SPORTS – Retired elite football centre referee Letticia Viana received one of the biggest recognitions during the MulaSport National Sports Awards held at The Luke Commission in Sidvokodvo last night.
Viana, who is now a FIFA-accredited Video Assistant Referee (VAR) match official, was honoured with the Meritorious Sports Service Award following her continued contribution to football officiating.
She was recently part of the VAR team during the AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal, further cementing her presence on the international stage. The award was presented by Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima.
The second Meritorious Sports Service Award went to former Sitsebe captain Naomi du Pont, who was recognised for her contribution to sport, including her involvement in rugby and the development of various sporting talents over the years.
In the competitive categories, Ncamiso Hlatshwayo was crowned the 2025 Outstanding Sportsman of the Year after winning gold in the 5 000 metres at the CAA-SR Championships in Harare, Zimbabwe. The award was presented by Dvokodvweni Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the ministry of sports, culture and youth affairs portfolio committee Sifiso Shabalala.
Hlatshwayo triumphed ahead of equestrian athlete Thokozani Nhlabatsi and taekwondo competitor Sihlelelwe Matsebula.
Sandzisile Mavimbela was named Outstanding Sportswoman of the Year after an impressive season in taekwondo, beating fellow nominee Nontsikelelo Ntshalintshali. The award was presented by MulaSport Managing Director Mukelo Magagula.
Speaking during the ceremony, Minister Nzima said the National Sports Awards were established in line with the National Sports Policy to recognise and celebrate excellence in sport. He noted that the programme forms part of the National Sports Rewards Programme, which includes Hall of Fame inductions and monetary incentives for podium finishes at international competitions.
Nzima added that government, through the Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council, would continue to prioritise the programme and urged sporting bodies to intensify mass participation, talent identification, youth development and high-performance initiatives.
He also highlighted that winners from the awards would represent the country at the 2026 Regional Sports Awards (RASA).
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MULASPORT NATIONAL SPORTS AWARD WINNERS:
- Meritorious Sports Service Award: Letticia Viana
- Meritorious Sports Service Award: Naomi du Pont
- Outstanding Sportsman of the Year: Ncamiso Hlatshwayo
- Outstanding Sportswoman of the Year: Sandzisile Mavimbela
- Outstanding Sports Association: Eswatini National Volleyball Association (ENVA)
- Outstanding Sports Administrator: Nkosinathi Dlamini (Eswatini Boxing Association)
- Outstanding Sports Team: Senior Men’s National Netball Team
- Outstanding Sports Coach: Flag Nxumalo (Darts)
- Outstanding Junior Sportswoman: Siphiwokuhle Ndlela (Taekwondo)
- Outstanding Junior Sportsman: Banele Matse (Darts)
- Outstanding Sportswoman with Disability: Bafundzile Zwane
- Outstanding Sportsman with Disability: Mkhuleko Nzima (Special Olympics Athletics)
- Outstanding Sports Journalist (Print): Sanele ‘Slay King’ Jele (Times of Eswatini)
- Outstanding Sports Journalist (Electronic): Phathizwe Msibi (Eswatini TV) and Siphesihle ‘Sihlabani’ Nxumalo (EBIS)
