The competition for the Telkom Woman of the Year award is fierce, with formidable finalists vying for recognition at the 2023 Momentum gsport Awards.
Banyana Banyana’s goalkeeper Andile Dlamini is facing strong competition from golf icon Ashleigh Buhai and powerhouse Natasha Petersen in the prestigious award category.
Dlamini, a celebrated footballer, returns as a finalist again this year in the category. Her impact extends beyond the pitch, encompassing music, philanthropy, and ambassadorial roles, reflecting her commitment to giving back.
From securing the WAFCON 2022 Goalkeeper of the Tournament accolade, to garnering gongs including the People’s Choice Awards at SA Sports Awards and Sports Person of the Year at AUSC Region 5 Awards, Dlamini exemplifies a genuine role model.
“It feels absolutely amazing to be a finalist again for the Telkom Woman of the Year. It means so much to me, I’m just overwhelmed. I’m just grateful to the fans, grateful to my teammates, technical team, the owner of Mamelodi Sundowns, the chairman, everybody that supports Andile Dlamini, especially the fans,” Dlamini expressed.
“Thank you so much for your love and support. And my parents, my family, my friends thank you so much. For the opportunity to be nominated again from the Momentum gsport Awards, I don’t know how to express myself, I am over the moon yet so emotional. I’m grateful, grateful to God for every opportunity that he gives me.
“This means so much to me because I don’t win alone, I win for the whole entire continent. For that tittle young girl that looks up to me not only lives in South Africa but lives in Africa. That little boy as well that looks up to me everywhere in Africa. When I win I win with a whole lot of people, so this is just a cherry on top to say that Andile you’re stepping into the right direction, keep on working hard.”
Featuring alongside Dlamini is a renowned events and logistics manager, who has played a major role in ensuring global showpieces take the world by storm.
Petersen’s brilliance in the sports industry is truly remarkable. Fuelled by her unwavering dedication and the insights gained from a career deeply rooted in sports, she has shone as a key member of the events teams for three major World Cups within a single year, the FIFA Men’s World Cup, ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, and FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Her unrelenting pursuit of excellence serves as a powerful source of inspiration for everyone in the field.
“Wow, I have been thinking about this for the last few days and either than my family, I haven’t really told anybody about this. I’ve been doing something and suddenly it pops in my mind and I’m like listen girl you’re not there but it’s cool you’re in the mix. I’m in tears, it’s like twenty odd years to get to this point or this acknowledgement for the journey. I’m meant to do more, I have this feeling. If all of this had happened five years ago, ten years ago I don’t know if I would have been ready for it but I am so ready to embrace the journey,” Petersen explained.
Buhai, South Africa’s women’s golf icon concludes the list. She has solidified her legacy through a series of impressive victories. She triumphed in prestigious events like the British Women’s Open, Australian Women’s Open, Investec SA Women’s Open, and the LPGA Shoprite Classic.
Beyond her individual success, Buhai’s mentorship of the GolfRSA Women National Squad showcases her unwavering commitment to fostering the growth and advancement of the sport.
“I am incredibly honoured to be a finalist in the Telkom Woman of the Year category alongside two iconic South African women in Andile Dlamini and Natasha Petersen,” revealed Buhai.
“I want to applaud gsport, Momentum and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture for their incredible investment in women’s sport and for recognising not only the best of the best, but everyone who contributes to the success of our athletes.
“It means the world to me to be recognised for my achievements by my peers at these prestigious awards. I am passionate about growing women’s sport, especially women’s golf, and I hope this nomination encourages young girls to take up the game at home.”
Head over to gsport.co.za/voting to vote for your favourite in the Telkom Woman of the Year category until midnight on Thursday, 31 August 2023.
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