Proteas Women 
captain Laura Wolvaardt was named Athlete of the Year at the 2026 gsport Awards, leading a strong showing by South African women’s cricket.
The 21st gsport Awards, held recently at the Wanderers Club in Illovo, Johannesburg, celebrated women who are excelling both on and off the field. A total of 28 awards were presented, recognising athletes, coaches, administrators, media professionals and other contributors to women’s sport.
Africa’s longest-running celebration of women in sport attracted nearly 475 public nominations across 20 categories. Finalists were selected by an independent judging panel, while winners were determined through a national public vote.
Wolvaardt received the evening’s top individual honour after helping South Africa reach the 2025 World Cup final. She also scored a T20 International century off just 47 balls against India, equalling the record for the most centuries in women’s international cricket with her 17th international hundred.
The Proteas Women were named Team of the Year after reaching consecutive World Cup finals and recording a series victory over India in April 2026.
Their head coach, Mandla Mashimbyi, received the Coach of the Year award, while Cricket South Africa was named Federation of the Year. The organisation was recognised for securing standalone corporate partnerships for the Hollywoodbets Pro20 and Pro50 leagues and for advancing women’s representation in its leadership and coaching structures.
Other cricket winners included Proteas spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, who was named Style Star of the Year. Camera operator Hlobisile Khumalo received the Public Choice Award, while statistician and broadcaster Sue Abbott received a Special Recognition Award for her contribution to women’s cricket over three decades.
The awards also celebrated one of South Africa’s football greats. Banyana Banyana legend Portia Modise became the 21st inductee into the gsport Hall of Fame. Modise, the first African footballer to score 100 international goals, retired with 102 goals to her name.
Among the younger stars recognised were footballer Katleho Malebana, who won School Sports Star of the Year, and sprinter Joviale Mbisha, who received the Emerging Athlete of the Year award.
The winners reflected the growing strength and visibility of women’s sport in South Africa and the important role played by athletes, coaches, administrators and supporters in creating opportunities for future generations.
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