IT is now almost three years since the tragic death of professional footballer Jordan Sinnott.

A former student of St. Mary’s School, Menston, Jordan was a great supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership and its work using the power of sport to change lives in one of South Africa’s most challenging rural areas. Annual awards have recently been presented in both countries in memory of Jordan.

Three awards have been presented at Vumanhlamvu Primary School which is set deep in rural KwaZulu-Natal. The Principal of the school, Mr William Vilakazi, had had the pleasure of meeting Jordan when he visited St. Mary’s several years ago. The special awards ceremony took place amidst great anticipation and excitement.

The winners of the Jordan Sinnott Memorial Awards at Vumanhlamvu for 2022 were duly announced: Sports Leader of the Year: Slindokuhle Mvelase; Sportswoman of the Year: Ayanda Ngonyama and Sportsman of the Year: Siyanda Buthelezi.

Mr Vilazaki said: “These awards inspire our learners in sport and also in other areas of school life. They recognise and celebrate talent and determination. I had the great pleasure of meeting Jordan, I remember him well, I remember his smile. We remember Jordan very much at Vumanhlamvu; these awards are very special and are known to all in our school and the community. There is great competition to lift these trophies, the winners understand what an honour it is. Jordan, the Sinnott family and the Bambisanani Partnership are always in our prayers.”

Whilst a little overwhelmed, the winners were overjoyed to receive the prestigious awards:

Slindokuhle Mvelase said: “I would like to thank the Sinnott family and Bambisanani for recognising my talent in sports leadership and for the donation of many soccer jerseys to our school. May God bless you all.”

Ayanda Ngonyama said: “The Jordan Sinnott awards encourage sports at our school. In order to lift one of the famous awards you have to be good and take sports seriously. I am very proud to be named Sportswoman of the Year. Thanks to Jordan’s family for the t-shirts given to our school and not forgetting the Bambisanani Partnership; we really appreciate you as well.”

Sportsman of the Year, Siyanda Buthelezi added:

“I would like to thank the Bambisanani Partnership and the Sinnott family for this special award and for the soccer jersey. I feel like a great soccer star. It was a tough year in sports and I competed hard to get this award.”

At St. Mary’s, Menston the Jordan Sinnott Memorial Award recognises a Year 11 student who has made ‘an outstanding contribution to football’.

The 2022 Jordan Sinnott Award at St. Mary’s was presented at the Year 11 Celebration Evening. The very worthy recipient was Joe Brooks who received the prestigious award from special guest, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung.

Mr Tom Pringle from St. Mary’s was full of praise for Joe: “Joe is an extremely talented footballer who is technically very gifted. His work rate on the pitch is reflective of his general attitude in and around school. He is very competitive but plays the game in the correct manner, always maintaining an outstanding level of sportsmanship, which both the Physical Education department and school encourage and are very proud of. Joe plays to a high level outside of school and really enjoys the sport and this has shown for the five years he has been at St. Mary’s. Well done Joe, this tremendous honour is thoroughly deserved.”

David Geldart from the partnership said: “Congratulations to Slindokuhle, Ayanda, Siyanda and Joe, you have achieved great recognition for your all your hard work and we will watch your continued progress with great interest. Special thanks to the Vumanhlamvu and St. Mary’s teams for embracing these awards and for providing the learners with so many values driven opportunities in sports. Having worked closely with Jordan since he was at primary school, I am delighted he is continuing to inspire young people in both countries. These annual awards mean so much to Jordan’s family and friends; it would be impossible to overstate their importance. The impact of these awards is just amazing; Jordan would certainly approve!”