The gsport Awards has unveiled the finalists for its milestone 20th edition, recognising South Africa’s top achievers in women’s sport across 20 categories. Public voting for the awards has now closed, with winners to be revealed at a ceremony on a date yet to be confirmed at the time of publication.
In the flagship Athlete of the Year category, 800 m star Prudence Sekgodiso, Olympic silver medallist Jo-Ané van Dyk, and Proteas cricket captain Laura Wolvaardt will battle for top honours. Sekgodiso made history with South Africa’s first women’s indoor world title, Van Dyk impressed with record-breaking throws in Paris, and Wolvaardt led her side to the T20 World Cup final.
Para Sport Star nominees include Wimbledon wheelchair tennis champion Kgothatso Montjane, Paralympic discus gold medallist Simoné Kruger, and decorated swimmer Kat Swanepoel.
Rising talents Annerie Dercksen, Karabo More, and Louise Lepront compete for Emerging Athlete, while the School Sport Star shortlist features lifesaving champion Eve Abrahams, junior golf standout Gia Raad, and teenage footballer Rethabile Molefe.
The Telkom Woman of the Year finalists are rugby leader Akhona Poswayo, surfing trailblazer Dr Roxy Davis, and women’s boxing advocate Colleen McAusland.
Behind the scenes, Woman in PR & Sponsorship contenders Bronwyn Roets, Retha Ingenbleek, and Jessica Porter are recognised, while Woman in Social Media finalists Potso Aphane, Stephanie Mawdsley, and Amanda Msimango have been lauded for their digital influence.
In broadcasting, Rachel Makhura, Oarabile Diphoko, and Mahlodi Ranku vie for Woman in Radio, while Gloria Brown, Layla Arrison, and Vusiwe Ngcobo are nominated for Woman in TV. Woman in Print features Mpumi Manyisi, Sinovuyo Ndudane, and Palesa “Deejay” Manaleng.
Top coaches Dillon du Preez, Andries Kruger, and Violet Semenya contest Coach of the Year. Special Recognition honours go to Robin de Kock, Bonita van Jaarsveldt, and Taryn de Winnaar.
The Style Star of the Year category pits Proteas cricketer Nonkululeko Mlaba against media personality Zanele Potelwa and Banyana Banyana’s Thalea Smidt. Supporter of the Year finalists are Madeleine Khunou, Kholosa Biyana, and Proteas men’s captain Temba Bavuma.
In team accolades, Team of the Year nominees are the Proteas Women’s Cricket team, SA Junior Women’s Hockey, and the SA Proteas Counter-Strike Women’s Esports team.
The African Woman in Sport category recognises Botswana’s Dorothy Okatch, Zimbabwe’s Monica Mkandla, and South Africa’s Tasha Mentasti. Inverroche Global Woman in Sport finalists are Proteas cricket star Chloe Tryon, rugby referee Aimee Barrett-Theron, and broadcaster Julia Stuart.
Volunteerism is celebrated with Volunteer of the Year nominees Juanita Jacobs, Kagiso Musi, and Brenda Marolen. Federations shortlisted for Federation of the Year are Cricket South Africa, Surfing South Africa, and Athletics South Africa.
The Sponsor of the Year category honours FNB, Investec, and Bidvest for their backing of women’s sport.
Established in 2006, the gsport Awards aim to raise the profile of women’s sport in South Africa and celebrate those advancing gender equality in the sector. This year’s finalists reflect achievements across elite competition, grassroots development, media, and administration, with the 20th edition marking two decades of recognising excellence.
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