Matome Lebea

Matome Lebea

Limpopo Premier Sello Moloto paid tribute to sportsmen and women who have done the province proud on the field of play, nationally and internationally.

The glittering event was held at a motel outside Polokwane on Saturday. Those who were honoured have secured membership of the Provincial Hall of Fame.

In athletics, Abram Matloga and Jane Rasakanya, who represented the country recently at the world cross-country championships for the intellectually impaired in Poland, were honoured.

Peter Nosega and Sophie Ngobeni were from basketball, with Masana Manganyi and Papish Baloyi in boxing.

Ramahlwa Mphahlele and Mudau Lindelani received awards for soccer. Mpho Ramakonya excelled in goalball (soccer for the blind), while the gymnastic category went to Andrew Kelly.

Members of the national softball team, Simunye - Vasna Molaba, Nakedi Mohlake, Nakedi Raphalo, Thabang Letsoalo - were among the recipients.

Natasha Defos was good in swimming, with Patrick Selepe and Nancy Muremi excelling in wheelchair tennis.

Orlando Pirates coach Owen da Gama, softball administrator Polelo Masola, Gizani Khoza, Kirsten Nematandani and Joe Machaba were honoured for their excellent as coaches and managers.

The legends included boxers Joseph Makaringe and Cassius Baloyi, with Nare Sekwaila in soccer and Victor Seakamela in netball. Special awards went to Lizzy Vogel for cricket and swimming, Cecilia Molokwane in netball and Thabo Tawane in softball.

Posthumous awards went to Timothy Mayama, Paledi Mothapo, Eric Baloyi and Phineus Maluleke.

"We wish to congratulate all those who have received the awards," Moloto said at the cere- mony.

"They should know that they are the best amongst us, and our government and people look up to them for inspiration. They are our greatest assets, role models and ambassadors and we will continue to be proud of them.

"To the sports administrators and coaches, we say well done. Thank you for unearthing and nurturing these talents."