The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Netball team had an impressive run of form which was recognised during the DUT Annual Sports Awards, where they walked away with four awards.

The Hurricanes scooped the Team of the Year and Club of the Year awards, while their Team Manager, Pamela Magubane clinched the Administrator of the Year award. Their player, Amanda Ntshangase received the coveted Sport Person of the Year award.

In June this year (2018), the Netball team brought home the silver medal from the 2018 University Sport South Africa (USSA) tournament, which was held at the University of Johannesburg.

The glitzy awards Gala event was held last week Friday, 26 October 2018 at Elangeni Hotel in Durban, and it was graced by the presence of DUT’s athletes, administrators, coaches and management as well as esteemed external guests and stakeholders.

The Guest Speaker was KwaZulu-Natal’s own treble Comrades Marathon winner, Bongumusa Mthembu, who encouraged student athletes to persevere and remain focused and disciplined in pursuit of their ambitions.

The reigning Comrades Marathon winner, won his maiden Comrades Marathon in 2014, and clinched his second title in 2017. He shared his frustrations resulting from the loss of his wife in 2014, which impacted him very negatively, resulting in him withdrawing from participating in the “Ultimate Human Race” in 2015.

“In 2015, I was disappointed because I knew that there were high expectations from my fans and the media, but I was not in a good space and I decided to withdraw my participation in the Comrades Marathon. Luckily, I had people who were supporting me, which also helped me to embrace my challenges, and in 2016 I managed to come back,” said Mthembu.

Mthembu encouraged aspiring athletes never to deter in the face of adversity, but to be always driven by passion in order to perform better. “There is nothing you can achieve without the focus and respect for what you are doing,” added Mthembu.

DUT Sports Administration Manager, Bongani Yengwa said they are thrilled with the improvement that was showcased by different sporting codes this year. “Today is the day where your hard work and commitment will be recognised,” he said.

Other winners included, Coach of the Year – Ashen Naicker (Squash), Female Player of the Year – Luyanda Mzulwini (Hockey), Male Player of the Year – Thabani Ncube (Karate), Most Promising Player – Nosihle Hlophe (Cricket). There was also the Vice-Chancellor’s Gold Award for players who have represented the National Team, and Vice-Chancellor’s Silver Award for players that have represented the Provincial Teams.

The HOD’s Special Recognition Awards were also presented to individuals who are often neglected because they don’t have formal roles within the teams, but they contribution is valuable towards the overall success of the teams.

Some of the prizes that were received by the winners included cash vouchers, stationery vouchers and sports gear.

Pictured: Winners celebrating with their prizes at the DUT Sports Awards.

Nduduzo Ndlovu