2023 has been a year to remember for women’s sport, and some have also been busy with off-field pursuits. Several women in sport, including Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis, Caster Semenya, and soccer star Thembi Kgatlana, have had books published this year. With a few days left until Christmas, gsport has put together a list of books about sportswomen and women in sport that could give you an idea for a late present for a loved one.
The Race To Be Myself – Caster Semenya
First on the list is the darling of not just women’s sport but sport in general in South Africa, Caster Semenya. The book delves into what she has gone through on and off the track. She takes you back to how life started for her and how her athletics journey began. The two-time Olympic gold medalist, also delves into her very publicised battle in athletics that led her to be banned from the sport. She also discusses her ongoing legal battle that has seen her at the centre of a debate when it comes to gender and sport. Semenya tells her story with the utmost conviction and also adds humour. The book is a must-read and will leave you feeling inspired.
Price: R330
Magic – Desiree Ellis, From Salt River to the 2023 World Cup
It seems there is nothing Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis can’t do. Having again proved her excellence on the field she also released a book this year. We all know that Ellis started her career as a player for Banyana Banyana but it was at a time when women’s sport was seen more as a hobby than a job. Despite this, she managed to soar in her soccer career. The book takes a look at Ellis’s football past which began on the streets of Salt River, a well-known neighbourhood in Cape Town and it’s also where she got her nickname ‘Magic’. But with the backing of her parents as well as family, Desiree was able to excel and become the footballing talent she is known as today.
Price: R350
Girls Don’t Do That – Thembi Kgatlana
Next up we have the Banyana Banyana’s star Thembi Kgatlana’s offering. This isn’t her first book as she has already released her autobiography called Strike a Rock – The Thembi Kgatlana Story in 2021. Her latest work is for the younger generation and those that are between the ages of 6-10 years old. Girls Don’t Do That looks at how Kgatlana knew from a young age she wanted to be a soccer player and dreamed of playing for the national team. This is where the title comes in as she was always told ‘Girls don’t do That’. Safe to say Kgatlana has proved her doubters wrong and hopes to inspire the next generation of young footballers who harbour dreams of playing the sport. The book is also available in four languages, Afrikaans, English, isiZulu, and isiXhosa.
Price: R140
The Matilda Effect – Fiona Crawford
This year was a lot year to remember for the Australian Women’s national team. This book looks at the rise of the Australian Women’s National Team who emerged as a surprise package as co-hosts of the Women’s Soccer World Cup this year. Many teams were banned from women’s football but there was a change in the 1970 when more countries allowed women to participate in the sport. Women then took part in various invitational tournaments until the first official World Cup in 1991. The book looks at how Australian women have finally found their place in women’s football but also focuses on how the game has grown, tackling gender equality as well as looking at the positive change in the sport.
Price: R345
Photo caption: 2023 has been a year to remember for women’s sport, and some have also been busy with off-field pursuits. Several women in sport, including Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis, Caster Semenya, and soccer star Thembi Kgatlana, have had books published this year. With a few days left until Christmas, gsport has put together a list of books about sportswomen and women in sport that could give you an idea for a late present for a loved one. Photo: Caster Semenya on X
(0 rating, 0 votes, rated)
Loading...
