UCT’s Muya Koloko named national Sport Code Convenor of the Year

Dr Muya Koloko has received the Kwenejejani Trophy for National Sport Code Convenor of the Year for Goalball. The award was presented by the South African Sports Association for the Physically Disabled (SASAPD) and Visually Impaired.

The SASAPD is a premier national sports federation that governs and promotes parasport for athletes with physical and visual impairments in South Africa. The organisation is an important affiliate of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee. The award is presented annually during the opening ceremony of the SASAPD National Championships.

“I have been doing my best to contribute meaningfully to goalball and develop the sport among current and would-be enthusiasts. So, this award is a massive validation for me. The recognition really means a lot,” said Dr Koloko, Postdoctoral research fellow in disability studies and founding member of the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) ParaSport Club.

Advancing the sport

Over the past five years, Koloko has demonstrated real commitment to the sport. He served as the district goalball convenor, provincial executive sport code convenor and interim national goalball convenor, as well as coach and referee. This makes his award well deserved.

“This award shows that the early ideas are being recognised and supported and I am immensely grateful for it.”

Koloko said sport code convenors are responsible for transforming and developing the sport; managing their sporting codes by coordinating tournaments; and developing policies and procedures. And he’s successfully managed to do that. Under his wing, the province’s goalball teams have showcased consistent progress. He has taken the Western Cape junior teams from low down on the log to consistently receiving medals at every competition. He has also spearheaded coaching and technical development programmes to increase coaches’ technical knowledge and improve their teams’ performance.

“Honouring the superstar players, coaches and officials I’ve worked with by reconnecting South African goalball with the world and getting back onto the international stage have always been a priority. This award shows that the early ideas are being recognised and supported and I am immensely grateful for it,” he said.