Over the years Mafunisa has established herself as a prominent ambassador for gsport4girls and a fervent champion of women’s sports.
The 2023 Momentum gsport4girls Awards were the epitome of fun and celebration, and one individual who played a pivotal role in making the event a resounding success is Brenda Mafunisa, who recently took home the Special Recognition Award at the ceremony.
Over the years Mafunisa has established herself as a prominent ambassador for gsport4girls and a fervent champion of women’s sports. Her unique approach to promoting women’s sports has garnered attention and accolades in Cape Town and beyond.
Brenda’s unwavering dedication to this cause has earned her the moniker “that sports girl” in Cape Town, a testament to the impact she’s been making. In a candid reflection on her role, Brenda told the DFA, “I’ve always seen myself as some kind of ambassador for gsport4girls and a champion of women’s sport.”
Being the first woman from the Northern Cape to be honoured amongst the Sheroes in sports, Brenda Mafunisa’s contribution to women in sports in South Africa has been recognised, and with over 600 nominations in her category, it was down to three finalists.
Brenda had played soccer from the tender age of seven, and her development resulted from playing for a boys soccer team. She then played for Super Falcons Ladies FC. In the Vodacom League, she was selected to represent her country on the Abantwana team. After hanging up her boots to focus on her education, she returned to the football field to play for the local team, Royal Wizards Ladies FC, competing in the Sasol League – the team won the provincial championship for four consecutive years.
“I want to dedicate this article to Rudene Hare,” said Mafunisa.
Rudene worked in the gsport4girls’ newsroom, and sadly passed away following a brief illness in Johannesburg on Tuesday, September 5.
“In the spirit of Rudene’s unwavering dedication and passion for women’s sports, let us carry her legacy forward as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that when we amplify women’s sports, we amplify the strength and resilience within every athlete and every woman who works behind the scenes, and together, we rise to greater heights,” added Mafunisa.
“I would also like to dedicate this award to all the women in sports in the Northern Cape province to continue believing in yourselves and putting in the effort to succeed. I would also like to thank the Northern Cape provincial government for the support they have shown to women in sports, and thank you to Sol Plaatje University Sport for giving me an opportunity to do what I love the most.”
