The 2012 South African Sports Awards are coming up this Sunday (4 November) with the promise of a million bucks and a luxury car for whoever wins the category SA Sports Star of the Year.
The headline haul has increased substantially this year. Cricketer Hashim Amla won the award last year and lost out bigtime because he only won R250 000 with the lux car. He's been nominated again this year but I very much doubt he'll win again because of the Olympians in the category - I reckon one of them will.
I'm thinking the prize must have been increased because of how they've been flinging cash around for the Olympics or something.
The ceremony takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre on Sunday evening and will air live on SABC1, SuperSport4 and SuperSportHD4 from 20h00 to 22h00.
I have no doubt that the majority of the nominated crowd will look as oddball as they always do at such events. It's bizarre how sporting types often look so unsuited to glitz and glam events - unlike themselves almost. Seeing them dressing up often delivers the same feeling as seeing the Survivor contestants at the Reunion Show instead of on the island.
Obviously you get coat hangers like David Beckham types but the majority always seem much more comfortable and in fashion when they're wearing their sports gear.
One of the nominees at the award nominee announcement in early October. I have no idea who but clearly they don't have a clue that they're an eyesore for spring.
The nominees with winners in red:
Sports Star of the Year:
Hashim Amla (Cricket)
Natalie du Toit (Swimming)
Oscar Pistorius (Athletics)
Chad Le Clos (Swimming)Vernon Philander (Cricket)
Siyabonga Nomvete (Soccer)
Caster Semenya (Athletics)
Sportsman of the Year: Chad Le Clos (Swimming)
Cameron van der Burgh (Swimming)
Vernon Philander (Cricket)Hashim Amla (Cricket)
Siyabonga Nomvete (Football)
Sportswoman of the Year:Marsha Marescia (Hockey)
Caster Semenya (Athletics)Bridgitte Hartley (Canoeing)
Chantelle Doddermeade (Judo)
Portia Modise (Football)
Coach of the Year: Gary Kirsten (Cricket)
Joseph Mkhonza (Football)Alistair Coetzee (Rugby)
Graham Hill (Swimming)
Gordon Igusend (Football)
Sportswoman of the Year with Disability: Natalie du Toit (Swimming)Kgothatso Montjane (Tennis)
Isle Hayes (Athletics)
Zandile Nhlapo (Athlete)
Ise Hayes (Athlete)
Sportsman of the Year with Disability: Oscar Pistorius (Athletics)Charl Bouwer (Swimming)
Samkelo Radebe (Athletics)
Lucas Sithole (Wheelchair Tennis)
Arno Fourie (Athletics)
Federation of the Year: Swimming South Africa
Rowing South AfricaSouth African Hockey Association
Team of the Year: Rowing (Men's Lightweight Fours)The Proteas and Swimming (London 2012 Olympic Team)
Orlando Pirate FC
Banyana Banyana
Administrator of the Year:
Dr. Debbie Alexander (Triathlon)
Wimpie du Plessis (Rowing)Dr. Kgotso Ncholo (Softball)
Newcomer of the Year:
Michelle Webber (Swimming)
Richard Murray (Triathlon)
Siya Kolisi (Rugby)Volunteer of the Year:
Sondiso Magajana (Judo)Laetitia Goldman (Hockey)
Elias Mpende (Boxing)
Developing School Team of the Year:
Nkunzimbini Junior Secondary School (Football)Ithembelihle High School (Rugby)
Letsetse Intermediate School (Football)
School Team of the Year: Nkunzimbini Junior Secondary School (Football)
Eastern Cape Girls School (Rowing)
Ithembelihle High School (Rugby)Indigenous Games Team of the Year:
Team KZN (All Disciplines)Eastern Cape Khokho (Khokho)
KZN Inqathu (Inqathu)
Journalist of the Year:
Velile MbuliLelo Mzaca
David Issacson
Photographer of the Year: Reg Caldecott
Etienne Rothbart
Sydney SeshibediRecreation Body of the Year: Age in Action (Wellness)
Traditional Horse Racing (Equestrian)
Vakhegula (Vakhegula Football)