On Thursday evening, July 18, the 2023 Sports Gala, held at the Cultural Moçambique/China (UEM University Campus), celebrated the most notable figures in Mozambican sports. Among the highlights of the evening, Geny Catamo and Alcinda Panguana dos Santos were named the 2023 Athletes of the Year, solidifying their position as the most prominent figures in the national sports scene.
Sporting de Portugal's Geny Catamo was recognized for his exceptional performance in the 2023-2024 season, contributing significantly to the Lions' Portuguese Championship title. Furthermore, he was one of the most valued players in 2023, playing a crucial role in Mozambique's qualification for the 2023 African Cup of Nations.
In turn, Alcinda Panguana dos Santos, a renowned boxer, won the Gold Medal at the Dakar African Championships, guaranteeing her qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Furthermore, she achieved the title of Runner-up at the Golden Series in Marrakesh, Morocco, consolidating her position as one of the best athletes on the continent.
The gala also honored Jacira Ferreira, a judoka who was elected Popular Athlete of 2023 by popular vote, beating out figure skater Donaldo Salvador and boxer Armando Sigauque. Jacira received the most votes over the past few days, becoming the public's favorite.
Edilson Rosa, a promising tennis player, was named the 2023 Breakthrough Athlete of the Year, thanks to his remarkable results on the ITF World and African circuits the previous year. His performance last year positioned him as one of the emerging talents in Mozambican sport.
The winners of the 2023 Sports Gala are:
– **Male Athlete of the Year:** Geny Catamo
– **Female Athlete of the Year:** Alcinda Panguana (Boxing)
– **Popular Athlete 2023:** Jacira Ferreira (Judo)
– **2023 Male Breakthrough Athlete:** Edilson Rosa (Tennis)
– **Coach of the Year:** Lucas Sinóia (Boxing)
– **Coach of the Year:** Ana Filipa Lobo (Swimming)
– **Men’s Referee of the Year:** Arsénio Marrengula
– **Female Referee of the Year:** Ema Novo
– **2023 Men’s Team of the Year:** Mambas
– **Women’s Team of the Year 2023: Ana Paula Sinaportar and Vanessa Muianga (Beach Volleyball Doubles)
– **Career Award:** José Júlio de Andrade (Former Secretary of State for Sports)
– **Television Journalist of the Year Award:** Hassane Ibrahimo (STV)
– **Radio Journalist of the Year Award:** Manuel Cardoso
The 2023 Sports Gala was an event celebrating and recognizing the talent and dedication of Mozambican athletes, coaches, referees, and sports professionals, highlighting their achievements and contributing to the appreciation of sport in the country.
