Bafana Bafana striker Percy Tau is set to go head to head with Springboks skipper Siya Kolisi for a top accolade. Tau and Kolisi are nominated for the same category, People’s Choice, in the South African Sports Awards that will be aired on SABC Sports channels.
According to the information filtering through to Sport Plus, the Bafana star hitman, Tau stands to be chosen in the eagerly anticipated 17th edition of the awards ceremony. According to DispatchLIVE, the event will be hosted at the Sun City Superbowl on May 05 where Bafana’s superstar will face off with Kolisi, a Rugby World Cup winner.
Bafana Star in the Same Category as Boks Skipper Kolisi
One of the World Cup-winning Springbok stars nominated, Eben Etzebeth is a nominee together with long-distance queen Gerda Steyn and sailor Kirsten Neuschäfer. Kolisi’s nomination comes on the back of a massive achievement as he is included in this week’s list of the 100 most influential people by Time magazine.
Moreover, the Gqeberha-born and France-based rugby star finds his name among the nominees in the Sports Star of the Year category together with swimmer Tatjana Smith and Paralympian Simoné Kruger. Per the report, Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa announced the list of nominees on Wednesday and also confirmed the date of the glittering ceremony.
“The 17th edition of the South African Sports Awards takes place at a significant time in South Africa’s history. We celebrate 30 years of democracy and our national athletes and teams have been raising the nation’s flag sky high,” the minister said.
“In the South African Sports Awards we celebrate the role sport continues to play to unite our diverse people and in lifting the nation’s mood. South African sport is enjoying unprecedented success. Our athletes and sports teams have made us all so proud with their performances. I congratulate all the nominees for the 17th edition of the awards. The SABC is proud to be the host broadcaster for the awards.”
Bafana Star in the List of Nominees
Meanwhile, the nomination comes as a major boost for the Bafana and Al Ahly striker, Tau ahead of a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Nigeria.
Formerly on the books of Mamelodi Sundowns, the Witbank-born hitman didn’t have one of the best AFCON tournaments earlier this year where he failed to shine. He missed a penalty against Mali and he was on the receiving end of criticism from disgruntled Bafana fans.
Having missed the FIFA Series friendlies against Andorra and Algeria in March, Tau is expected to spearhead the attack against the Super Eagles in June.
Related: Will Injuries Affect the Bafana Bafana Squad for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers?
Full List of Nominees
Sports Administrator of the Year
- Mark Alexander
- Sibongile Fondini
- Louis Polome
Sportswoman of the Year
- Kirsten Neuschäfer
- Tatjana Smith
- Laura Wolvaardt
Sportsman of the Year
- Andrew Birkett
- Eben Etzebeth
- Sivenathi Nontshinga
Sportsman of the Year with a Disability
- Mpumelelo Mhlongo
- Donald Tebogo Ramphadi
- David Watts
Sportsman of the Year with a Disability
- Simoné Kruger
- Kat Swanepoel
- Kgothatso Montjane
Coach of the Year
- Jacques Nienaber
- Rocco Meiring
- Jason Sewanyana
Sports Journalist of the Year
- Khanyiso Tshwaku
- Sihle Ndebele
- Vaylen Kirtley
Sports Photo or Visual Journalist of the Year
- Samuel Shivambu
- Vincent Matlou
- Kirsten Olivier
Newcomer of the Year
- Gerald Coetzee
- Manie Libbok
- Karabo Cassius Morapedi
- Elanza Jordaan
Volunteer of the Year
- Hubert Oliphant
- Beka Ntsangwese
- Zelma Basson
Sports Star of the Year
- Siya Kolisi
- Tatjana Smith
- Simoné Kruger
Team of the Year
- Springboks
- T20 Women Cricket Team
- Sheep Shearing
Federation of the Year
- South African Rugby Union
- Cricket South Africa
- Cycling South Africa
Recreation Body of the Year
- Amandal WC
- Vakhegula-Vhakhegula
- Made 4 More
Indigenous Game Team
- KZN Kho-Kho Male Team
- LP Nvuca Team
- GP Diketo Team
School Team of the Year
- Hoër Landbouskool Oakdale — Tug of War 560kg Men
- Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool — Netball
- Clapham High School — Football
Developing School of the Year
- Edendale Technical High School — U15 Girls — Sihle Basi sport chairperson
- MM Sebitloane Special School — Mr Bitso
- Hlabi School
Technical Official of the Year
- Sean Rapaport
- Reinet Barnard
- Aimee Barrett-Theron
People’s Choice Award
- Eben Etzebeth
- Gerda Steyn
- Siya Kolisi
- Percy Tau
- Kirsten Neuschafer