Speaking after she was crowned Telkom Woman of the Year at the glitzy bash on Saturday, 30 August 2025, Akhona Ngcobondwana says winning a gsport Award is more than just recognition, it’s a reminder that the work she is doing matters.
Ngcobondwana has made meaningful contributions to Ellis Park and to the Lions Rugby women’s team. Her vision has seen her elevate women’s rugby via operational leadership and digital storytelling, creating new pathways for young women in stadium management and strengthening visibility for the women’s game.
She has trained young women in event operation, and has done extensive work in sponsorship and setting a benchmark in sport management.
She shared some of her time with gsport, where Ngcobondwana reflected on her gsport Award win and spoke about her hopes for the future.
It’s been a few days since your gsport Award win. Has the experience begun to feel real?
“To be honest, it still feels so surreal. Every now and then, I catch myself replaying that moment, and it fills me with such gratitude and joy. It’s slowly sinking in, but I think it will always feel special no matter how much time passes.”
What does this gsport Award mean to you?
“This Award means so much more than just recognition. It’s a reminder that the work I’m doing matters, and that women in sport, whether on the field or behind the scenes, are being seen and celebrated.”
“It’s both an honour and a responsibility to continue paving the way for others.”
Did you ever think that you would be a winner on the gsport stage?
“I honestly didn’t. I’ve always focused on putting in the work and serving my purpose, so being celebrated on the gsport stage is beyond what I imagined. It feels like a beautiful confirmation that when you stay true to your path, the right doors open.”
How are you hoping your gsport Award will bring you more success in your career?
“I believe this recognition will open new opportunities, partnerships, and platforms for me to grow and to amplify my work even further. More than anything, I hope it gives me the chance to inspire the next generation of women in sport and create more visibility for the incredible talent around us.”
What does it mean to you that gsport has recognised you for all the amazing work you’ve done?
“It means the world. gsport is such a powerful platform that has consistently uplifted and created space for women’s stories to shine.”
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“To be recognised by an organisation that has dedicated itself to championing women in sport is deeply affirming and motivates me to keep pushing boundaries.”
Are there any new exciting projects that you are currently working on?
“Currently, I’m simply trying to bring back life to the stadium by trying to bring in new events, which has been challenging, but I am grateful for the opportunity to have a go at it.”
What advice do you have for young women aspiring to take up a career like yours?
“To have the audacity to ask for what they want and go for what they want, to have no shame in asking for help, these two things will help them go far and to always remain humble and run their own race -be steady, they have all the time. There’s absolutely nothing that is ever out of reach.”
What are your career ambitions?
“My current career ambitions are to get more involved in the operational side of event hosting, to know the ins and outs of it, and hopefully be ready enough to venture out on my own. Working towards attracting the right sponsors for an event in the near future.”
Main Photo Caption: Akhona Ngcobondwana says winning a gsport Award is more than just recognition, it’s a reminder that the work she is doing matters. She was crowned Telkom Woman of the Year at the glitzy bash on Saturday, 30 August 2025. Photo: Paul Mukwevho / gsport
Photo 2 Caption: “To be honest, it still feels so surreal. Every now and then, I catch myself replaying that moment, and it fills me with such gratitude and joy.” Photo: Sachin du Plooy Naran / gsport
Photo 3 Caption: “I believe this recognition will open new opportunities, partnerships, and platforms for me to grow and to amplify my work even further.” Photo: Sachin du Plooy Naran / gsport
Photo 4 Caption: Advice for young women? “To have the audacity to ask for what they want, and to have no shame in asking for help.” Photo: Sachin du Plooy Naran / gsport
