Maties Netball walked away with various accolades at the 2019 Maties Sport Awards, including team of the year, coach of the year and sportswoman of the year.

Netball player Jo Prins and cricket player David Bedingham were named Maties Sport Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year respectively. Parasport athletes Anika Pretorius and Kerwin Noemdo received the awards in the categories for sports stars with disabilities.

Maties Netball's first team was named Team of the Year and coach Zanele Mdodana received recognition as Team Coach of the Year. Another netball player, Sasha-Lee Petersen, received the MFM Media Personality of the Year award.

Other big winners were Maties Hockey (Club of the Year) and Heinrich Fortuin (Individual Coach of the Year).

It was Prins' last year as a Matie and she saved her best for last. She won various individual awards and was a key player in Maties Netball's most successful season in more than two decades. Since 2015, she has represented Maties Netball at four USSA and four Varsity Netball tournaments – including two finals. She is currently part of the Proteas training squad as well.

“This award means the world to me," said Prins. “It is such a great way to end a season that had some massive challenges. The maroon dress has been good to me over the years. Thank you, Maties Sport, for making me the person I am today."

Mdodana said: “I am thankful for this award. It was team effort, though. Adele (Niemand, assistant coach), you have walked this road with me and to my girls, thank you for making me look good."

For Noemdo the moment was somewhat unreal.

“When I heard my name, I was humbled and grateful. When I picked up the trophy and saw some of the names before me like Ernst van Dyk, Charl du Toit, Dyan Buis and Fanie van der Merwe I realised that I must be doing something right! This award is recognition for all the hard work since I started the journey with Maties Sport."

Maties Sport Chief Director Ilhaam Groenewald said: “This year we recognised over 200 of our student-athletes, as well as coaching and administrative staff, for excellence in play and service. Winning on the field of play is the ultimate accolade for our student-athletes. It is acknowledgement of their dedication, hard work, gruelling training and ability to juggle the complexities of sport and the rigours of academic life.

“However, a win on the field also speaks volumes of all our staff behind the scenes – the coaches, support staff, administrators and managers – who dedicate themselves not only to the student-athletes in their charge but also to the broader strategic vision of Maties Sport."