Veteran ring official Siya Vabaza-Booi says Durban will once again be her lucky charm to retain her crown as female official of the year next Friday.

Vabaza-Booi, 47, has cracked it big in the historically male-dominated sport. She was crowned best female official in 2010 in what was BSA's last awards in the banana city in 2011.

That was Vabaza-Booi's third award in that category, having lifted the crown in 2001 and 2009. Her competitors for 2016 are Sylvia Mokaila from North West and Gauteng-based Pumeza Zinakile from Mdantsane.

"There is no two ways about me retaining my trophy," she said yesterday. "But I should be in line for the special achievement award for breaking the barriers for women in boxing. I have won the ring official award three times previously.

"I believe I need to make way for young female officials. All I need now is a green blazer and no other female can get it before me.

"Look, both Sylivia and Pumeza are my products."

Mokaila is the only female boxing official in her province.

She said: "I never looked back since winning the 2007 Most Promising Female award. I have been busy in and outside the country. I fancy my chances of winning the award next week."

Zinakile said: "I don't doubt my abilities when I say Siya should win. I am one of the best female officials in the country in recent years but Siya has been busier.

"Had it not been for the fact that my career was deliberately suppressed here in Johannesburg, we would be talking a different story. That is why BSA must keep a close look at the rotation system which must be applicable to all of us."

In the male section, Thabo Spampool from Johannesburg, Durban-based Darryl Ribbink and Deon Dwarte from Cape Town are contesting the trophy while female Namhla Tyuluba and two males Mandisi Mkile and Sthembele Tom (all three from East London) are vying for the Most Promising award.

The ceremony will take place at Durban's ICC hall next Friday.