CELEBRATED South African female boxer Noni "She Bee Stingin" Tenge has commended Sport and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula for having the interests of athletes at heart.
"The arrival of Minister Mbalula in sport is a breath of fresh air," said Tenge, who was crowned South Africa's first woman world boxing champion.
Mdantsane-based Tenge achieved the feat after defeating New Zealand's Daniella Smith in an IBF welterweight world title clash at the BSP tournament in Brakpan on Saturday night.
Speaking on the sidelines of the South African Sports Awards launched by Mbalula at SABC headquarters in Auckland Park on Monday night, Tenge said she was happy that the minister had prioritised development.
"Anybody who is passionate about development in South Africa will always get my unconditional support and the minister is doing a great job to revive school sports.
"In all his speeches, Mbalula recognises the contribution of athletes. I feel proud that he was also there when I won the title on Saturday. His support for athletes is highly appreciated," said Tenge.
Others present at the launch were former Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena and Brian Baloyi, who hung up his goalkeeping gloves last month to take up a new job in marketing at Mamelodi Sundowns. Reigning Miss South Africa Bokang Montjane was also there.
Mbalula, who was accompanied by North West MEC for sports Hlomane Chauke at the launch, said the award winners will be announced at Sun City on August 21. The theme for this year's awards is Today's Leaders, Tomorrow's Legends. Athletics SA board member Motlatsi Keikabile will convene the judges panel. Athletes expected to be nominated include Siphiwe Tshabalala, Caster Semenya, LJ van Zyl, Stephen Mokoka, Nomonde Magagula and AB de Villiers.
Mbalula delivering the goods - Tenge
CELEBRATED South African female boxer Noni "She Bee Stingin" Tenge has commended Sport and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula for having the interests of athletes at heart.
"The arrival of Minister Mbalula in sport is a breath of fresh air," said Tenge, who was crowned South Africa's first woman world boxing champion.
Mdantsane-based Tenge achieved the feat after defeating New Zealand's Daniella Smith in an IBF welterweight world title clash at the BSP tournament in Brakpan on Saturday night.
Speaking on the sidelines of the South African Sports Awards launched by Mbalula at SABC headquarters in Auckland Park on Monday night, Tenge said she was happy that the minister had prioritised development.
"Anybody who is passionate about development in South Africa will always get my unconditional support and the minister is doing a great job to revive school sports.
"In all his speeches, Mbalula recognises the contribution of athletes. I feel proud that he was also there when I won the title on Saturday. His support for athletes is highly appreciated," said Tenge.
Others present at the launch were former Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena and Brian Baloyi, who hung up his goalkeeping gloves last month to take up a new job in marketing at Mamelodi Sundowns. Reigning Miss South Africa Bokang Montjane was also there.
Mbalula, who was accompanied by North West MEC for sports Hlomane Chauke at the launch, said the award winners will be announced at Sun City on August 21. The theme for this year's awards is Today's Leaders, Tomorrow's Legends. Athletics SA board member Motlatsi Keikabile will convene the judges panel. Athletes expected to be nominated include Siphiwe Tshabalala, Caster Semenya, LJ van Zyl, Stephen Mokoka, Nomonde Magagula and AB de Villiers.
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