Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies Team was the toast of this year’s Tshwane Women in Sports awards held in Pretoria last night. The event was hosted by Futballing Girls and the Gauteng Sports Confederation.
The main aim of the Women in Sports Awards is to commemorate women in the sporting fraternity, in close partnership with the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation. The overarching objective of the platform is to commit to the recognition and empowerment of Women in Sports in South Africa.
One of the big winners on the night was fit-again Andile ‘Sticks’ Dlamini who was a finalist for the ‘Sportswoman of the Year’. Sticks was a vital cog in the Masandawana set-up last season and her heroics in goal earned her the Hollywoodbets Super League ‘Goalkeeper of the Season’ Award. The attendees were delighted to see Dlamini who has been absent from the team this season due to illness but the shot-stopper has made a full return to training which is a massive boost for Banyana Ba Style.
On receiving her Award, the highly popular Sticks was quick to shower praise on the club’s hierarchy as well as her teammates.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our former Club President for his vision and belief in us. We are also encouraged by the support that we constantly receive from our Chairman. Thank you to everyone for continually supporting us. My teammates are absolutely the best. I love them and I appreciate them with all my heart. I am grateful to be recognized and acknowledged alongside the best goalies in our Country. We work very hard and we are even more motivated to do more. In addition, I would also like to ask for more support from everyone as we prepare for the first-ever CAF Women’s Champions League. Your support is highly solicited as it will go a long way in encouraging us,” said an excited Dlamini.
Another winner on the night was striker Rhoda Mulaudzi. After posting an impressive 36 goals in 17 games last season to finish as the league’s top scorer, the explosive forward was a finalist for the ‘Sports Achiever of the Year’ Award.
Also in attendance was winger Morifi Chuene who gladly picked up Coach Jerry Tshabalala’s ‘Coach of the Season’ Award. Coach Tshabalala was recognised for the fine season the Club enjoyed under his guidance courtesy of clinching the league last season while remaining unbeaten.
The vastly experienced tactician further earned some high praise from goalkeeper Dlamini.
“With all humility, it is about time our Head Coach gets the acknowledgement for the hard work that he is putting in the team’s victories. He is constantly looking to improve our game and level of performances so that we can be the best athletes that we can be,” stated Dlamini.
Fans favourite, Bongiwe Thusi, was also on hand to celebrate with the Sundowns Ladies Team who were nominated in the ‘Team of the Year’ category. After cruising through last season’s Hollywoodbets Super League without dropping any points, the Chloorkop-based side deservedly claimed the Award. The rampant Brazilians are on the brink of retaining the league title this season and are still on course to maintain their glorious invincibility.
Banyana Ba Style will represent the Southern African region in the maiden edition of the continental showpiece which takes place in Egypt in the next few weeks.
What a perfect night for our Stars!
