TS Galaxy Queens' star footballer Leandra Smeda walked away with the Player of the Season Award as well as the Top Goal Scorer Award at the 2025 Hollywoodbets Super League Awards on Sunday, 1 February, 2025. All Photos: Supplied

The TS Galaxy Queens star netted 22 goals as her hard work boosted her team to a third-place finish in the 2025 League standings.

Smeda: “It’s an award every player hopes to win. The competition was tough, but I’m really happy that I won it.”

#gsportNewsletter TS Galaxy Queens star Leandra Smeda attributes her Player of the Season and Top Goal Scorer accolades at the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards to years of discipline and the vital financial backing elevating women's football in SA
#AthleteEdition
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Kajol Naidoo began playing chess in 2018 and, despite her young age, has already dedicated nearly a decade to the sport. gsport has followed her journey since she started competing at six, and now writes about the Provincial and National chess star setting her sights on becoming a Woman Grand Master. Photos: Supplied

Naidoo has established herself as one of South Africa’s most promising young chess players and appears poised to achieve even greater success.

The St Peter's College High chess captain is playing her part to ensure that girls in her school are given a glimpse into the world of chess and its benefits.

#AthleteEdition After a stellar 2025, 14-year-old chess wiz Kajol Naidoo is kicking off 2026 with local and international tournaments while inspiring more girls to take on the boys and pursue the fun and strategy of chess #gsportNewsletter
gsport.co.za/from-nationa...

You've got mail- The #AthleteEdition of the #gsportNewsletter: TS Galaxy's Leandra Smeda sweeps the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards; Sandra Almeida comes out of retirement for a rematch with Esther Phiri; and chess wiz Kajol Naidoo storms into 2026 - Subscribe free mailchi.mp/gsport.co.za...

‘Sport isn’t something I do, it’s a part of who I am!’ says Chay du Plessis, a teenage athlete who has been making waves in the world of javelin, shot put and hammer throw at some of the top competitions around the country. All Photos: Supplied

The 18-year-old has aspirations of becoming an Olympian one day, a dream that she has cherished since she began school in Grade 1.

A KZN Provincial Championships competitor in javelin, shot put, discus, and has even tried her hand at the hammer throw.

#gsportNewsletter For self-starter field athlete Chay du Plessis who lauds YouTube as her first coach, the dream of becoming an Olympian is the driving force that has kept her disciplined through injuries and setbacks
#AthleteEdition
gsport.co.za/my-dreams-ha...

Irene Banda is Setting the Esports World Alight at Just 12 Years of Age - gsport4girls Twelve-year-old Irene Banda, SA's top female Clash Royale player, is the future of esports, and aspires to be the first Black world champion

#gsportNewsletter 12-year-old Irene Banda, SA's top-ranked female Clash Royale player, is the future of esports, and aspires to be the first Black world champion, creating crucial representation for African girls
#AthleteEdition
gsport.co.za/irene-banda-...

The weekly gsport Newsletter publishes early evening weekly on Wednesdays around 6pm CAT, and features in-depth feature articles and interviews on gsport's four repeating themes: Athlete, Media, Sponsorship and Leadership, occasionally interspersed with special editions of the Newsletter to mark unique opportunities to enhance the prospects of girls and women in sport, along with descriptions of and links to relevant gsport content published in the week on the gsport.co.za website. To subscribe to the gsport Newsletter delivered by MailChimp: https://mailchi.mp/gsport.co.za/signup-today

You've got mail! #gsportNewsletter: Capetonian rugby star Leigh Fortuin's Love at First Sight; field athletics star Chay du Plessis has her heart set on the Olympics; and 12-year-old mobile Esports champ Irene Banda making waves in competitive mobile gaming #AthleteEdition

It's #NewsletterDay - the #AthleteEdition feat. Capetonian rugby star Leigh Fortuin's Love at First Sight; field athlete Chay du Plessis with her heart set on the Olympics; and 12 year old mobile Esports champ Irene Banda
Subscribe free mailchi.mp/gsport.co.za...
#gsportNewsletter

Just one game away from 50 Test matches as a referee, Top South African referee Aimee Barrett-Theron discusses the growing professionalisation of Women's Rugby, which is helping to drive growth and investment in the sport. All Photos: Supplied

Candid about using Autism as a superpower, Barrett-Theron says that being a former player as well as being on the spectrum has given her a unique outlook.

On the Rugby World Cup 2025 - ‘I am just really loving my job. The records were not broken by a little bit, and it's just incredible to see. I feel very privileged to be a part of it.’

#gsportNewsletter Just one away from a milestone 50th Test in charge, trailblazing referee Aimee Barrett-Theron lauds the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup she witnessed from ‘the best seat in the house’ as ‘the best thing that could have happened to the game’
#AthleteEdition
gsport.co.za/the-best-sea...

Sport enthusiast and national hockey star Malikah Hamza shares her true story in ‘Malikah: The Girl Who Loves Sport’, hoping to inspire youth about the importance of perseverance and hard work in following their sporting dreams.” All Photos: Supplied

‘One of the main goals is to encourage children to read more and to get involved in sport. I hope it inspires young girls to follow their sporting dreams.’

Hamza: ‘As a Muslim woman, I hope to show young girls that they can pursue any sport they love while still staying true to their faith and values.’

#gsportNewsletter National hockey star Malikah Hamza shares her true story in ‘Malikah: The Girl Who Loves Sport’, hoping to inspire youth about the importance of perseverance and hard work in following their sporting dreams
#AthleteEdition
gsport.co.za/the-girl-who...

The weekly gsport Newsletter publishes early evening weekly on Wednesdays around 6pm CAT, and features in-depth feature articles and interviews on gsport's four repeating themes: Athlete, Media, Sponsorship and Leadership, occasionally interspersed with special editions of the Newsletter to mark unique opportunities to enhance the prospects of girls and women in sport, along with descriptions of and links to relevant gsport content published in the week on the gsport.co.za website. To subscribe to the gsport Newsletter delivered by MailChimp: https://mailchi.mp/gsport.co.za/signup-today

You've got mail! #gsportNewsletter: World Rugby Ref Aimee Barrett-Theron lauds the 2025 Rugby World Cup; we talk with national hockey star Malikah Hamza about her book 'The Girl Who Loves Sport'; and don’t miss Mattel Inc's Rugby World Cup takeover with Team Barbie! #AthleteEdition

Byrhandré Dolf has turned into a fan favourite after the speedy utility back lit up the Women’s Rugby World Cup when the Springbok Women’s most prolific points scorer applied her sublime balls skill to gain metres on the field and scoreboard pressure in their opponent’s minds. All Photos: Supplied

"I saw what looked like my old school’s uniform, people shouting my name. It was so touching, everyone started clapping and welcoming me home."

"I agree with Coach Swys that a giant has awoken. People can see that with the support and sponsorships we need, we can do more."

Utility back Byrhandré Dolf was the Springbok Women’s most prolific Women’s Rugby World Cup points scorer, applying her sublime balls skill to gain metres on the field and scoreboard pressure in their opponent’s minds
#gsportNewsletter
#AthleteEdition
gsport.co.za/i-want-to-tr...

The weekly gsport Newsletter publishes early evening weekly on Wednesdays around 6pm CAT, and features in-depth feature articles and interviews on gsport's four repeating themes: Athlete, Media, Sponsorship and Leadership, occasionally interspersed with special editions of the Newsletter to mark unique opportunities to enhance the prospects of girls and women in sport, along with descriptions of and links to relevant gsport content published in the week on the gsport.co.za website. To subscribe to the gsport Newsletter delivered by MailChimp: https://mailchi.mp/gsport.co.za/signup-today

You've got mail! gsport celebrates 6 year of #gsportGlobal; Bok Women skipper Nolusindiso Booi retires; Former SA cricketer Claire Terblanche returns to the national coaching staff; and Byrhandré Dolf - The Springbok Women's most prolific RWC points machine #gsportNewsletter #AthleteEdition

Mind Sports South Africa’s all-women Proteas Mobile Legends Bang Bang Esports team booked their place in the IESF's World Esports Championships, after what turned out to be a hard-fought battle against Madagascar. All Photos: Supplied

“This success is a shared achievement, and I'm proud of everyone who made it possible,” said Team Captain, Rowell Pillay.

The all-women Proteas Mobile Legends Bang Bang Esports applied discipline and skill to secure a come-from-behind victory against Madagascar and qualify for a place at the IESF's World Esports Championships #gsportNewsletter #AthleteEdition #TelkomStandTall
gsport.co.za/proteas-mobi...

Teen football star Casey Gordon continues to rise with national team call-ups, a fierce work ethic, and the drive to wear the Banyana number 1 jersey one day. All Photos: Supplied

Gordon has big goals: qualify for the U20 World Cup, become a regular in Banyana Banyana camps, and one day play club football overseas.

Tipped as a future goalkeeper for Banyana Banyana, Gordon says: “The faith people have in me pushes me to work harder.”

Having recently claimed her fourth straight Engen Knockout Challenge top keeper award, teen football star Casey Gordon continues to rise with national team call-ups, a fierce work ethic, and the drive to wear the Banyana number 1 jersey
#gsportNewsletter
#AthleteEdition
gsport.co.za/casey-gordon...

The weekly gsport Newsletter publishes early evening weekly on Wednesdays around 6pm CAT, and features in-depth feature articles and interviews on gsport's four repeating themes: Athlete, Media, Sponsorship and Leadership, occasionally interspersed with special editions of the Newsletter to mark unique opportunities to enhance the prospects of girls and women in sport, along with descriptions of and links to relevant gsport content published in the week on the gsport.co.za website. To subscribe to the gsport Newsletter delivered by MailChimp: https://mailchi.mp/gsport.co.za/signup-today

#gsportNewsletter Former Women Boks Sevens star Mathrin Simmers will give back to the game she loves; Proteas Mobile Legends Bang Bang Esports qualify for World Champs; St Mary's DSG win the Spar KZN Schoolgirls' Hockey Challenge; and teenage football star Casey Gordon on the rise #AthleteEdition

Proteas Women all-rounder Chloé Tryon says being named ICC Women's Player of the Month for May 2025 was rather unexpected, as she received the highest accolade for sensational performances that saw her team excel. Photo: Supplied

Tryon scored 176 runs and took six wickets in three ODI’s during the tri-series tournament in Sri Lanka, also featuring India.

#gsportNewsletter She says being named ICC Women's Player of the Month for May 2025 was rather unexpected, but the humble Proteas Women all-rounder Chloé Tryon received the highest accolade for sensational performances that saw her team excel
#AthleteEdition
gsport.co.za/icc-womens-p...

Marking a decade in competitive gaming, Maja ‘Cyber Ghost’ Carstens brings cool confidence and tactical insight to Namibia’s CS2 Women as they prep for the IESF African Qualifiers. All Photos: Supplied

Carstens made it a goal to push for a spot at IESF, even if it meant entering solo or working behind the scenes to assemble a team.

“My mindset going in is just to try my best and not expect too much. If we do qualify, that would be an incredible milestone.”

#gsportNewsletter Maja ‘Cyber Ghost’ Carstens is bringing cool confidence and tactical insight to Namibia’s CS2 Women as they prep for the IESF African Qualifiers. With a mix of rookies and rising talent, she is helping the squad come together
#AthleteEdition
gsport.co.za/maja-carsten...

As South Africa recently commemorated Youth Day, former youth track star Gezelle Magerman says former athletes must play their part in empowering the next generation with the necessary assistance in their quest to succeed. All Photos: Supplied

“There are more opportunities now, and with the platform that gsport has, women in sport and young women are getting recognised.”

Magerman: “Your journey will be filled with challenges, but having discipline and determination can get you far!”

#gsportNewsletter As South Africa recently commemorated Youth Day, former youth track star #GezelleMagerman says former athletes must play their part in empowering the next generation with the necessary assistance in their quest to succeed
#AthleteEdition
gsport.co.za/former-track...

Jermaine Seoposenwe has made a shock decision to end her international career, the talented forward announcing her retirement on Monday, 16 June, 2025. All Photos: Supplied

The Mexico-based Rayadas Monterrey Femenil professional marked WAFCON 2025 as her final appearance for Banyana Banyana.

The goal-hungry forward’s contributions were key in Banyana Banyana claiming the WAFCON-preparation tri-series tour title.

#gsportNewsletter Banyana Banyana Jermaine Seoposenwe shocked the football fraternity when she announced her retirement from international competition. Read the Mexico-based football pro's touching International Retirement Statement here
#AthleteEdition
gsport.co.za/banyana-bany...

The weekly gsport Newsletter publishes early evening weekly on Wednesdays around 6pm CAT, and features in-depth feature articles and interviews on gsport's four repeating themes: Athlete, Media, Sponsorship and Leadership, occasionally interspersed with special editions of the Newsletter to mark unique opportunities to enhance the prospects of girls and women in sport, along with descriptions of and links to relevant gsport content published in the week on the gsport.co.za website. To subscribe to the gsport Newsletter delivered by MailChimp: https://mailchi.mp/gsport.co.za/signup-today

You have mail! 👋 #gsportNewsletter - the Athlete issue feat. Gezelle Magerman wants to empower the next generation; Proteas Women's Chloé Tryon named ICC Women's Player of the Month; Maja Carstens confident as Namibia’s CS2 Women prep for the IESF African Qualifiers; and much more! #AthleteEdition

In a day of great significance for her, Thato Makhafola was crowned Up and Coming Athlete of the Year at the 2012 gsport Awards.

Once an a well-known track athlete, Thato Makhafola is now a successful charted accountant. Despite being away from the competitive scene she still stays close to her running community that she holds dear. All Photos: Supplied

Thato Makhafola has gone from being a world-class track athlete to a corporate professional, doing her part as a philanthropist.

#gsportNewsletter Once a well-known 800m track athlete, Thato Makhafola is now a successful charted accountant and, despite being away from the competitive scene, she stays close to and supports her running community that she holds dear
#AthleteEdition
gsport.co.za/winning-on-t...

Lifesaving Champ Eve Abrahams Wants to Raise the Sport’s Profile and Grow Inclusivity - gsport4girls Open and age-group Lifesaving gold medalist Eve Abrahams has made history with her recent results, and promises even more in the future.

#gsportNewsletter Eve Abrahams, a teenager with Lifesaving coursing through her blood, hopes to raise the sport’s profile and inspire girls to pursue it. Like many in her family, she has excelled in the sport and hopes to inspire future generations #AthleteEdition gsport.co.za/lifesaving-c...

Bonolo Ramakarane: A Rising Star Chasing Her Hockey Dreams Abroad - gsport4girls A natural all-rounder, Bonolo Ramakarane shines on both the athletics track and the hockey field, but it’s on the turf that her heart lies.

From playing hockey at age 6 to representing SA, Bonolo Ramakarane’s journey is driven by passion, talent, and the legacy of her late grandparents. The Grade 9 learner needs assistance after she was selected to represent SA in Europe
#gsportNewsletter
#AthleteEdition
gsport.co.za/bonolo-ramak...

The weekly gsport Newsletter publishes early evening weekly on Wednesdays around 6pm CAT, and features in-depth feature articles and interviews on gsport's four repeating themes: Athlete, Media, Sponsorship and Leadership, occasionally interspersed with special editions of the Newsletter to mark unique opportunities to enhance the prospects of girls and women in sport, along with descriptions of and links to relevant gsport content published in the week on the gsport.co.za website. To subscribe to the gsport Newsletter delivered by MailChimp: https://mailchi.mp/gsport.co.za/signup-today

You have mail! 💌 #NewsletterDay - the Athlete Edition feat. 2012 gsport Emerging Athlete Award winner, Thato Makhafola; 2025 World Surf Challenger Series qualifier, Jessie van Niekerk; SA Lifesaving rising star Eve Abrahams, and much much more! #gsportNewsletter #AthleteEdition

SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year Nadine Roos is among the most well-known rugby player in South Africa, and she is hoping to using her experience to boost the next generation of female rugby players by setting a good example. All Photos: SA Rugby / Gallo

Roos says that receiving the Award is an honour, but it’s not what motivates her - success involves building talent with work ethic.

Roos believes the play must start early, ideally with school-level Touch and Tag Leagues to imprint the game’s basics.

#gsportNewsletter SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year Nadine Roos is among the most well-known rugby player in South Africa, and she intends to use her experience to boost the next generation of female rugby players by setting a good example #AthleteEdition gsport.co.za/nadine-roos-... #WomensRugby

Nompumelelo Nyandeni is about to join an elite club. The Banyana Banyana forward is set to make her 150th after coach Desiree Ellis named her in the squad for their upcoming friendlies against Malawi this coming weekend. All Photos: Supplied

“I was just doing what I love. I didn't even expect that one day I will be one of the most capped players in senior women's football.”

Nyandeni emphasised the importance of hard work, and discipline, urging young players to stay focused and choose their friends wisely.

#gsportNewsletter Iconic #BanyanaBanyana midfielder Nompumelelo Nyandeni reached a landmark millstone to become the third-most capped footballer in SA, and hopes to inspire young girls to play soccer by being a positive role model and working hard #AthleteEdition gsport.co.za/nompumelelo-...

A group of determined young women is making history after winning the Junior Rhythmic Gymnastics Group at the SA Trials, and with it the privilege to represent the nation at the World Games in Bulgaria. All Photos: Supplied

Training up to 18 hours a week rhythmic gymnastics is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life for these five gymnasts.

“We need help, from sponsors, companies, and even social media awareness. Every repost, every tag, every donation makes a difference.”

#gsportNewsletter SA’s Junior Rhythmic Gymnastics Team is headed to the World Games in Bulgaria, these five incredible young gymnasts are ready to showcase their talent on the international stage #AthleteEdition
gsport.co.za/south-africa...

Former Proteas stalwart Precious Mthembu is shaping the future of South African netball as she guides the team’s preparation for the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar. All Photos: Supplied

Appointed as head coach of the South African U19 team in early 2023, Mthembu has embraced the responsibility with enthusiasm.

“The biggest dream for me is to help each player experience the greatest World Cup by sharing all the knowledge and lessons they need to succeed.”

#gsportNewsletter From playing in the green and gold to coaching the Baby Proteas, U19 head coach Precious Mthembu is sharing all the knowledge and lessons the team needs for the greatest possible #NetballWorldYouthCup #AthleteEdition #TelkomNetball gsport.co.za/precious-mth...

Former SA International Tsoanelo Pholo took up the role of Head Coach for Hockey Hong Kong’s Women’s program in June 2024, and talks with gsport about the rewards of her experiences in this high-pressure vocation. All Photos: Supplied

Pholo excelled first as an international player, and has since built on her credentials by gaining key qualifications and international experience.

Pholo explains she has grown by appreciating different ways: “Learning adaptability is at the forefront of what an international coach has to be.”

#gsportNewsletter Former SA International Tsoanelo Pholo took up the role of Head Coach for Hockey Hong Kong’s Women’s program in June 2024, and talks with gsport about the rewards of her experiences in this high-pressure vocation #AthleteEdition gsport.co.za/coach-tsoane...

South African Women’s cricket is on the rise, and at the heart of that growth is Kayla Reyneke, the multi-talented captain of the U19 women’s team that made history by reaching the final of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia. All Photos: Supplied

Reyneke says: “It was actually an amazing campaign. I’m super proud of the girls. We had a great run. Unfortunately, it didn’t end the way we wanted.”

The young star says she’ll rise the occasion if selected: “I want to represent my country as soon as possible, but for now, it’s working hard.”

#gsportNewsletter U19 SA Women’s captain Kayla Reyneke reflects on leading her team to a historic T20 World Cup final, the lessons learned, and her dreams for the future. Her key message: “You need to run your own race!” #AthleteEdition gsport.co.za/you-need-to-... #ProteasWomen