Award nomination is a sign of progress for Prudence Sekgodiso

Her coach, Samuel Sepeng, says he is not surprised to see another one of his athletes recognised at national level. 

Sepeng previously coached Caster Semenya, who won the award several times, and believes Sekgodiso is now following in her footsteps. 

Sekgodiso has been nominated for Sportswoman of the Year alongside surfski paddler Kira Bester and cricketer Laura Wolvaardt in what is a tough category at Sunday night’s awards ceremony at Sun City in the North West.

"In 2018 we were there with Caster, and to see Prudence now being nominated is quite special. This also shows that us as coaches are still doing a good job. The athletes have been nominated for their 2025 performances, and because of that this nomination is no surprise to us after her incredible success the year before."

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Sepeng says Sekgodiso’s nomination is also a major motivation for the Sepeng training group at the University of Pretoria. 

Botswana’s 800m champion Oratile Nawe has already won a national sports award in her country, and Sepeng believes Sekgodiso’s recognition can inspire more athletes, especially young black South African women.

"The nomination serves as a big boost for the rest of the athletes in our camp, and I can sense greater motivation from them. These athletes are doing a great job in motivating the next generation of black female athletes."

Sepeng says the former World Indoor 800m champion is excited by the recognition and proud to be following in the footsteps of Semenya, one of South Africa’s most successful middle-distance athletes.

Having coached Semenya, Sepeng says Sekgodiso is arguably one of the best athletes he has ever worked with. 

He describes Semenya as a polished gem when she joined him, while Sekgodiso arrived as a raw talent who he has helped develop into an elite athlete. 

He believes she still has the potential to break the two-minute barrier again and reach even greater heights.