As women’s sport continues to grow in scale, visibility, and commercial value, the role of the Master of Ceremonies has become increasingly central to how these moments are experienced and remembered.
gsport, Africa’s leading women’s sport media platform, has today released its Top 10 Sports MCs to Book in 2026, recognising professionals who bring credibility, preparation, and authority to women’s sport stages.
Last published in 2021, the updated list reflects how women’s sport events have evolved over the past five years. From intimate gatherings to major conferences, awards ceremonies, and leadership platforms that demand skilled, informed facilitators.
“These MCs understand that hosting women’s sport events is not about performance, but presence,” said gsport Founder Kass Naidoo.
“They shape tone, guide conversation, and ensure women’s sport is presented with the respect it deserves.”
Beyond stage presence, the MCs featured in the 2026 list emphasise preparation, authenticity, and audience connection as defining standards of the role.
gsport Top 10 MC Geraldine Pillay-Viret notes: “A great MC is not the star of the show, they make the stars shine brighter. Be prepared, stay calm, speak with warmth, and keep the energy alive.”
For Courtnae Paul, adaptability and confidence are essential: “I prepare properly, read the room, and lead with confidence. If things go wrong, I keep moving – that’s part of the job. And above all, I enjoy it. If I’m having fun, the room will too.”
Rising voices echo the same emphasis on preparation. Sinethemba Mbatha adds: “Be yourself. Don’t try to emulate anyone you look up to. Understand your audience, respect your craft, and believe in yourself. Nerves often come from a lack of preparation, and it shows!”
The #gsportTop10 series forms part of gsport’s ongoing commitment to recognising the professionals who influence how women’s sport is presented, valued, and understood.
#20YearsOfgsport
gsport Top 10 Sports MCs to Book in 2026
Cato Louw
A composed and credible presence, Louw brings journalistic precision and calm authority to women’s sport stages where insight and professionalism matter.
Courtnae Paul
A confident, contemporary MC with global polish, Paul excels in high-energy environments, while maintaining strong editorial control.
Geraldine Pillay-Viret
A respected Olympian whose gravitas and institutional knowledge elevate events and platforms that advance sport, leadership, and academics.
Jessica Mushhavathu
A growing media voice who brings cultural intelligence, authenticity, and strong audience connection to women’s sport conversations.
Karabo Mokgalagadi
A natural connector across sport and community, Mokgalagadi thrives in inclusive, development-focused sport spaces and brings enthusiasm to any environment she works in.
Lonwabo Miso
A journalist-led MC known for thoughtful storytelling and the ability to hold space for meaningful women’s sport narratives, often under pressure in live TV environments.
Phumeza Langa
Warm, engaging, and aware of what is required to keep an event engaging, Langa brings relatability and professionalism to awards, communications, and women-centred events.
Sinethemba Mbatha
A confident rising voice in women’s sport media, representing the next generation of informed, purpose-driven MCs, particularly in the world of football.
Vusiwe Ngcobo
Versatile and assured, the vastly experienced Ngcobo navigates leadership, governance, and sport conversations with clarity and confidence, leaning on her years of live TV anchoring under pressure to deliver at the highest level.
Xoli Zondo
Dynamic and media-savvy, Zondo combines energy with control, making her a standout for high-profile sport platforms. Her ability to instantly connect with her audience and engage across sporting codes puts her in a unique category of hosts.
Main Photo Caption: Cato Louw counts among the 10 MCs chosen by gsport as a celebration of the vital role of professional facilitators in the industry’s ongoing growth by announcing its Top 10 Sports MCs to Book in 2026, recognising individuals who bring credibility, authority, and preparation to their work. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: gsport Top 10 MC Geraldine Pillay-Viret notes: “A great MC is not the star of the show, they make the stars shine brighter.”
Photo 3 Caption: Sinethemba Mbatha says: “Be yourself. Don’t try to emulate anyone you look up to!”
