The African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 has officially announced the top three finalists in each category for the 7th edition of the Regional Annual Sports Awards (RASA), which will take place on Saturday, 24 May 2025 in Zimbabwe.

Speaking at the announcement, the AUSC Region 5 CEO said the awards continue to play a key role in encouraging athletes, coaches, and sports professionals across the region to push for higher standards.

“RASA stands as a proud testament to our Region’s commitment to celebrating excellence and catalyzing sports performance,” the CEO said. “The growing excitement surrounding these awards has elevated performance standards and redefined the value of recognition in sport. This is indeed a reflection of our RASA theme: ‘Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring Innovation.’”

The CEO explained that each Member State begins by hosting its own national sports awards. National winners then progress to the regional stage, where they are considered for RASA. A structured process involving technical commissions, sports journalists, and a panel of adjudicators ensures fairness and representation.

This year’s event will be attended by His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and SADC Chairperson, who will present the prestigious Sportsperson of the Year Award.

Here are the top three finalists for each category:

Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability

• Lahja Ishitile – Athletics T11 (Namibia)
• Taonele Banda – Athletics T13 (Malawi)
• Simone Kruger – Discuss F38 (South Africa)

Coach of the Year

• Kebonyemodisa Dose Mosimanyane – Athletics (Botswana)
• Pieter Benade – Rugby (Zimbabwe)
• Douglas Kalembo – Athletics (Zambia)

Junior Female Sportsperson of the Year

• Kellis Ndlovu – Cricket (Zimbabwe)
• Natalie Katlo Banda – Chess (Botswana)
• Mercy Chipasula – Football (Zambia)

Junior Male Sportsperson of the Year

• Collen Busang Kebinatshipi – Athletics (Botswana)
• Luca Fraser – Swimming (Eswatini)
• Rafael Sharon – Chess (Zambia)

Sports Journalist of the Year

• Cosmas Mulenga (Zambia)
• Ellina Mhlanga (Zimbabwe)
• Limba Mupetami (Namibia)

Sportsman of the Year

• Letsile Tebogo – Athletics (Botswana)
• Akani Simbine – Athletics (South Africa)
• Tapiwa Makarawu – Athletics (Zimbabwe)

Sportsman of the Year with a Disability

• Mpumelelo Mhlongo – Athletics T44 (South Africa)
• Chris Kinda – Athletics T11 (Namibia)
• Moses Misoya – Athletics T13 (Malawi)

Sportsperson of the Year

• Letsile Tebogo – Athletics (Botswana)
• Tabitha Chawinga – Football (Malawi)
• Tapiwanashe Makarawu – Athletics (Zimbabwe)

Sportswoman of the Year

• Tabitha Chawinga – Football (Malawi)
• Barbra Banda – Football (Zambia)
• Oratile Nowe – Athletics (Botswana)

Team of the Year

• Botswana 4x400m Men’s Relay Team – Athletics (Botswana)
• Zambia 4x400m Men’s Relay Team – Athletics (Zambia)
• Malawi U19 Women’s Cricket Team – Cricket (Malawi)