Nine Maties Sport student-athletes were among the 87 students honoured by Stellenbosch University (SU) at the recent annual Rector's Awards for Excellent Achievement. At this event, SU honoured students who excelled in areas ranging from academics to co-curricular fields.

Lwazi Madi (Water Polo); Jacques Lloyd (Cycling); Charmaine Baard (Netball); Stephanie Brandt (Netball); Emma Chelius (Swimming); Nicola Giliomee (Cycling); David Bedingham (Cricket); Keenan Horne (Hockey) and James Murphy (Sevens Rugby) all received the Rector's Award for Excellent Sport Achievement.

“It was a great privilege to be part of such a prestigious event," said Stephanie. “This award is an acknowledgement of hard work and it is a great honour to receive it."

For Nicola, it was an honour but also a humbling experience to be in the presence of some of the most amazing students at SU.

According to Emma, it was amazing to get recognition from the university's rector.

“I have to say thank you to all those involved in my journey who made this reward possible for me."

James agreed that it was a privilege to receive this award.

“There are so many talented student-athletes at Stellenbosch University, so to be recognised as one of the top student-athletes is an absolute honour. And the feeling of getting a tap on the shoulder for hard work is special.

“The saying 'Once a Matie, always a Matie' is so true. When I made my Blitzboks debut in Hong Kong the commentators actually mentioned that I was studying at Maties!" he recalled.

Ilhaam Groenewald, Chief Director: Maties Sport, and Jerry Laka, Director: Maties Sport, also attended the event.

“We are extremely proud of our student-athletes," they said. “They show amazing dedication and commitment and help us succeed in our goal of maintaining our momentum of excellence."​