Bayanda Walaza – It’s a dream come true to be nominated for the awards

The rising sprint star has been nominated for the Youth/Junior Sport Star of the Year award alongside Mzamo Sepeng and Siseko Teyise. 

The prestigious ceremony will be held at Sun City on Sunday evening. 

Walaza says receiving the nomination is one of the best things that could have happened to him this year, and he cannot wait for the big night in the North West.

"It feels awesome and exciting, I was happy, it's a dream to be nominated for such an award. I cannot wait for them to happen," Walaza said.

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The 20-year-old says the recognition would not have been possible without the support of his team and family, who have played a big role in his progress.

"Yes, I think my team worked very hard and all my family, my friends have been good to me. I'd like to thank them because they were around to push me until I got nominated, so yeah," he added.

Walaza’s season got off to a slow start after injury kept him on the sidelines for several months. 

He missed the World Relays in Botswana and only began his season in March. 

However, the talented sprinter says he accepted the setback as part of his journey and stayed focused on his comeback.

"It was not frustrating, it was just a journey which I had to work on. I think it was just a journey and I had to go through that to be strong, so because it was like I'm becoming great and I had to park that situation to be where I am now."