I have long admired Stellenbosch University (Maties) Chief Director of Sport, Ilhaam Groenewald, from afar.

So, when she called to ask me to be guest speaker at her 2018 Maties Sport Awards, I responded without hesitation: “Yes!”

What an honour to be asked to speak at such a prestigious occasion at one of the top academic institutions in South Africa.

University Sport is growing in leaps and bounds, thanks largely to Francois Pienaar and his Varsity Sport team – and heroes are being unearthed around the country, and at Maties in particular.

When I got up to speak, my message was simple… “Set goals and smash them!”

Success is not a straight line. I have had a host of detours along my journey but the vision has remained the same.

I am passionate about South Africa, sport and women empowerment and I always look forward to opportunities to collaborate with others to champion these causes.

Thank you, Ilhaam, for breaking the mould, and backing a woman to speak at your Awards in a milestone year for Maties Sport!

You are a true champion of South African sport!

 

Photo 1 caption: Kass Naidoo pictured appearing as guest speaker at the centennial Maties Sports Awards at the Stellenbosch Town Hall, on 15 October, 2018. Photo: Maties Sport on Twitter

Photo 2 caption: Kass pictured with (from left) Stellenbosch University COO Designate, Prof Stan du Plessis, Maties Chief Director of Sport, Ilhaam Groenewald and Yusuf Groenewald. Photo: Maties Sport on Facebook

Photo 3 caption: Ilhaam Groenewald, pictured at the podium at the annual event dedicated to honouring the learning institution’s top achieving athletes. Photo: Maties Sport on Facebook

Photo 4 caption: Well done to Maties Sport for pulling out all the stops to ensure the proper acknowledgment of excellence for women in sport. Photo: Maties Sport on Facebook