Doodle 4 Google winner announced

In addition to her doodle being seen by millions of people, Nikisha also receives a laptop and a framed copy of her winning doodle.

Nikisha beat off strong competition from some 400 other entrants from around the country who designed a Google Doodle around the theme 'Love Football'. Entrants also provided a supporting statement explaining their design choice. Hers was "I love football, especially the unusual actions, e.g. the bicycle kick, which, when performed successfully is absolute poetry in motion. The skills, dexterity and bravery involved is second to none."

Nikisha Lalloo with her winning doodle

Julie Taylor, communications manager for Google South Africa, commented, "The standard of entries in the Doodle 4 Google competition was outstanding; there's clearly a huge amount of pride and excitement in the air among young South Africans, given all the soccer fever. The competition has revealed a great wealth of talent overall, and her doodle in particular shows wonderful artistic ability and creativity. Next we have to get the South African public to rally for South Africa and vote for her in the global competition!"

The national winners are now automatically entered into the global competition, in which the public from around the world will vote for their overall favourite Doodle. The winner and the runner up stand to win some great prizes. In addition, the global winner will have his or her Doodle displayed on the Google home pages of all the countries participating in the contest.

Voting for the global winner will be open from 21-28 June at www.google.com/lovefootball.