Linda Ximba
The stars aligned at the KwaZulu-Natal Sports Awards for amateur boxing star Phiwokuhle Mnguni on Saturday evening.
The Commonwealth bronze medallist won both Sports Personality of the Year and
Sportswoman of the Year awards at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.
Dundee-born Mnguni walked away with R100,000 and a brand new car.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would reach this far. I am grateful to my trainers, family and media for the unwavering support throughout the year,” said the 21-year-old.
She has set her sights on the African qualifiers for the upcoming Olympics in Paris in 2024.
Amanda Bani-Mapena, KZN Sport, Arts and Culture MEC, said about Mnguni: “She has shown that it is all possible. That is why I said in my address that these are the sports stars that have contributed immensely to KZN sporting culture from which young and aspiring sports people draw inspiration.”
Retired three-time world boxing champion Moruti ‘Babyface’ Mthalane received the MEC Lifetime Achievement award.
The 40-year-old Mthalane, a former International Boxing Federation (IBF) and International Boxing Organisation (IBO) flyweight champion, retired after he defeated Filipino boxer Diomel Diocos in Pietermaritzburg last Sunday.
The late Ludonga Boxing Promotions boss Thulani Magudulela, who passed away due to Covid-19 complications in February last year, was a recipient of the MEC Special Award.
Former Banyana Banyana midfielder Makhosi Luthuli also received the MEC Special Award. Luthuli succumbed to cancer in November 2020.
Meanwhile, DStv Premiership newcomers Richards Bay FC from Umhlathuze won the Team of the Year award. Despite being rookies they have surprised many as evidenced by their placement in second position with 10 games played so far this season.
