Backpage Media, MD Gavin Barker, has expressed delight in the award and achievement. “Nine years ago Sydney was employed as a delivery driver and today is rightly considered the best sports photographer in the country. It is a testament to his work ethic and dedication that he was not in attendance in Mangaung to receive his award as he is currently on assignment in Cameroon covering the Women’s African Cup of Nations acting as official photographer for CAF and covering the fortunes of Banyana Banyana. Sydney is a great example of a person taking an opportunity and through hard work and dedication achieving success.”  

Mahlangu's career as a photographer started when he took a leap of faith and asked if he could try his hand at being a photographer. His first shoot was to cover a reserve team match between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns and he showed an obvious passion for football and delivered images that illustrated his clear photographic eye.  

Mahlangu highlights include covering four African Cup of Nations Finals, numerous CAF Champions League Finals and the FIFA World Cup final in 2010. The policy at BackpagPix has always been to send their best and most competent photographers on the most difficult assignments and this has seen Mahlangu travel extensively on the continent to cover the ‘beautiful’ game. 

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*Image courtesy of Sydney Mahlangu / BackpagePix