Tasneem Solomons, the World Eightball Ultimate Pool women’s singles champion was crowned the Western Cape sportswoman-of-the-year at a gala dinner in Paarl, at the weekend.
Solomons, 34, from Bonteheuwel, who became the first South African to lift the trophy and the championship at the tournament held in Blackpool, England, was one of several nominees from the Cape Town Sports Council who scooped awards at the event held at the Nederburg Wine Estate on Saturday.
“I’m so, so honoured to receive this award. It has not sunk in but I’m highly appreciative of being recognised in this manner,” said Solomons.
She was honoured along with fellow Capetonian, mountain bike racer Alan Hatherly who last year won the bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics, as he was named sportsman-of-the-year. Hatherly was not present at the ceremony.
Jason Sewanyana was named coach-of-the-year while Dr Kevin du Plooy, weightlifting administrator, picked up the technical official-of-the-year award.
The junior sportsman and woman awards also went to Capetonians with Strandfontein resident Noah Bennett who last year won the Palma Bisley World Championships in Bloemfontein, crowned junior sportsman-of-the-year. He was joined by canoeist Georgia Singe from Fish Hoek who was named junior sportswoman-of-the-year.
Ricardo Mackenzie, Western Cape Provincial MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport also bestowed Ministerial Commendation awards on Springbok and Stormers rugby sensation Manie Libbok, sports administrator Ilhaam Groenewald, women’s rugby star Sinazo Mcatshulwa and the Khayelitsha based, Velokhaya Cycling Academy.
Speaking at the event Mackenzie said: “It is always wonderful to celebrate the achievements of athletes, coaches, administrators and sporting bodies from across the province. These are the individuals who are making an impact in their communities, by inspiring others to lead active and healthy lifestyles and to make positive choices.”
Other winners are: sportsman-of-the-year: Alan Hatherly (cycling); sport community builder-of-the-year: Lazola Thole (boxing); junior sportswoman-of-the-year: Georgia Singe (canoeing); junior sportsman-of-the-year: Noah Bennett (SA shooting sport); Jason Sewanyana (athletics) and; sportsman-of-the-year with a disability: Mpumelelo Mhlongo (athletics).
