View noticesSimbine claims top honour at SA Sport Awards
Sprinter Akani Simbine claimed the top honour at the 2026 SA Sport Awards on Sunday night, while swimmer Pieter Coetze and middle-distance runner Prudence Sekgodiso also received major accolades, eNCA reports.
The 19th edition of the awards was held at Sun City, recognising South Africa’s leading athletes, coaches, administrators and sporting federations.
Simbine was named Sport Star of the Year, beating Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx and Proteas captain Temba Bavuma for the prestigious award.
Sekgodiso was named Sportswoman of the Year, while Coetze claimed the Sportsman of the Year award in recognition of his achievements in the swimming pool.
The Proteas Test side was named Team of the Year after making history by winning South Africa’s maiden ICC World Test Championship title in 2025.
Athletics coach Thabo Matebedi was named Coach of the Year for his contribution to the sport.
The awards capped an evening celebrating achievements across South African sport, with Simbine emerging as the country’s standout sporting star of the year.