Firstly I would like to wish all readers of All Things Jabu a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. Thank you to all those that support the site and read regularly. Also special thanks to Brat for his help in getting the blog out there.
As the last entry for 2010, I am taking this chance to point out ten sports people (Strictly South African!) who will never forget 2010. Some may be more obvious than others.
10. Jacques Kallis
The illusive 200 was finally obtained after 14 years of test cricket. He has played a remarkable 143 test matches and score 37 test centuries prior to the big one against India just last week. He will long be remembered as one of the greatest cricketers ever to play for South Africa. And at last the monkey on his back has been sent back to the jungle (Excuse the lame metaphor as the Christmas pudding gets to my head!).
9. AB De Villiers and Hashim Amla
Okay so maybe its cheating a little bit, but the two middle order batsmen for South Africa have been nothing short of immense. The two have dominated in performances against England, India, West Indies, Pakistan and both have made a great start to the Indian series as well.
8. Ryan Sandes
Ryan is an ultra marathon desert runner who dominated his sport this year. He won the 4 Desert Championship and is the only competitor to win every stage of the 4 desert races! Check it out on http://www.4deserts.com/. You can also follow him on twitter.
7. Lee Anne Pace
A full write up of her was included in the last entry on All Things Jabu. The first South African to win the Ladies European Tour order of Merit. 5 tournament wins in the year also propelled her up the world rankings!
6. Pat Lambie
In January 2010 not many people had spoken about Patrick Lambie. By the end of 2010 he would be mentioned in many rugby conversations all over the globe. After almost single handedly at times winning the Currie Cup for the Sharks, the youngster from Natal represented the Springboks in the year end tour. He can play in about four different positions in the back line and as a result his versatility could see him as a definate selection for the 2011 World Cup later next year.
5. Jordy Smith
He has been mentioned countless times by All Things Jabu. He has finished the year as the worlds 2nd best surfer behind Kelly Slater with a massive victory at Jeffreys Bay. What a great year for the youngster.
4. Louis Oosthuizen
Another who has received much coverage from All Things Jabu. The Mossel Bay native won the famous Claret Jug at the home of Golf in the biggest upset in Golf in 2010. Good Times!
3. Chad le Clos
Winning 4 medals at the commonwealth Games he equalled the record held by Roland Schoeman of most medals by a South African at a single games. And all of this at the young age of 18. South African swimming is in good hands as the baton moves from Roland and Ryk to Chad!
2. Natalie du Toit
Once again she shone for South Africa at a major sporting event. She grabbed 3 more gold medals at the Commonwealth Games. She won a total of 7 golds in her commonwealth career and won the David Dixon Award in 2002. This was her last Commonwealth games, but it is a year that she will never forget!
1. Siphiwe Tshabalala
Will the country ever forget THAT goal. I was fortunate to be in the stadium when it happened and I can promise you that I have never felt a more spine tingling moment in my sporting following. When Dikgacoi put the through ball through and Shaba ran through on to it, it was a moment of true beauty that 44 million people in South Africa will never forget. Dankie Shaba became a phrase commonly used around South Africa. A move to Europe cant be far off for my favourite Amakhosi player.
2010 was a big year. The World Cup happened in South Africa and from a personal point of view, All Things Jabu was started and made it to the Top 10 of the Evox Sports Blogs of the Year. Thank you to all who read.
Until next year :)
JABU