The sensational runner has just been named the Sportsperson of the year at the recent 2016 BNSC awards.The 400m runner beat karate sensation Khaya Groth and swimmer James Freeman for the junior sports male of the year award. The 18-year-old is part of the team that will represent the country at this year’s Olympics games in Brazil, having qualified for the 400m race in a time of 45.50 seconds.
As he was up against tough competition, Sibanda was lost for words, as he did not expect to win the sportsperson of the year award. “I was on Facebook texting my friends and I couldn’t believe it when they called my name up on stage. I was shocked and my legs were shaking. I honestly did not except to win the award, since there were no nominees. It feels great,” he described the moment to Sports Monitor.
Heavyweight boxer, Zibani Chikanda fended off fierce competition from All Africa Games (AAG) bronze medallist, Ofentse Bakwadi of Karate and former 400m African record holder, Isaac Makwala to walk away with the sportsman award of the year.
Karate’s Lame Hetanang walked away with sports woman of the year gong beating chess’ Boikhutso Mudongo and lightweight boxer Koketso Dipogiso. Hetanang completed her double for the night as she walked away with the people’s choice award.
Rio-bound swimmer Naomi Ruele was voted the best junior sports female of the year while Mogomotsi Otsetswe of athletics won the coach of the year award. Special Olympics Botswana had a night to remember as they walked away with four awards.
