South African Sport Awards 2025: Tatjana Smith and Team SA shine at Sun City

South Africa’s sporting family gathered under one roof at the legendary Sun City Superbowl for the 18th annual South African Sport Awards, a night dedicated to celebrating resilience, achievement and community in sport.

The theme, “Celebrating Sporting Excellence,” felt fitting as champions, volunteers, and rising stars were honoured for their contributions on and off the field.

Tatjana Smith Steals The Spotlight

The evening’s biggest cheer was reserved for Tatjana Smith, who was crowned both Sport Star of the Year and Sportswoman of the Year. Known for her dominance in the pool, Smith’s performances have become a source of pride for South Africans everywhere. On social media, fans hailed her as “the face of SA swimming” and praised her dedication to inspiring the next generation.

Her victory carried extra weight given her influence beyond medals Smith has become a role model, particularly for young girls who see themselves in her story of discipline, sacrifice, and triumph.

Team Of The Year Heads To Paris

Equally inspiring was the recognition of the 4x100m men’s relay team, named Team of the Year after qualifying to represent South Africa at the Paris Olympics. Their journey from underdogs to world contenders has captured the imagination of athletics fans. Many took to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate the squad, calling them proof that “when SA comes together, magic happens.”

Their award symbolises more than athletic ability it represents the unity and fighting spirit that sport continues to bring to the country.

Honouring The Heartbeat Of SA Sport

While the star names drew attention, the night also paid tribute to those who keep the wheels of South African sport turning:

• Sport Administrator of the Year: Pholetsi Moseki (Cricket)

• Sport Volunteer of the Year: Phuti Lekoloane (Football)

• Recreation Body of the Year: Made for More Zama (Para Surfing)

• Technical Official of the Year: Ernesta Strydom (Para Cycling)

• Sports Media Journalist of the Year: Palesa Manaleng

• Sport Visual Journalist of the Year: Roger Sedres

These awards reminded the audience that while athletes may win medals, administrators, journalists, volunteers, and federations shape the platforms on which those successes are built.

Rising Stars And Future Icons

Young athletes also had their moment, with Simoné Kruger (Para Athletics) crowned both Youth Sport Star of the Year and Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability. Her incredible achievements on the international stage at just 19 years old underline South Africa’s bright sporting future.

Other winners included the SA U19 Tug of War Men’s Team and cycling star Alan Hatherly, who was named Sportsman of the Year. Their stories added layers to the night, proving that South African sport is thriving across disciplines from grassroots to global arenas.

More Than An Awards Night

As the organiser reminded the crowd: “You are the reason South Africa continues to shine on the world stage. You are, without a doubt, #IzinjaZeGame.”

That phrase quickly trended online, becoming a rallying cry for fans who saw themselves reflected in the achievements of their heroes.

The 2025 South African Sport Awards was more than a ceremony it was a snapshot of the country’s sporting soul. A reminder that while medals and trophies matter, it’s the passion, unity, and resilience of athletes and communities that truly define South African sport.

Source:IOL 

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