KZN’s Sporting Royalty Revealed: Maharaj And Mlaba Headline Star-Studded 2026 Award Finalists
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr. Mntomuhle Khawula, has officially set the stage for the province’s most prestigious sporting night by unveiling the finalists for the 2026 KwaZulu-Natal Sport Awards.
The announcement was made at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, where finalists across 18 categories were revealed.
The awards recognise outstanding achievements by athletes, coaches, administrators, officials, media practitioners, and volunteers who continue to shape and strengthen the sporting landscape of KwaZulu-Natal.
The 11th edition of the KZN Sport Awards will take place on Saturday, 18 April 2026, at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.
This year’s awards mark a significant shift, with the provincial programme now aligned to the calendar-year cycle of the national South African Sport Awards. The adjustment ensures that performances across the full year are considered, strengthening the province’s representation at national level.
MEC Khawula said the unveiling of finalists reflects both excellence and the strength of the province’s sport development system.
“This announcement reflects a journey of dedication, resilience and excellence by individuals and teams who continue to raise the flag of KwaZulu-Natal high. To be named a finalist is a mark of distinction earned through discipline and performance at the highest level,” said Khawula.
He added that the awards are a key expression of the department’s commitment to developing sport through its pyramid approach—from mass participation to elite performance.
“At its base, we invest in mass participation to ensure access for every young person, while creating clear pathways for talent to progress to the highest level. The individuals we recognise today represent the apex of that system,” he said.
President of the KwaZulu-Natal Sports Confederation, Thami Mchunu, welcomed the announcement, noting the growing depth of talent in the province.
“The calibre of finalists this year reflects a thriving and competitive sporting environment in KwaZulu-Natal. These awards continue to inspire excellence while recognising those who are making a meaningful contribution to sport,” said Mchunu.
The KZN Sport Awards remain a cornerstone of the provincial sporting calendar, serving both as a platform to honour achievement and as a pathway for athletes and teams to progress to national recognition.
Finalists were selected based on performances during the qualification period from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.
2026 KZN Sport Awards Finalists:
- Administrator of the Year: Gugu Ngema (Netball), Heinrich Strydom (Cricket), Precious Nzimande (Sailing)
- Coach of the Year: Ahmed Amla (Cricket), Owami Zuma (Sailing), Precious Mthembu (Netball)
- Federation of the Year: KZN Cricket Union, KZN Inland Cricket Union, KZN Netball
- Junior Sportsman of the Year: Connor Doig (Tennis), Keegan Vogt (Canoeing), Ryan Viviers (Triathlon)
- Junior Sportswoman of the Year: Mbali Diphoko (Netball), Nobubele Zwane (Cricket), Okuhle Sithole (Football)
- Newcomer of the Year: Ethan Hooker (Rugby), Mbali Diphoko (Netball), Sibongakonke Makhaza (Athletics)
- Recreation Body of the Year: Durban Africa Sports Club (Multi-coded), Fish Eagles (Swimming), Made for More (Surfing)
- Sport Journalist of the Year: Robin-Duke Madlala (Sportswire), Samkelo Gambushe (Gagasi), Tracy Makhanya (Intokozo FM)
- Sportsman of the Year: Hamish Lovemore (Canoeing), Keshav Maharaj (Cricket), Zakithi Nene (Athletics)
- Sportsman of the Year with a Disability: Aaron Putz (Swimming), David Watts (Golf), Mhlengi Gwala (Triathlon)
- Sportswoman of the Year: Nonkululeko Mlaba (Cricket), Nozipho Ntshangase (Netball), Saskia Hockly (Canoeing)
- Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability: Alani Ferreira (Swimming), Melisca Everson (Swimming), Sthabile Mnyandu (Athletics)
- Team of the Year: Ezemvelo Women’s Football Club (Football), Kingdom Stars (Netball), Mothee Ram Tuskers (Cricket)
- Technical Official of the Year: Caleb Hibbert (Rugby), Eugene Nkosinathi Mdluli (Football), Lubabalu “Babs” Gcuma (Cricket)
- Visual Journalist of the Year: Gerhard Duraan (Backpage Media), Sandile Ndlovu (Freelancer), Thulisile Dlamini (Caxton Media)
- Volunteer of the Year: Banele Magadla (Boxing), Keelan Govender (Sailing), Sandile Lukhele (Cricket)
- Youth/Junior Team of the Year: Dolphins U15 Girls Team (Cricket), KZN Football U15 (Football), KZN Volleyball Junior Team (Volleyball)
- Sports Personality of the Year: Zakithi Nene (Athletics), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Cricket), Siyanda Ndlovu (Football), Mhlengi Gwala (Triathlon), Thulisile Maduna (Netball)
