South Africa Test captain Hashim Amla bagged the Sports Person of the Year award at the inaugural South African of the Year event in Sandton on Saturday.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat on Sunday congratulated Amla, on receiving the award. The Test skipper had been nominated along with a host of other local sporting stars, but the public vote went in his favour after a three-week long voting period.
Amla, having just played in the historic win over Australia in Harare, was not present in Sandton to receive the award personally, but he sent a broadcast message from Zimbabwe where the South African squad were celebrating their triumph in the tri-series, Sport24 reported.
Lorgat said that their world-renowned stars deserve these accolades, adding that CSA's warmest congratulations to Amla on being the first recipient of this prestigious award.
The CSA chief added that to be recognised by sports fans as the South African Sports Person of the Year tells its own story of the worth of Amla and the impact he has on all South Africans.
Lorgat also said that they are truly proud to have among their South African squad, world stars of the calibre of Amla, adding that the batsman is a truly great role model.
