The University of the Free State (UFS) has a remarkable history of nurturing national and international sporting heroes. From Olympic and Paralympic athletes to Springboks and Protea players in hockey, cricket and netball, UFS is a cornerstone of South African sport. The institution has also produced countless sports administrators, medical professionals and coaches at the highest levels.
Johani van Tonder Photo: Spektor Digital & Design Studio
Yolandi StanderPhoto: Spektor Digital & Design Studio
Dumisani MotloungPhoto: Spektor Digital & Design Studio
Robert SummersPhoto: Spektor Digital & Design Studio
Mianè Smit
Refiloe NketsaPhoto: Spektor Digital & Design Studio
Karla VictorPhoto: Spektor Digital & Design Studio
Ane RetiefPhoto: Spektor Digital & Design Studio
Karabo KhanyePhoto: Spektor Digital & Design Studio
Devan van Niekerk Photo: Spektor Digital & Design Studio
Bontle Palesa MorokePhoto: Spektor Digital & Design Studio
Sibabalwe BooiPhotos: Spektor Digital & Design Studio
In 2023, the UFS recognized its top athletes: Robert Summers was named Sportsman of the Year, while Refiloe Nketsa took home the title of Sportswoman of the Year. Johani van Tonder was honored as Junior Sportswoman of the Year and Michael Annies was named Junior Sportsman of the Year.
The excitement continues as the UFS prepares for the Free State Sport Stars Awards, presented in partnership with Central24, with the gala event taking place on 3 October at Monte Bello in Bloemfontein. The event will honour outstanding international achievements from 1 October 2023 to 30 September 2024, with nominees for Sportsman, Sportswoman, Junior Sportsman and Junior Sportswoman of the Year.
The nominees include several prominent athletes, including:
- Mthi Mthimkulu (athletics): Represented South Africa at the World Athletics Relay Championships and won gold at the CAA African Senior Championships.
- Johani van Tonder (athletics – triple jump): Participated in the Brics Games in June 2024.
- Yolandi Stander (athletics – discus throwing): Participated in the All Africa Games and the CAA African Senior Championships.
- Dumisani Motloung (athletics): Competed in the 1500 m at the U20 World Athletics Championships in Lima, Peru.
- Caden Kakora (badminton): Won bronze in mixed doubles at the African Games and represented South Africa at the All African Senior Championships.
- Robert Summers (badminton): Won bronze in men’s doubles at the African Games and qualified for the Badminton World Championships.
- Mianè Smith (cricket): Selected for the Protea women’s cricket team, currently touring Pakistan.
- Refiloe Nketsa (netball): Member of the Protea netball team in the Test series in Australia and England.
- Karla Victor (netball): Star of the U21 team that won the African qualifier and was named best player of the tournament.
- Ane Retief (netball): Represented South Africa at the World Fast5 Series in New Zealand in November 2023.
- Rolene Streutker (netball): Member of the Protea team that took part in the Test series in Australia and England.
- Karabo Khanye (karate): Won silver and bronze medals at the KSA Open Elite Championship and was honoured with the South African colours.
- Devan van Niekerk (hockey): Played for the South African U21 team during the Sultan of Johor Cup.
- Bontle Palesa Moroke (rugby): Part of the Junior Springbok women’s team against the Junior Sables.
- Sibabalwe Booi (rugby): Participated in the International Series for the national U18 rugby team.
Looking ahead
The upcoming Free State Sport Stars Awards Ceremony and Gala promises to be a celebratory evening, honouring the achievements of UFS athletes and continuing the legacy of sporting excellence.
As the countdown begins, the UFS community looks forward to recognizing the hard work and dedication of its exceptional athletes.
- Standard Bank is the main sponsor of the event.
Aimée Barlow
www.news24.com
