Saturday evening sparkled with pride and celebration as the Garden Court played host to the highly anticipated 2024 KZN Netball Awards.
It was a night where KwaZulu-Natal’s finest talents in netball were honored for their incredible contributions both on and off the court. From seasoned players to rising stars, and from dedicated administrators to tireless volunteers, the evening brought together the heart and soul of KZN netball under one roof.
The glittering ceremony not only celebrated hard work and commitment but also showcased the rapid growth of netball in the province. With several players earning places in the Senior Male and Female National Teams, KwaZulu-Natal continues to cement its reputation as a hub of excellence in South African netball.
Amid the applause and excitement, the winners of the evening stood tall as the shining stars of KZN Netball. Congratulations to all the winners who remind us that netball is not just a sport—it’s a way of life!
The Winners: A Celebration of Talent and Dedication
Most Disciplined Player of the Year
Siboniso Magwaza – Ocean Predators
Most Disciplined Team of the Year
BSS Netball Stars – eThekwini Metro
Most Improved Player of the Year
Ndumiso Mncwango – Ocean Dolphins
Journalist of the Year
Nhlakanipho Mnqayi – Ultimate Sport News
Umpire of the Year
Liphelele Majola – Ocean Predators
Technical Official of the Year
Balungile Mnyandu – eThekwini Metro
Manager of the Year
Linda Morrison – Ocean Predators
Coach of the Year
Precious Mthembu – BSS Netball Stars
Shooter of the Year (Juniors)
Hannah Gray – BSS Netball Stars
Shooter of the Year (Females)
Sibonga Mdletshe – eDumbe Thunderbirds
Shooter of the Year (Males)
Sicelo Mncwango – Ocean Dolphins
Mid-Court Player of the Year (Males)
Nhlanzeko Mhlongo – Ocean Predators
Mid-Court Player of the Year (Females)
Jordan Buys – BSS Netball Stars
Defender of the Year (Females)
Lonwabo Khumalo – Phongolo Mighty Queens
Defender of the Year (Males)
Vukile Zulu – Ocean Predators
Administrator of the Year
Thando Shange – Umzinyathi District
Team of the Year
Ocean Predators – eThekwini Metro
District of the Year
Zululand District Netball Association
Sportsman of the Year
Sibongakonke Vava – Ocean Predators
Sportswoman of the Year
Aphiwe Thusini – Hammersdale SunBeams
Personality of the Year
Sinenhlanhla Msomi – Hammersdale SunBeams
Inkanyezi President’s Awards
Mr. Vijay Balram
HRM Princess Mimi Zulu
Ms. Buyile Honey Dlamini
Certificates of Recognition
Special recognition was given to individuals who have gone above and beyond to elevate netball:
Precious Mthembu (Head Coach, U21 Spar Baby Proteas)
Jabulani Vilane (Head Coach, Senior Males National Team)
Tholakele Nsele (Manager, Fast Females Team)
Nkululeko Khumalo (International Umpire)
Sibongakonke Vava (Fast5 and Senior Males National Team)
Vukile Zulu (Fast5 and Senior Males National Team)
Siboniso Magwaza (Senior Males National Team)
Mbali Diphoko (Spar Baby Proteas Player)
Nisha Rupnarain (Former Spar Proteas Manager)
Ivy Khumalo (Director of Selection, Netball South Africa)
The 2024 KZN Netball Awards served as a glittering reminder of the passion and perseverance that drives netball in KwaZulu-Natal. Here’s to another year of excellence, inspiration, and triumph!