South Africa’s Andile Dlamini, Jessica Nkomo, Kgothatso Montjane and Samantha Wright are double finalists in a high-powered as the gsport initiative unveils the 2023 Momentum gsport Awards shortlist.
The 18th edition of Africa’s longest running women’s sport recognition platform is endorsed by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, and backed by leading insurance and financial advisory services, Momentum, as naming rights partner.
Dlamini’s inclusion in the Momentum Athlete of the Year and Telkom Woman of the Year categories comes on the back of an incredible performance for Banyana Banyana at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where she earned the Goalkeeper of the Tournament accolade.
Alongside Dlamini contesting for the Momentum Athlete of the Year award is ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 leading run scorer, Laura Wolvaardt and South Africa’s swimming sensation, Lara van Niekerk, who will be aiming to defend her crown.
Joining Dlamini in the Telkom Woman of the Year category, South African golf history maker, Ashleigh Buhai, who continues to positively impact the sport on the international scene after a milestone achievement at the Women’s British Open.
Concluding the category is events and logistics manager, Natasha Petersen, who has made waves across the globe, delivering high-profile events such as the FIFA Men’s World Cup, ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and FIFA Women’s World Cup.
There’s double glory for the most celebrated athlete on the gsport stage, Kgothatso Montjane, who features in the Brand SA Para Sport Star of the Year and Global Woman in Sport categories.
In 2023, Montjane has broken barriers winning her first Grand Slam title at the French Open in the wheelchair doubles category. She then went on to win in the same category at the French Riviera Open.
Also featured for honours for the Para Sport Star accolade is Charlene Pienaar, who made history as South Africa’s first female disabled golfer to lift a world championship title and Simoné Kruger, who set a new F38 Discus World Record at the Para Athletics World Championships in Paris.
While, in the Global Woman in Sport, Montjane is up against ICC Commercial Partnerships Assistant Manager, Leila Steyn-Daku and SuperSport’s Executive Producer, Hendrien Grove.
Returning to defend her title in the DP WORLD African Woman in Sport award is FIFA-accredited referee, Akhona Makalima, who is up against current World Record holder for the 1500m, mile, and 5000m, Faith Kipyegon and Malawian professional footballer, Tabitha Chawinga, who plays as a forward for Italian Serie A club Inter Milan.
Double gold Commonwealth Youth Games winner, Alicia Khunou is contesting for the SuperSport School Sports Star of the Year, alongside renowned junior tennis player, Kaitlyn Ramduth and rising netballer, Karla Victor.
The Nielsen Sports South Africa Sponsor of the Year lauds brands who put women’s sport first and will be contested by reigning award winners Hollywoodbets for backing women’s football in the country, Sasol as headline sponsors of Banyana Banyana and SPAR for their investment in netball, hockey and athletics.
In the media categories, Football anchor, Julia Stuart battles it out against SABC duo, Xoli Zondo and Vusiwe Ngcobo for the SuperSport Woman in Television award.
Leading a dynamic Mail & Guardian Woman in Print category is iDiski Times football writer, Lethabo Kganyago, News24’s Lynn Butler and para-sport journalist, Palesa DeeJay Manaleng
The Woman in Social Media category features reigning champion, Jessica Nkomo, eSports gamer and creator, Samantha (Tech Girl) Wright and rising social media manager, Valencia Seshoene.
Contesting for honours in the Woman in Radio category, Radio 2000’s Rachel Makhura is up against Kaya FM’s Oarabile Diphoko and EWN’s Tholakele Mnganga.
Nkomo also features in the fierce Woman in PR & Sponsorship category against seasoned professional, Emy Casaletti-Bwalya from Optimize Agency and Head of PR at Levergy, Jessica Porter.
Banyana Banyana’s CAF-winning coach, Desiree Ellis, Telkom Netball League Division 2 winner, Emily Mathosa and swimming coach Eugene da Ponte, battle it out for Coach of the Year.
The Emerging Athlete of the Year, which recognises athletes excelling at national and provincial level will be contested by leading junior golfer, Kyra van Kan, SA U19 Vice-Captain, Madison Landsman and two-time SA national track athlete champion, Prudence Sekgodiso.
Cricket South Africa, Netball SA and GolfRSA, are recognised for their work to raise the profile of women in sport as finalists in Federation of the Year category.