SAFJA and Hollywoodbets celebrate the 2023/24 football change makers

At a prestigious ceremony held at Southern Sun Hyde Park in Johannesburg on Tuesday, Mamelodi Sundowns FC made a clean sweep in both categories. 

Striker Boitumelo Rabale was named the Women’s Footballer of the Year, while goalkeeper Ronwen Williams secured the Men's Footballer of the Year award – which introduced prize for the first time this year.

Rabale delivered an outstanding 2023 season, playing a pivotal role in Sundowns' treble-winning success, securing the Hollywoodbets Super League title, the COSAFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers, and the CAF Women’s Champions League.

The Lesotho international also scored an impressive 19 goals for the African champions and was rewarded with a prize of R20 000 – an increase of R5,000 from previous years.

Her fellow nominees Kaylin Swart, Bongeka Gamede, Chuene Morifi, and Sphumelele Shamase each received a consolation prize of R2 000.

Bafana Bafana captain Williams showcased remarkable consistency throughout the season, for both club and the country, making the SAFJA accolade his sixth nomination and fifth win for the year, which also includes a spot on the Ballon d’Or Yashin trophy shortlist. 

The 32-year-old kept 30 clean sheets and conceded just 19 goals in 46 appearances.

Meanwhile, SAFJA also honoured outstanding achievements in sports journalism, with SABC Sport's senior reporter Mazola Molefe claiming the Journalist of the Year award for a second successive year. 

His fearless reporting, coupled with well-sourced breaking stories, set him apart in a competitive field that included top football journalists Lorenz Kohler and Mthokozisi Dube.

Molefe's commitment to uncovering major stories around prominent local clubs such as Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns demonstrated his journalistic excellence.

In the Young Journalist category, rising scribe Sinethemba Makonco earned recognition for his impressive contributions to the field, capturing the award. 

This initiative aims to inspire young journalists to pursue excellence and develop a passion for quality sports reporting.

SAFJA chairperson Velile Mnyandu said: “Rewarding and acknowledging our members’ exceptional work has always been paramount to us, ever since we started these awards.

"This year, as promised during the last edition, we introduced the Young Journalist Award. Through this award, we aim to promote a culture of excellence, quality reporting on football matters, and an endless passion for the craft."

Menzi Ngcobo, Senior Sponsorship Coordinator at Hollywoodbets added: "Hollywoodbets is delighted to partner with SAFJA in recognising the incredible talent and hard work displayed in South African football. 

"This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to uplifting the sport and rewarding excellence across the board. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees – you have shown remarkable dedication and skill. 

"We are proud to celebrate these achievements, which not only honour individual performances but also inspire the next generation of footballers and journalists."

READ: Sundowns Ladies to defend CAF Champions League crown in Morocco