Photo credit: Backpagepix
In late January, South Africa showcased its sporting prowess on various international stages, leaving fans exhilarated and proud of the nation’s accomplishments. From the hockey fields to the athletics track and the football pitch, South African athletes demonstrated skill, dedication, and resilience, earning accolades and victories.
Football Triumph Against Morocco
On the 30th of January, South Africa faced football giants Morocco, defying predictions and securing a victory with a 57th-minute goal from Evidence Makgopa and a remarkable free-kick in stoppage time from Teboho Mokoena. The win propelled South Africa into the Quarter-finals of the competition, where they join Nigeria, Angola, DR Congo, Guinea, Mali, Ivory Coast, and Cape Verde in the quest for glory. The Quarter-final action is set to commence on the 2nd of February, promising an exhilarating spectacle for football enthusiasts.
South African Women’s Hockey team at FIH Hockey5s World Cup
On the 27th of January, the South African women’s hockey team captured the hearts of fans worldwide with their stellar performance at the Inaugural FIH Women’s Hockey5s World Cup in Oman. Despite a narrow 2-4 defeat to Poland in the final clash, the team secured a commendable fourth-place finish, sparking a new era of excitement for hockey enthusiasts. Namibia and Zambia also made their mark, securing the 10th and 15th positions, respectively, in the tournament.
South African Athletics Association Awards
Simultaneously, on the same day, the South African Athletics Association held their awards ceremony to recognize and honour the nation’s athletic stars.
- Tete Diana, ASA Platinum Awardee: The ultra-distance specialist received the prestigious ASA Platinum award for breaking the national 50km record and successfully defending his title at the Comrades Marathon.
- Gerda Steyn, ASA Platinum Awardee: Versatile distance runner Gerda Steyn was also honoured with an ASA Platinum award for her outstanding performances in winning the 2023 Comrades and Two Oceans ultramarathons, breaking her own national marathon record in the process.
- Simone Kruger, ASA Female Athlete of the Year with a Disability: Kruger’s gold-winning performance in the F37/38 discus throw at the IPC World Championships earned her the title of ASA Female Athlete of the Year with a Disability.
- Mpumelelo Mhlongo, ASA Male Athlete of the Year with a Disability: The T44 100m world champion received recognition for his stellar 2023 season.
- Armand van der Walt, ASA Junior Male Athlete of the Year: The rising star enjoyed a spectacular 2023 season, securing the SA senior title and the African U20 title in the 200m sprint.
- Chane Kok, ASA Junior Female Athlete of the Year: The African U20 100m hurdles champion was rightfully recognized as one of South Africa’s fastest rising young stars.
- Hencu Lamberts, ASA Male Prospect of the Year: Lamberts received this honour after winning shot put gold medals at the African U18 Championships and the Commonwealth Youth Games.
- Alicia Khunou, ASA Female Prospect of the Year: The versatile thrower, who secured double gold at the African U18 Championships and the Commonwealth Youth Games, was acknowledged for her spectacular 2023 season.
FIH Men’s Hockey5s World Cup
The 31st of January marked the thrilling conclusion of the FIH Men’s Hockey5s World Cup. Nigeria secured a commendable 14th place finish, Kenya showcased their prowess with a seventh place, and Egypt claimed a well-deserved 6th place finish.
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