Van Niekerk wins big

JOHANNESBURG. — Mamelodi Sundowns were recognised as the Team of the Year, while Caster Semenya won the Sportswoman of the Year at the 2016 South African Sports Awards ceremony on Sunday night.Track star Wayde van Niekerk was the big winner, as expected, receiving multiple accolades at the SA Sport Awards in Bloemfontein.

The versatile sprinter, who shattered the 400m world record to win gold in 43.03 seconds at the Rio Olympics, was named the Sports Star of the Year, People’s Choice and Sportsman of the Year at the annual gala ceremony.

“It’s such an honour for me to say I’m South African, and I’m so proud to do it each and every time I step on the track,” Van Niekerk said.

Van Niekerk’s coach, Ans Botha, was also recognised as Coach of the Year ahead of Sundowns mentor Pitso Mosimane.

Meanwhile, fellow track athlete Caster Semenya, who had been nominated for three gongs after winning Olympic 800m gold in a national record of 1:55.28, was revealed as the Sportswoman of the Year.

Semenya hit out at her critics after shaking off an ongoing debate about her gender to go unbeaten in her specialist event this season.

“They say she talks like a man, she walks like a man, she runs like a man. Urgh. ‘Tsek,” she said in her acceptance speech.

Van Niekerk and Semenya were among five athletes — including motor racing star Brad Binder, sevens rugby player Seabelo Senatla and cricket player Kagiso Rabada — to receive International Achievement trophies, while Van Niekerk and Paralympic sprint medallist Dyan Buis both received the prestigious Shield of Jove.

Sprint sensation Charl du Toit, who won two gold medals and broke the 100m world record in his class at the Rio Paralympics, was named Sportsman of the Year with a Disability, and another speedster Ilse Hayes, who pocketed two silver medals at the Games, was announced as SportsWoman of the Year with a Disability.

The Mamelodi Sundowns football squad, who won the African Champions League this year, were recognised as the Team of the Year.

Meanwhile, this past weekend saw men and women in sports getting honoured for their achievements at the South African Sports Awards.

And obviously, Caster Semenya and her “wife” Violet Raseboya were there, and boy did they rule the red carpet.

Caster, who was crowned Sportswoman of the Year, looked fetching in a suit paired with sneakers, while Violet opted for a gorgeous black dress.

The two were not the only lovebirds who graced the red carpet.

Wayde van Niekerk, who reigned supreme after receiving Sports Star of the Year, People’s Choice and Sportsman of the Year, also rocked the red carpet with his long time bae of more than three years, Chesney Campbell.

Wayde showed up in a black tux, and Chesney rocked a stunning white gown.

The full list of winners for

the 2016 Sports Awards

Sport Star of the Year: Wayde van Niekerk

Sportswoman of the Year: Caster Semenya

Sportsman of the Year: Wayde van Niekerk

People’s Choice Award: Wayde van Niekerk

Team of the Year: Mamelodi Sundowns

Coach of the Year: Anna Botha

Newcomer of the Year Award: Ntando Mahlangu

Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability: Ilse Hayes

Sportsman of the Year with Disability: Charl du Toit