Sport Team of the Year
- Men’s under 20 Rugby Team Rugby
Sport Visual Journalist of the Year
- Skhu Nkomphela, Sport Photographer
Sports Media Journalist of the Year
- Rachel Makhura, Broadcasting
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Technical Official of the Year
- Aimee Barrett-Theron, Rugby
National Federation of the Year
- Cricket South Africa
Sport Team of the Year
- Protea Men’s Test Cricket
Coach of the Year
- Thabo Matebedi, Athletics
Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability
- Simoné Kruger, Athletics
Sportsman of the Year with a Disability
- Puseletso Michael Mabote, Para athletics 400m T63
Sportswoman of the Year
- Prudence Sekgodiso, Athletics
Sportsman of the Year
- Pieter Coetze, Swimming
Sport Star of the Year
- Akani Simbine, Athletics
Steve Tshwete Lifetime
- Ms Siya Vabaza-Booi
- Mr Selwyn Nathan
- Mr Veli Nhlapo
Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket
- Mr William Mtolo
- Mr Teenage Dladla
- Prof. Mlungisi Ngubane
- Mr Patson Banda
Excellence
- Mr Rayno Nel
- Ms Tasneem Solomons
- Mr Temba Bavuma
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