Bayanda Walaza celebrates Youth Sport Star nomination at awards

Bayanda Walaza has been nominated for the Youth/Junior Sport Star of the Year award, a recognition he regards as one of the highlights of his year. The 20-year-old sprinter is shortlisted alongside Mzamo Sepeng and Siseko Teyise.

The awards ceremony will take place at Sun City on Sunday evening. Walaza said the nomination had filled him with excitement and described it as a dream achievement. He is looking forward to attending the event in the North West.

Walaza credited the people around him for helping him reach the shortlist. His team, family and friends supported his progress and continued encouraging him during the season. He said their contribution had been important in helping him get to this point.

His campaign began later than planned after an injury kept him out for several months. As a result, Walaza missed the World Relays in Botswana and did not return to competition until March.

The setback did not change his approach to the season. Walaza viewed the period away from competition as part of his development and remained focused on returning. He said the experience strengthened him and formed part of the path towards his current position.

The nomination gives him recognition after a season that began with uncertainty. Alongside the support from his team and family, Walaza has identified the difficult start as an experience that helped shape his progress. The winner will be announced at the ceremony on Sunday.