It goes without saying that women in sports rarely get the media coverage they deserve.
It is the sad reality that encompasses the careers of millions globally and when it eventually crosses their paths, it is in small, tiny bits and only when they have amassed stupendous achievements that will stand out on their own regardless is when the coverage is somewhat in respectable numbers.
This is why a particular incident in 2019 further inspired me to continue shining a light on young girls and women that even with so little resources within their reach never give up hope and continue dreaming big.
In the leadup to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, Sasol – a core sponsor of women’s football in South Africa for over a decade orchestrated a nationwide campaign that would see anyone buying fuel at petrol stations enter a raffle draw to win tickets to the global showpiece.
On this particular occasion, this very kind pump attendant mentioned to a client that she would stand a prestigious chance to enter this rather rare opportunity to go and cheer the Banyana Banyana at their first ever World Cup appearance.
The client politely responded saying that she was going to be in France for the World Cup. The pump attendant insisted! What the latter did not know was that she was speaking to Janine van Wyk – the captain of South Africa at the time! In fact, Van Wyk was the most capped South African player ever – female or male!
Incidents like this are a quick reminder that a lot more needs to be done to cover women in sports. This means more television coverage and more than ever a very dedicated social media presence that will ensure young girls and women are celebrated.
It is very important to note that Van Wyk has blonde hair and looks like a twin to Megan Rapinoe! Well, you can’t blame me for that suggestion. It’s true though. Check this out!
Well, this space is here to celebrate women in sports globally.
If you are curious about the name, well, I used this hashtag on Twitter during the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics that happened in the summer of 2021 to celebrate especially Africa women that were excelling at the world’s biggest sporting event.
For these girls and women, this is the stage where dreams come true, and it was my absolute honor to highlight their success stories from which many drew inspiration.
So, let’s do this! Let’s make some magic here!