Having had the privilege of watching live sport both on TV and at the stadia, I have come up with my own list of people and events that stood out for me in 2016.
Newsmaker of the year - I will go with both Usain Bolt and Cristiano Ronaldo. Being an Olympic year, Bolt lit Rio 2016 securing the 'triple treble' proving why he is simply the best athlete in the world. Meanwhile, Ronaldo made 2016 his own bagging the Uefa Champions League, Euro 2016 ( For the first time in Portugal's history) and the Ballon Dor. He also won several other individual accolades and even opened his own hotel. Now how inspiring is that?
The turnaround award - Its been a phenomenal year for Johan Ackermann and his Lions (Super Rugby) charges. From being perennial achievers to being one the biggest forces in world club rugby.
Coach of the year - Pitso Mosimane vs Eric Tinkler? Both men had such an incredible calendar year. But for winning the Absa Premiership and the Caf Champions League with Sundowns, Mosimane is my coach of the year. To cap off a fine year, he beat the likes of Arsene Wenger in the IFFHS rankings.
The biggest upset award - I will go back to rugby. Ireland upsetting the All Blacks by a huge scoreline was the biggest shock of the year.
Epic fail award - No double thinking this one. The Springboks moved from hero to zero all in a year. If defeat by Japan at the 2015 IRB World Cup was a shock, how do we classify losses to minors such as Italy in 2016?
Saddest moment of the year - It will have to be Muhammed Ali's death. It was one of the most saddest moments in world sport.
Memorable moment of the year - Leicester City were the biggest story of the year. Having started the 2015/16 season as 1/5000 odds to win the EPL, they won hearts week in and out as they grabbed their first ever league title. What a sporting memory!
The best team award - I am tempted to be biased and go with my Leeds United who are currently riding the crest of a wave but I will go with the Hurricanes (Super Rugby). They amazingly defied the odds moving from being whipping boys to claiming the biggest club rugby prize in the Southern hemisphere.
Newbie of the year - Newly formed Cape Town City are making so much noise in the Absa Premiership and are threatening to win the league title in their maiden season.
My sports wish List for 2017 -
1) LEEDS to continue their rich vein of form and get promoted back to the EPL. If that happens I will be the happiest man in the world.
2) The Springboks to give rugby fans some seriousness and start playing rugby. International Tests involving the All Blacks, Australia, England, Ireland and the Springboks define rugby.
3) Zimbabwe to at least get to the finals of Afcon 2017. The Warriors have the golden generation capable of anything.
4) For Tiger Woods to rekindle his magic and get back to the top of his game.
5) For Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic to get more challengers in tennis.
6) To continue enjoying the EPL, La Liga, Ligue One, Bundesliga, tennis grand slams, Super Rugby, Rugby Championship, Absa premiership and all the big sporting events awaiting the new year.
2) The Springboks to give rugby fans some seriousness and start playing rugby. International Tests involving the All Blacks, Australia, England, Ireland and the Springboks define rugby.
3) Zimbabwe to at least get to the finals of Afcon 2017. The Warriors have the golden generation capable of anything.
4) For Tiger Woods to rekindle his magic and get back to the top of his game.
5) For Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic to get more challengers in tennis.
6) To continue enjoying the EPL, La Liga, Ligue One, Bundesliga, tennis grand slams, Super Rugby, Rugby Championship, Absa premiership and all the big sporting events awaiting the new year.
