Excitement is peaking as the gsport Awards approach. Before the main event, another celebration awaits. On Friday, 29 August 2025, the gsport Hall of Fame luncheon will take place, where women in sport from past years gather and Hall of Famers are recognised for their contributions.
Former Springbok Women’s captain Mandisa Williams was 2025’s inductee. She made her international debut back in 2004 and made sure to build a lasting legacy, both on and off the pitch.
These days, Williams now graces our screens as an analyst with the current Women’s Rugby World Cup underway in England.
The former Bulls Daisies assistant coach admitted she was shocked to learn she would join the esteemed list of women last year.
“I was in disbelief… for many reasons, I thought the Hall of Fame was for a particular group of women or former athletes. I soaked it all in when I received the gorgeous invitation. Honestly, it was an incredible moment and one that resurrected my name.”
2022 gsport Hall of Famer, Mandisa Williams
Williams had this message for the 2025 gsport Hall of Fame Inductee: “Enjoy your special accolade and never let anyone steal your spotlight, and work to create a safe space for women athletes. A luta continua!”
Marian Marescia was inducted into the gsport Hall of Fame in 2022. Known for her contribution to hockey during South Africa’s years of isolation, and as the mother of former South African Women’s hockey captain, Marsha Cox, Marescia continues to give back to the hockey community.
Marescia played under SACOS, the South African Council on Sport, during apartheid. This non-racial sports federation allowed athletes of colour who were excluded by the laws then to participate and compete in sport. As a result, much of what the former hockey player and coach achieved was not fully recognised at the time.
“This recognition meant so much to me as a hockey player and coach from the days of when our country was in isolation, that all the dedication and hard work carried out without social media had been acknowledged.”
2022 gsport Hall of Famer, Marian Marescia
She also shared how gsport has made a substantial impact on the lives of past and present sportswomen, with huge differences being acknowledged.
“The recognition of women who drive change in women’s sport – advocacy and leadership, coaching and administrative roles, fan-based initiatives to increase sponsorship, cultural transformation, and, of course, inspiring all athletes to bolster the realm of women’s sports. We are privileged as South African Sportswomen to have Kass Naidoo and her team for all that they do to recognise and honour these sportswomen.”
GSPORT Hall of Fame
2006 – Penny Heyns
2007 – Hazel Gumede
2008 – Elana Meyer
2009 – Desiree Ellis
2010 – Motlatsi Keikabile
2011 – Dorothy Tsotsobe
2012 – Muditambi Ravele
2013 – Frith van der Merwe
2014 – Tinky Pringle
2015 – Natalie du Toit
2016 – Cheryl Roberts
2017 – Vicky Masuku
2018 – Thelma Achilles
2019 – Odessa Swarts
2020 – Dudu Msane
2021 – Jane Bramley
2022 – Marian Marescia
2023 – Blanche Moila
2024 – Mandisa Williams
Main Photo caption: Excitement is peaking with the gsport Awards just days away, but a very distinguished celebration precedes the big celebration on Saturday: On Friday, 29 August, a luncheon attended by among South Africa’s most distinguished women in sport will be gathered to welcome the 2025 gsport Hall of Fame inductee.
Photo 2 caption: 2024 gsport Hall of Famer, Mandisa Williams;“Enjoy your special accolade and never let anyone steal your spotlight, and work to create a safe space for women athletes. A luta continua!”
Photo 3 caption: 2022 gsport Hall of Famer, Marian Marescia shared how gsport has made a substantial impact on the lives of past and present sportswomen, with huge differences being acknowledged.
