INSPIRATIONAL Orlando Pirates skipper Lucky Lekgwathi says he is inspired to clinch the CAF Champions League medal after he bagged yet another accolade at the weekend.

Lekgwathi was voted sports personality of the year at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg on Saturday, capping a wonderful season in which he led the Buccaneers to a second successive treble.

The 34-year-old defender, whose team won the team of the year award, pipped Gauteng Lions cricketer Neil Mckenzie and national hockey team captain Marsha Marascia to the top award and quickly declared his intentions for next season.

"I'm grateful and thankful to the team and the club chairman Irvin Khoza for this achievement and also to the people who voted for me and the Gauteng sports department," said Lekgwathi.

"The chairman believes in me, handing me a contract even when I was injured. And that gives me the opportunity to go out and win the only remaining trophy in my club football career, the CAF Champions League.

"I feel inspired to give it my best after the team came short last season. We have signed quality players and our team is balanced and strengthened to compete on all fronts next season.

"We want to maintain the high standard and keep winning."

Gauteng MEC for sport Lebogang Maile said: "I would like to congratulate all the sportsmen and women who were celebrated for their achievements. It is through their hard work and dedication that we are able to nurture and inspire the future generation of champions. These winners have managed to succeed in their fields despite countless challenges."

Other winners included Shianne Addinall for most promising athlete and University of Pretoria, who were named most promising team. Referee Zakhele Siwela won technical official of the year while Francois du Plessis is sportsman of the year.

Kaizer Chiefs boss Kaizer Motaung and PSL Life President Leepile Taunyane received lifetime achievement awards.