Women’s participation in sports has come a long way since the early days of female athletes. It has increased from 25% in 2014 to 35% in 2019. Women’s representation in sports leadership positions has increased from 15% in 2014 to 25% in 2019. From being barred from competition to dominating the world stage, women have proven themselves to be powerful, talented and dedicated athletes.
Busisiwe Cindy Masango-Steenkamp’s sports career began in 2003 when she started playing football. She took up EA FC or FIFA in 2007, showing her early interest in gaming. By 2016, she was playing for JVW, and in 2019, she joined Luso Africa in the Sasol League. The same year, she founded her sports company, Bring the Ball. The company is involved in various aspects of the sports industry, including PR, scouting, and player management services. It aims to support women’s football and help young athletes pursue opportunities, such as overseas scholarships and professional development. “Bring the Ball” has also been active in expanding its scouting range, covering events like the Varsity Women’s Football Cup. Busisiwe’s vision for the company is to integrate it into the broader sports community, providing opportunities and visibility for women in sports.
In 2022, Busisiwe broke new ground by becoming the first female in Southern Africa to sign as a professional esports athlete under FIFA with Goliath Gaming. She represented South Africa in Switzerland at the FIFAe Fame Her Game event. Her achievements earned her recognition in 2023 as a recipient of the Mail and Guardian 200 Young South African Awards in Sports. She has also worked with Borussia Dortmund eFootball, further establishing her influence in the sports and esports industry. “don’t be afraid to make mistakes in your journey because you fear what other people will think or say about you” She says.
The following are career paths and opportunities aimed to empower women in sports, promote gender equality, and challenge stereotypes.
- Athlete/Player
- Professional leagues (WNBA, NWSL, NWHL, etc.)
- International competitions (Olympics, World Cups, etc.)
- Collegiate sports
- Coaching/Training
- Team coach or assistant coach
- A personal trainer or fitness coach
- Sports scientist or biomechanist
- Sports Administration
- League commissioner or president
- Team general manager or owner
- Sports marketing or sponsorship manager
- Media/Broadcasting
- Sports journalist or reporter
- Commentator or analyst
- Sports broadcaster or podcaster
- Sports Science/Medicine
- Sports psychologist or mental performance coach
- Athletic trainer or physical therapist
- Sports nutritionist or dietitian
- Entrepreneurship
- Starting a sports-related business
- Creating a sports product or innovation
- Developing a sports app or platform
- Advocacy/Activism
- Promoting gender equality in sports
- Advocating for women’s sports initiatives
- Challenging stereotypes and biases
- Education/Training
- Teaching sports management or marketing
- Developing sports programs or curriculum
- Leading sports workshops or clinics
- Community Development
- Creating community sports programs
- Empowering women and girls through sports
- Developing sports outreach initiatives
- Research/Development
- Conducting sports research or studies
- Developing new sports technologies
- Improving sports equipment or safety
By Nokukhanya Moloi
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