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The South African Football Association's (SAFA) Colours and Awards Committee have bestowed life time achievement honours to five outstanding achievers, Dr Sam Ramsamy, Dr Steve "Kalamazoo" Mokone, Goba Ndlovu, Benjamin Skhonde and posthumously to Godfrey Mosotho.

The Committee's Chairperson Professor Lesole Gadinabokao and his assistant Dr Leepile Taunyane say the President's Award recipients have contributed immensely in the development of sport, and football in particular.

The Presidential Awards were presented by SAFA President Kirsten Nematandani and Justice Minister Jeff Radebe to Dr Ramsamy for his active role in leading the Anti-Apartheid Sport Movement; Dr Mokone for his legendary status as one of South Africa's greatest football ambassadors; Ndlovu for his long standing contribution in football administration; Skhonde for his talent identification programs and youth coaching skills; and the late Mosotho for his contribution in developing match officials.

In his acceptance speech via telephone link, Dr Mokone graciously thanked the people of South Africa for what he described as a Special Award from his people, and he wished the country success in hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

In other categories, Bafana Bafana and Everton FC midfielder Steven Pienaar has been named the 2009 Bafana Bafana Player of the Year.

In the juniors section, Thulani Serero who plays for Ajax Cape Town and the National Under 20 side, Amajita, was named the Under 20 Player of the Year. Banyana Banyana's Nompumelelo Nyandeni walked away with the Senior Women's National Team Player of the Year. The Coach of the Year Award went to Gavin Hunt – mentor of the ABSA Premiership Champions Supersport United.

Here is a full list of recipients:

Players Awards – Men's National Teams

Bafana Bafana Steven Pienaar (Everton FC)

(Public participation via SABC)

National Under 20-Amajita Thulani Serero (Ajax CT)

(Public participation via SABC)

Senior Women's National Team

Banyana Banyana Nompulelo Nyandeni

(Public participation via SABC)

Coaching Awards - Gavin Hunt

Metropolitan U-19 League - Vusumuzi Nemeka

SAB League - Khumbulani Mdluli

Absa Women's Leauge - Yola Japhta

Sasol Women's League - Nompumelelo Nyandeni

U-17 National Championships - Lyndsay Jennings

Referees Awards

• SAB League Arthur Gabela - (Gauteng)
• Vodacom League Lawrence Khoza - (Mpumalanga)
• Jabu Mkhwanazi - (Gauteng)
• Petros Phamo - (Bloemfontein)
• Zandile Zulu – (Durban)

• Dr Sam Ramsamy
• Dr Steve “Kalamazoo” Mokone
• Benjamin Skhonde
• Goba Ndlovu
• Godfrey Mosotho (posthumous)

SAFA President Kirsten Nematandani says the inception of the SAFA Awards have gone a long way in encouraging players to play with passion and pride, coaches to work harder at their game plans, match officials to officiate at the highest level, and our administrators to govern the game effectively and efficiently.

Note for Editors:

Visit http://www.safa.net/ for speeches of SAFA President Kirsten Nematandani and Justice Minister Jeff Radebe.