The highly anticipated TuksSport Awards and Colours Ceremony is set to take place on 25 October at Rembrandt Hall, located on Hillcrest campus. After a year that has been packed with both national and international competitions, including several standout performances at the Paris Olympic Games, this event promises to be one of the most exciting yet. The TuksSport athletes have been shining on the global stage and raising the stakes for this year’s awards. But who will emerge as the top contenders?
PDBY’s Awards Predictions
Sportswoman of the Year
Tatjana Smith: With four Olympic medals under her belt, Tatjana Smith (née Schoenmaker) is once again the favourite. Following her stellar performance at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where she added two more medals to her collection, the odds are in her favour to claim the award once more.
Sportsman of the Year
Akani Simbine: A four-time winner of this prestigious accolade, Akani Simbine remains a top contender. The Olympic medalist continues to be a dominant force, and it would not be a surprise to see him take the award home once again.
Donald Ramphadi: This standout member of TuksTennis made history at the Paralympic Games alongside Lucas Sithole by winning bronze in the men’s quad doubles. Their victory over Brazil marks the first time that African wheelchair players have won at the Paralympics, which is a monumental achievement. Ramphadi’s groundbreaking success positions him as a strong contender for the Sportsman of the Year award, and it makes him a challenger for Akani Simbine’s long-standing reign in this category.
Student Sportsman of the Year
Wian Roux (TuksArchery): Roux’s Olympic debut makes him a standout candidate, showcasing the strength of TuksSport’s presence in global competitions.
Edmund du Plessis (TuksAthletics): Du Plessis made his mark with an appearance in the 800m event at the Olympics, making him a strong candidate for this category.
Kyle Cyster (TuksRugby): From succeeding in the Varsity Shield final to being named the FNB Player that Rocks, as well as representing South Africa in the FISU World University Championships Rugby Sevens and various Blitzboks teams, Cyster has had a phenomenal year. These athletes have all demonstrated exceptional talent and determination, making this year’s Student Sportsman of the Year category particularly competitive.
Student Sportswoman of the Year
Erin Gallagher (TuksSwimming): Gallagher recently claimed the title of USSA 2024 Swimming Champion and competed in the semi-finals of the 100m butterfly at the Paris Olympic Games. Having already secured this accolade in 2022, Gallagher’s continued success in both national and international competitions makes her a formidable candidate for this year’s award.
Sports Team of the Year
TuksRugby men’s team: TuksRugby’s men’s team went undefeated in the Varsity Shield this year, securing their promotion to the Varsity Cup. To add to their achievements, the men’s team secured third place at USSA Sevens championships. Their remarkable season makes them a worthy choice for the top team award.
Sports Club of the Year
TuksCricket: With an impressive haul of six titles in one season, TuksCricket has proven to be an unstoppable force. Their achievements speak for themselves, making them the frontrunner for this category.
Newsmaker of the Year
Tatjana Smith: Smith not only wowed the nation, she also made international headlines by becoming the first and only South African to win gold at the 2024 Olympic Games. Her global impact makes her a natural choice for Newsmaker of the Year.
Principal’s Award for Outstanding Team Performance
TuksRugby men’s team: Having previously won this award in 2022, the TuksRugby men are in a great position to reclaim it following their Varsity Shield championship win. Their resilience and success have left a memorable mark on TuksSport.
With such remarkable talent and achievements across the board, the 2024 TuksSport Awards and Colours Ceremony promises to be an evening of celebration and pride for the University of Pretoria’s sporting community. Only time will tell who will take these prestigious accolades home.