Nthaga told MmegiSport that being nominated means growth and that her sacrifices are being noticed and rewarded. “Being nominated once again for the award is truly an honour. It is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion I have for my sport. This recognition goes beyond just me. It represents the countless hours of effort and sacrifices, it symbolises growth, the support from my association and loved ones,” she said. Nthaga said she hopes to pass on her inspiration to other women in sport, especially officials. One of the highlights of Nthaga’s career was when she passed the advanced rules examination, marking a significant step in her journey towards achieving a Blue Badge umpire. “I am grateful for the acknowledgement and excited to continue pushing boundaries and making an impact,” Nthaga said.
For her part, Poane said Nthaga and Okatch inspire her, and she has seen the amount of work they have put in. “The achievements they have had in such a short space of time (are inspiring). So, just to be amongst them is a great honour,” Poane said. Last year, Poane officiated at two of the biggest events, the Roland Garros Grand Slam and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Okatch said it was an amazing feeling to have been nominated for the award. She said it means a lot to her as it again confirms and affirms that her efforts do not go unnoticed, and that alone is enough. Okatch also officiated at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. “I found out about my nomination last week when I landed in Thailand, where I was officiating in the Champions Cup, a new competition for 3x3 basketball. I was also there for training for referee instructors. I was recently appointed as a FIBA 3X3 referee instructor. There are only 10 of us and I am the only and first ever from Africa,” she said.
Okatch has been nominated as a referee’s instructor for 3x3 basketball at the upcoming African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Youth Games to be hosted by Namibia in July. Meanwhile, one of the three men nominated for the He For She Champion award, Ofentse Bakwadi, said his continued advocacy for women in sport is recognised through the nomination. Bakwadi won the award last year. "Remember, when I was asked to choose a small team of four members for the 2024 African Games, I decided to choose three women and one man. My strategy worked, and it was a surprise to many people. They expected me to select three men and one woman. I believe that given a chance, women in sport can take us far. I am also glad that Team Kata has also been nominated under Team of the Year category," Bakwadi said. Nominees for other categories He For She Champion: Bakwadi (Karate), Collar Masimakoko (Athletics), and Podungwane Lesole (Chess). Sportswoman of the Year: Ekua Youri (Tennis), Oratile Nowe (Athletics), and Natalie Banda (Chess). Young Promising Athlete: Malak Macheng (Tennis), Sethunya Majama (Athletics), and Maya Otimile (Chess). Team of the Year: Tennis, Bowling, and Team Kata. Administrator of the Year: Sharon Keakae (Special Olympics), Ounami Mhotshya (Golf), and Tshegofatso Malepa (Table Tennis). Sportswoman of the Year with Disability: No Nominees Coach of the Year: No Nominees
