It was a night to remember for South African tennis as Tennis South Africa (TSA) General Manager, Anthony Moruthane, was awarded the Sport Administrator of the Year at the 19th South African Sport Awards at Sun City on Sunday evening.
For Moruthane, the award is an individual achievement, but the moment belongs to the wider TSA family. His win capped a significant night for TSA, which entered this year's awards with three nominations across major categories: Sport Administrator of the Year, National Federation of the Year and Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability, for wheelchair tennis star Kgothatso Montjane.
The recognition places tennis firmly among South Africa's leading sporting codes, with TSA's nominations highlighting the strength of the organization both on and off the court.
Following his win, Sanelisiwe Mhlati, the Marketing & Events Manager caught up with Anthony Moruthane to talk about the moment his name was called, the people behind the achievement and what comes next for Tennis South Africa.
TSA received three nominations tonight across administration, federation excellence and para-sport. What does that say about where South African tennis is right now?
I think it says that South African tennis is in a very positive space. We have been very intentional about growing the game, improving how we operate as a federation, creating more opportunities for players and ensuring that tennis becomes increasingly accessible to South Africans from all backgrounds.
For me, the three nominations are recognition of the collective effort of everyone within the South African tennis ecosystem.
Anthony, be honest when they called your name, what was going through your mind? Did you believe it?
When they said my name, there was probably a second where I was thinking, "Did they really just say Anthony Moruthane?"