NWU Dominates 10th Annual North West Sports Awards at Sun City
The North West Province celebrated a milestone in regional athletic achievement on Saturday, August 1, as the 10th edition of the North West Sports Awards took place at the Sun City Superbowl. High-profile guests, sports personalities, and celebrities walked the red carpet ahead of a ceremony designed to honor the province's top athletic performers, coaches, and administrators both on and off the field.
The North-West University (NWU) emerged as the primary victor of the evening, securing six top honors across football, track and field, and road running. The university's strong showing further reaffirmed its status as a leading tertiary sports institution within South Africa's competitive athletic landscape.
A key highlight of the event was the performance of the NWU Soccer Institute, which took home multiple major accolades. Following its landmark promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship, the institute was named Team of the Year. The team's head coach, Nkululeko Malgas, was honored as Coach of the Year for directing the campaign, while team captain Aphelele Sibisi earned the prestigious Sport Star of the Year title following a public vote.
The university's athletics and distance running programs were similarly recognized throughout the night:
Bradley Nkoana: The sprinter completed a double victory by taking home both the Sportsman of the Year and Young Athlete of the Year awards.
Liezel Gouws: The Commonwealth Games representative was named Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability for her achievements on the track.
Tete Dijana: The three-time Comrades Marathon champion and NWU staff member received the MEC's Special Excellence Award in recognition of his sustained contribution to ultramarathon running and provincial sport.
Commenting on the institution's six-award tally, NWU Executive Director for Corporate Relations, Marketing and Sport, Mr. Clement Manoko, noted that the results highlight the ongoing efforts of the university's broader sports development framework. He praised the dedication of the student-athletes, coaching staff, and support personnel, emphasizing that provincial recognition aligns with the university's goal of fostering an environment where athletic talent can perform at the highest levels.
The awards ceremony concluded by highlighting the growing footprint of North West athletes across both provincial and national circuits. As the NWU sports program continues to gain momentum across multiple disciplines, the event served as a testament to the region's expanding talent pool and structured sports development initiatives.
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