Weideman, Van der Watt named Madibaz's top sport stars

18 October 2024

Karateka Luchay Weideman, left, and golfer JP van der Watt were named Mandela University’s Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year respectively at the annual Madibaz Sport Awards last night.

With a glittering array of achievements under their respective belts, golfer JP van der Watt and karateka Luchay Weideman were named Mandela University’s top athletes at the annual Madibaz Sport Awards last night.

Both earned national colours and have made an impact in various competitions around the world.

The university’s ultimate sporting prize came as a big surprise to both of them.

“I really didn’t expect this; it came out of the blue,” Van der Watt said. “I’m really ecstatic about being recognised; it is the pinnacle of my varsity career.

“I feel blessed with the team who have been involved with my journey, so a big thanks to them. I guess the hard work starts now.”

Weideman was grateful for the chances she had received.

“I’m shocked at receiving the award and perhaps it does show that hard work pays off,” she said.

“It has been wonderful for me to represent Madibaz in various competitions and I’d like to thank everyone for the opportunities I have had.”

Van der Watt is the reigning University Sports South Africa strokeplay champion after a remarkable finish to the tournament at Belmont Golf Club in Makhanda in December last year.

On that occasion, Madibaz produced the top three in the strokeplay competition after Van der Watt claimed the title in a tense playoff against Tiaan Tibshraeny and Lumkile Matshiyo.

He was also instrumental in his team snagging the bronze medal in the team competition.

His fine form saw him – and colleague Tibshraeny – being selected for the national students side who competed at the FISU Games in Finland this August.

Van der Watt, who graduated with a BCom in April, also represented SA at the African Region Five tournament in Zambia (May) and Indian Ocean Open in Mauritius (July), placing third in both.

Two domestic titles, the Cape Province Open in George (February) and KwaZulu-Natal Amateur (August), also went his way.

The 23-year-old was runner-up at the SA Amateur strokeplay championship in KZN at the beginning of the year and represented Eastern Province at the annual interprovincial.

Weideman, who is studying towards a BSc, excelled in the semi-contact karate discipline.

In June, the 22-year-old returned home with four gold medals from the USSAs. She also collected seven golds and two silvers from three different provincial tournaments.

The hard-hitting student added nine more golds and two silvers from two national tournaments to her 2024 tally.

Her sports pedigree is not restricted to the karate mat. Weideman represented the Madibaz rugby team in the league and at the USSAs, which culminated in her selection for the EP team.

Madibaz Sport Awards – Full list of winners:

Sportsman of the Year: JP van der Watt (golf)

Sportswoman of the Year: Luchay Weideman (karate)

Club of the Year: Madibaz Netball Club

Student Sport Administrator of the Year: Kamva Dyakala (hockey)

Sport Administrator of the Year: Karl du Preez (golf)

Student Sport Technical Official of the Year: Courtney Musson (artistic swimming)

Sport Technical Official of the Year: Euleen Grobbelaar (netball)

Student Sport Coach of the Year: Sango Mbinyashe (karate)

Sport Coach of the Year: Gerhard Posthumus (athletics)

Director of Sport Award: Mothira Mohammad (netball)

Community Outreach Award: Madibaz Netball Club