In a grand celebration, Maties Sport honoured the outstanding achievements of student-athletes, clubs, coaches and administrators under the theme “Celebrating Champions, Shaping Tomorrow” at its Annual Sport Awards on Friday, 17 October 2025. Held at the Coetzenburg Centre, beautifully adorned to reflect this golden milestone and to welcome a distinguished guest list of sports figures and Stellenbosch University leaders gathered to toast #MaroonMachine excellence.
Renowned extreme adventurer and best-selling author David Grier, who describes himself as “a chef by profession and a humanitarian by passion”, delivered an inspiring address. Driven to make a difference in the lives of children born with clefts and in need of corrective surgery, he turned to extreme adventurism. Including running the full length of the Great Wall of China in both directions and a 3 000 km run of Route 50 in the USA, to raise awareness and funds for his cause.
His message of perseverance, purpose and service set the tone for an evening centred on excellence, integrity and balancing multiple commitments. SU’s Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Deresh Ramjugernath, and Maties Sport Chief Director, Ilhaam Groenewald echoed this theme of holistic achievement, both on and off the field.
Sportspersons of the Year Awards
Cricket star Lehan Botha was named Sportsman of the Year, recognising his outstanding leadership and consistency on the field. Lehan Botha captained Maties at the University Sport South Africa (USSA) Cricket Tournament in Bloemfontein for the fifth time, where the team remained unbeaten until the final. His outstanding performance earned him selection as captain of the South African University Cricket team.
Lehan holds a BCom degree in Investment Management & Financial Planning and is currently pursuing postgraduate studies at Stellenbosch University. His academic excellence was recognised at the Rector’s Awards for Excellent Achievement in 2024, along with honours for Academic Achievement and Full Colours at the Maties Sport awards in 2024.
Professionally, Lehan captained the Boland Colts in both the 3-day and 50-over competitions, finishing as the top run scorer in the 3-day format for Boland and third overall nationally. His consistent performances led to a professional contract with Boland, and he made his debut in both the T20 and 50-over competitions, representing the province in the final.
His crowning achievement came during the CSA Franchise Academy 1-Day Week, where he scored a commanding 131 off 147 balls (13 fours, 5 sixes) for the World Sports Betting Cape Cobras.
Lehan’s ability to perform under pressure, lead with integrity, and balance academics with elite sport makes him a role model for student-athletes across South Africa.
Sportswoman of the Year award recipient was Daniella Mendes de Oliveira (Hockey) who has had an exceptional year, excelling both academically and athletically. She is currently completing her B Accounting Honours with a cum laude average, demonstrating outstanding commitment to her studies alongside her sporting achievements.
On the field, Daniella has been a standout performer: named 2025 SA Senior National Women’s Indoor Player of the Year; made her outdoor debut for the SA National Women’s team at the Nations Cup in Poland (February 2025); represented Senior Western Province, contributing to their gold medal victory at Senior IPT; and Captained Maties to the USSA Hockey 2025 gold medal, while earning Top Goal Scorer and Player of the Tournament awards.
Her ability to balance academic excellence with world-class performance on the hockey field sets her apart as a true ambassador for Maties Sport.
The Sportswoman of the Year (Para Sport) award went to first year Sports Science (Biokinetics) student and Maties Sport star, Simoné Kruger, for her outstanding global performance in para athletics in 2025.
At the Para Athletics Grand Prix in Olomouc (Czech Republic) she claimed gold and broke both the African and South African records in Discus, and also earned gold in Shotput. She went on to win the African Union Regional Sport Award in Zimbabwe in February and the 2025 South African Sportswoman of the Year with Disability Award in Johannesburg in August. In September, at the World Para Athletics Championships in India, she secured yet another gold in Discus. Her achievements reflect courage, ambition and remarkable athletic talent
Coaching Excellence
Coach of the Year (High Performance) went to Nathaly September (Basketball), and Coach of the Year (Competitive Sport) was awarded to Graham Hood (Rowing).
Nathaly guided Maties Women’s Basketball to a remarkable USSA A Section final in their debut season, and led the Cape Town Mountaineers to four straight BNL championships.
Graham has led the ever-growing Maties Rowing Club through a number of firsts this year: a record number of men for the USSA Blues and Grudge; as assistant coach to five rowers who represented South Africa; and a third place in the annual 2025 Universities Boat Race.
Team of the Year
Maties Women’s Hockey was named Team of the Year for demonstrating a high level of administrative efficiency, leadership and competitive performance both at a higher education and community league level in 2025 – from landmark sponsorships and packed tournaments to national team honours and major USSA success.
In addition to this, the club was named Club of the Year, recognising its landmark sponsorships, packed tournaments, strong governance and proactive community engagement, marking a stellar year for Maties Hockey.
Club, Full Colours & Special Awards
- Most Improved Club of the Year: Maties Tennis Club
- Full Colours Awards: 40 student-athletes honoured for representing South Africa and USSA across codes including Hockey, Rugby, Netball, Basketball, Athletics, Parasport, Tennis, Rowing, Gymnastics and Water Polo.
- Student Administrator of the Year: Lukhanyo Nkonzo (Basketball)
- Maties Sport Media Award: Maties Women’s Rugby
- Academic Achiever Awards: 29 student-athletes recognised for maintaining averages of 75% or higher while excelling in their sports.
Congratulations to all our star student-athletes, administrators and coaches!
