Andisiwe Mgcoyi is beginning a new phase in her football career, aiming to make an impact from the sidelines. The former Banyana Banyana forward was appointed second assistant coach of UJ’s Sasol League team, following a distinguished playing career with the national team and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies. All Photos: Supplied

“I admire women in sport who break barriers in environments that were never designed for them to succeed.” - Andisiwe Mgcoyi

#gsportNewsletter Former Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies star Andisiwe Mgcoyi is transitioning from the pitch to the dugout as UJ’s Women’s Sasol League 2nd assistant coach, blending her playing experience with formal theory to lead student-athletes
#LeadershipEdition
gsport.co.za/andisiwe-mgc...

The #LeadershipEdition of the #gsportNewsletter is out later today: Kaizer Chiefs Ladies' first coach Unathi Mabena; Netball SA's new CEO Adam Brooke; and cricket stats pioneer Sue Abbott #IRecogniseHer - Subscribe free mailchi.mp/gsport.co.za...

Legends like Namhla Siyolo (pictured) and Lesego Malebadi join leaders like Aneesah Adams in a group of 24 provincial coaches as SA Rugby’s Women Coaches’ Transitioning Workshop advances gender parity and elite coaching standards in the Western Cape. All Photos: Supplied

University of Johannesburg Head of Women’s Rugby Lesego Malebadi wants to become more effective in her role, continueing increasing impact in the job that she does.

University of Johannesburg Head of Women’s Rugby Lesego Malebadi wants to become more effective in her role, continueing increasing impact in the job that she does.

#gsportNewsletter Legends like Namhla Siyolo and Lesego Malebadi join leaders like Aneesah Adams as 24 provincial coaches as SA Rugby’s Women Coaches’ Transitioning Workshop advances gender parity and elite coaching standards in the Western Cape
#LeadershipEdition
gsport.co.za/sa-rugby-emp...

International Cricket Broadcaster wrote about stepping into the commentary box with Kass Naidoo as a full-circle moment that affirmed her craft and the power of excellence in representation, reminding her that preparation and passion are key to world-class broadcasting. All Photos: Supplied

For Naledi, witnessing excellence in a traditionally male-dominated space was a deeply affirming moment.

Driven by her passion and a clear ‘Why', Naledi continues to sharpen her perspective on the craft of broadcasting.

#gsportNewsletter International Cricket broadcaster Naledi Aphane says that stepping into the commentary box with Kass Naidoo came as a full-circle moment that affirmed her craft and the power of excellence in representation
#MediaEdition
gsport.co.za/naledi-aphan...

By blending her expertise as a Business Analyst with a deep passion for cricket, Mbali Makhubo is building an authentic presence in sports media, dedicated to documenting the stats and stories of women’s sport for a global audience. All Photos: Supplied

Driven by a passion that ignited at the 2016 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Mbali Makhubo is carving out her space in sports media.

Makhubo’s approach is to merge her professional background as a Business Analyst with a deep, tactical love for the game of cricket.

#gsportNewsletter By blending her expertise as a Business Analyst with a deep passion for cricket, Mbali Makhubo is building an authentic presence in sports media, dedicated to documenting the stats and stories of women’s sport for a global audience
#MediaEdition
gsport.co.za/business-ana...

She Moves Rugby founder Monya Greyvenstein is advocating for sustainable careers and fair pay for Springbok Women, proving that women’s sport is not underfunded but underestimated by decision-makers. All Photos: Supplied

As founder and managing director, Greyvenstein and her all-female team are driving significant change in the industry.

She Moves Rugby’s focus is on building sustainable careers for female athletes and advocating for women's rugby as a professional field.

#gsportNewsletter She Moves Rugby founder Monya Greyvenstein is advocating for sustainable careers and fair pay for Springbok Women, proving that women’s sport is not underfunded but underestimated by decision-makers
#SponsorshipEdition
gsport.co.za/how-she-move...

At the start of the year, the Kholosa Biyana Foundation held a soccer tournament in the Eastern Cape, including three teams from the Sasol League. All Photos: Supplied

Biyana: “If we as a foundation want to help ten people in the community, when [sponsors] support us, we are able to change 100 lives.”

#gsportNewsletter Banyana Banyana star Kholosa Biyana's foundation makes strides to create equal opportunities for youth in under-resourced communities, so that investment in grassroots sport can unlock potential and foster growth
#SponsorshipEdition
gsport.co.za/from-the-pit...

After a stellar 2025, 16-year-old swimming sensation Kylie de Bruyn is diving into a bright future by securing a key sponsorship deal with Neolife to support her journey toward becoming a top South African senior athlete. All Photos: Supplied

Following a standout 2025, from All-Africa Games medals to a top-tier continental ranking, the journey is only just beginning.

De Bruyn is focused on building a career that sees her competing internationally, representing SA, and inspiring the next generation of young athletes.

#gsportNewsletter After a stellar 2025, 16-year-old swimming sensation Kylie de Bruyn is diving into a bright future by securing a key sponsorship deal with Neolife to support her journey toward becoming a top South African senior athlete
#SponsorshipEdition
gsport.co.za/rising-swimm...

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
gsport.co.za/leandra-smed...

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...

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! The #SponsorshipEdition is out: Reaction: SA Rugby announces Pro Rugby League to start in 2026; Young Indian Supercross racer Aleena Mansur has a world stage vision; and Standard Bank backs Banyana Banyana
The #gsportNewsletter - Subscribe free mailchi.mp/gsport.co.za...

The #SponsorshipEdition of the #gsportNewsletter is out later today: SA Rugby announces Pro Rugby League to start this year; Young Indian Supercross racer Aleena Mansur has a vision; and Standard Bank backs Banyana Banyana #IRecogniseHer - Subscribe free mailchi.mp/gsport.co.za...

You've got mail! It's the Athlete Edition of the #gsportNewsletter: Nadine Roos on back-to-back SA Rugby Awards honours; Akhona Ketwa on healing through endurance sport; and Nadine de Klerk makes her mark at the inaugural The Hundred Women's auction - Subscribe free mailchi.mp/gsport.co.za...

Trailblazer Aimee Barrett-Theron is poised to make history as she becomes only the second woman, after Sara Cox, to referee 50 Test matches. She will reach this milestone during the Women’s Six Nations, scheduled from April to May 2026 in Europe. All Photos: Supplied

Zoe Naude will participate in the Women’s Six Nations, after refereeing the first of her two Tests when the Springbok Women took on Spain in 2024.

Part of World Rugby’s Talent ID programme, Giana Viljoen is one of the match officials on the panel for the inaugural U21 Women’s Six Nations.

#gsportNewsletter SA trailblazer Aimee Barrett-Theron will make history as the second woman to referee 50 Tests during the 2026 Women’s Six Nations, and the iconic ref is joined by Zoe Naude and Giana Viljoen in flying the flag for South Africa!
#LeadershipEdition
gsport.co.za/trailblazing...

Siphokazi Malinga is intentional about her role at eNCA, ensuring that women’s sports are reported with the same level of urgency and professionalism as men’s to foster true gender parity in the industry. All Photos: Supplied

Highlighting a range of sports codes, Malinga connects with a broad audience towards a future where female athletes are positioned as a priority.

Drawing inspiration from trailblazers like Carol Tshabalala, Malinga aims to become a leading global voice dedicated to mentoring the next generation.

#gsportNewsletter Driven by a passion for human stories, eNCA’s Siphokazi Malinga is dedicated to transforming the media landscape by giving women’s sport the professional spotlight and consistent coverage it deserves
#MediaEdition
gsport.co.za/siphokazi-ma...

TGR Haas Team race engineer Laura Mueller and Red Bull Racing principal strategy engineer Hannah Schmitz are to be honoured when the Albert Park Circuit’s Turn 6 will be named after them for their contributions to FI, in the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season starter in Australia on International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026. All Photos: Supplied

Hannah Schmitz is known to have been influential in the Red Bull’s squad’s successes in their 2022 and 2023 campaigns.

#gsportNewsletter A landmark moment arrives at the Australian Grand Prix as Turn 6 is named after engineers Laura Mueller and Hannah Schmitz for the In Her Corner initiative, celebrating women in motorsport on International Women’s Day
#IWD26 #gsportGlobal
gsport.co.za/fi-engineeri...

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! The #gsportGlobal Edition of the #gsportNewsletter: Young Indian cricketer Madhura Babar’s extraordinary story; Tezna Abrahams strong ahead of #IWD26; F1 honours engineering icons; and Dame Valerie Adams humbled at World Athletics appointment - Subscribe: mailchi.mp/gsport.co.za...

South African sportswomen continue to perform at the highest level, and 2026 promises more world-class achievements. Lindiwe Mchunu aims to refine her technical ability, strengthen her competitive mindset, and consistently perform at an elite standard. All Photos: Supplied

Esihle Zondo, a rising waterpolo star competing on the international circuit, is focused on keeping on playing in Europe.

Esports star Jayna Bhula advises youngsters to believe in themselves, and not to wait for the perfect moment to action their love for sport.

#gsportNewsletter From waterpolo pools to the powerlifting platform and the esports arena, South African athletes Esihle Zondo, Lindiwe Mchunu, and Jayna Bhula are geared for an exceptional 2026 as they pursue world-class achievements
#20YearsOfgsport
gsport.co.za/how-elite-so...

‘Surfing is my life,’ says Danielle Powis as she begins her new role as General Manager of Surfing South Africa. With decades of experience in the sport, she is well-suited to this position. As her next chapter commences, she is intent on giving the sport the much-needed scope it deserves. Photos: Supplied

Stepping into her new role, Powis brings a wealth of competitive experience and administrative expertise to Surfing South Africa.

Powis intends to fostering an inclusive environment that empowers women and girls, ensuring the ocean remains accessible to all.

#gsportNewsletter Newly appointed GM of Surfing South Africa, decorated competitor Danielle Powis intends to use her lifelong grit to professionalise the sport, dismantle barriers for women, and ensure the next generation has the support to thrive
#LeadershipEdition
gsport.co.za/incoming-sur...

You've got mail! It's the #LeadershipEdition of the #gsportNewsletter: SA Rugby empowers next gen of elite coaches; Andisiwe Mgcoyi’s journey in leadership and the future of women’s football; and Trailblazing ref Aimee Barrett-Theron for a career milestone - Subscribe free mailchi.mp/gsport.co.za...

After a stellar 2025, 16-year-old swimming sensation Kylie de Bruyn is diving into a bright future by securing a key sponsorship deal with Neolife to support her journey toward becoming a top South African senior athlete. All Photos: Supplied

De Bruyn credits her success to consistency, discipline, and the influence of strong female role models as she represents SA at the highest levels.

De Bruyn is focused on building a career that sees her competing internationally, representing SA, and inspiring the next generation of young athletes.

#gsportNewsletter After a stellar 2025, 16-year-old swimming sensation Kylie de Bruyn is diving into a bright future by securing a key sponsorship deal with Neolife to support her journey toward becoming a top South African senior athlete #SponsorshipEdition
gsport.co.za/rising-swimm...

South African international hockey referee Annelize Rostron maintains her focus on the world stage as she prepares to bring her extensive experience to the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands. Photos: Supplied

Balancing her ‘regular’ roles as an educator and a mother, Rostron has set a powerful leadership example through her historic career.

With over 130 senior international caps, Rostron has cemented her place in the global hockey officiating community.

#gsportNewsletter Olympic ref Annelize Rostron continues her historic career as she heads to the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, proving that South African women can balance motherhood and professional excellence while serving the game at the highest level
#LeadershipEdition
gsport.co.za/annelize-ros...

Broadcast icon Carol Tshabalala is partnering with Terry-Anne Hart of Fighters Club Promotions to champion equality for women in South African boxing, ensuring they have the strategic platform and financial opportunities to achieve greatness. Photos: Supplied

Hart is transforming South African boxing by staging inclusive tournaments that provide female athletes a professional national platform.

International broadcaster Tshabalala will leverage her 20-year career to empower women and drive strategic impact within the SA boxing industry.

#gsportNewsletter Broadcast icon Carol Tshabalala is partnering with Terry-Anne Hart of Fighters Club Promotions to champion equality for women in South African boxing, ensuring they have the strategic platform and opportunities to achieve greatness
#LeadershipEdition
gsport.co.za/carol-tshaba...

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! It's the #SponsorshipEdition of the #gsportNewsletter: Monya Greyvenstein advocates for sustainable careers for Springbok Women; Read how the Kholosa Biyana Foundation is changing lives; and Rising swim star Kylie de Bruyn powers ahead - Subscribe free mailchi.mp/gsport.co.za...

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...

As a biokineticist and sports scientist, Homba Mazaleni brings a refined medical eye to her work as a sports content creator, fostering a supportive community while celebrating the exciting rise and representation of women’s sport in South Africa. All Photos: Supplied

“I’ve got a lot of my friends that are busy playing. They're doing incredibly well for the national teams as well. So it's nice to cover content of your friends, because it just feels that much more personal.”

A stake in the game: “It makes me feel like I, too, have weight and my voice actually does matter, and that our voices, especially as women, matter in this game.”

As a biokineticist and sports scientist, Homba Mazaleni brings a medical eye to her work as a sports content creator, fostering a supportive community while celebrating the exciting rise and representation of women’s sport in South Africa #gsportNewsletter
#MediaEdition
gsport.co.za/sport-meets-...

The dazzling FIFA Women’s Champions Cup Trophy was unveiled in London, and the first-ever women’s intercontinental club champions will be crowned in London on Sunday, 1 February. FIFA has announced a landmark broadcast arrangement to stream the final stage of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026. All Photos: Supplied

In an effort to make women’s football accessible and support its growth, FIFA and DAZN will stream the decisive matches free-to-view in all territories worldwide.

FIFA has announced a landmark deal with DAZN and premium broadcasters to offer free global streaming of the first-ever FIFA Women’s Champions Cup final stage in London, ensuring fans global access to this historic event
#gsportNewsletter
#MediaEdition
gsport.co.za/fifa-announc...

Laura Wolvaardt, captain of the Proteas women’s team, has achieved superstar status and if 2025 is anything to go by, we can expect another big year for the leader of the South Africa side. She is currently the world’s top-ranked One Day International batter, scoring 571 runs, including two centuries in the semi-final and final at the recent Women’s Cricket World Cup in India. All Photos: Cricket South Africa

On captaincy: ”Obviously, when I started, I hadn't had much experience in captaincy at all. I was sort of just a batter. I didn't really think about the game as more than you know, from a batting point of view."

“I’ve learned to feel the game a bit better, knowing when's the right time to bowl people, when's the right time to sort of build a bit of pressure, when's the right time to let the game stretch out.”

Proteas captain and world-leading ODI batter Laura Wolvaardt enters 2026 in peak form, which she credits to a matured tactical mindset and international experience that have enhanced her impact ahead of the T20 World Cup
#gsportNewsletter
#BackToSchoolEdition
gsport.co.za/proteas-capt...

Although the year has just begun, Violet Semenya is already advancing her career. The 2025 Ministerial Award recipient at the gsport Awards is currently in the USA as part of the coaching team for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, scheduled for Saturday, 10 January 2026. Photo: Athletics South Africa

Semenya was a Ministerial Recognition of Excellence Award winner at the 2025 gsport Awards in Johannesburg, in August last year. Photo: Paul Mukwevho / gsport

Semenya lifts Glenrose Xaba into the air in Tallahassee, Florida, where the SA Cross Country champ finished in the top 10 globally. Photo: Athletics South Africa

gsport Ministerial Award recipient Violet Semenya kicked off 2026 by coaching Team SA to the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in the USA, a milestone that reflects her years of hard work and commitment to South African athletics #gsportNewsletter
#BackToSchool
gsport.co.za/ministerial-...

Shreeya Mahadeo, a 15-year-old chess sensation and soon-to-be Grade 11 pupil at Durban Girls College, utilises her holidays to gain a competitive edge. All Photos: Supplied

Hadiya Carrim, a badminton champion transitioning from Durban Girls College to the University of KwaZulu-Natal, views preparation as key.

12-year-old Irene Banda has taken the Esports world by storm as South Africa’s top-ranked female Clash Royale player.

Shreeya Mahadeo, Irene Banda, and Hadiya Carrim will apply the same rigour to their 2026 studies as they do to their sport, proving that methodical preparation and visualisation are keys to balancing elite performance with academic success #gsportNewsletter
#BackToSchool
gsport.co.za/how-our-next...