Ackermann’s calming influence has steadied the ship at the pride of Johannesburg showing his ability to keep his players focused on defending their 2011 Absa Currie Cup Champions title, and deservedly ending them at the top of the log in September.

Jantjies was instrumental in the Lions success during September with superb kicking and being the general of his team’s attacking play. The newly capped Springbok was named Man of the Match against the Toyota Free State Cheetahs and is one of the leading scorers with 77 points.

The announcements were made at two separate handovers on Wednesday with Coach Ackermann at Johannesburg Stadium and Jantjies at the Springbok team hotel.

Absa has for over 25 years sponsored the Cup of Heroes, affording young players a platform to compete against their established counterparts and also contributing to the growth of the game of rugby in South Africa.

Testament to this statement is the transition of players like Jantjies to the current Springbok line up.

Both winners walked away with R10 000 each, courtesy of the tournament sponsor, Absa.

Another deserving nominee was the GWK Griquas Coach Pote Human who steered his side to three consecutive wins, pushing them into semi-final contention, after a slow start to their campaign.

In true Absa Currie Cup fashion, young players have produced astonishing performances with notable contenders for the award being the DHL Western Province centre Marcel Brache and hooker Scarra Ntubeni.

Players such as Sarel Pretorius and Willie Le Roux also stepped up to the challenge and were worthy nominees.