2025 was the year of women in sport - these wins prove it
Middle-distance runner Prudence Sekgodiso.
Image: Instagram/Prudence Sekgodiso
In 2025, South African women and teams left a strong mark on the sporting world through international success, professional achievements and advocacy for gender equity.
Their performances across multiple disciplines highlighted both talent and perseverance.
The Springbok Women inspired a nation in 2025 by reaching the quarter-final of the Rugby World Cup for the first time.
Image: BackpagePix
Springbok Women
The Springbok Women's 15s team made history at the 2025 Rugby World Cup. They secured their first tournament win since 2010 and reached the quarter-finals for the first time.
The campaign began with a 66-6 victory over tournament debutants Brazil, marking their first World Cup win in 15 years. In their second pool match, a 29-24 win against Italy ensured their place in the knockout stages and moved South Africa into the world’s top ten rankings for the first time.
The team’s journey ended in the quarter-finals with a 46-17 loss to six-time world champions New Zealand. Despite the defeat, the Springbok Women finished the tournament with a 50% success rate and a record 19 tries.
Paralympic athlete Simoné Kruger defended her F38 discus world title this year.
Image: Instagram/Simoné Kruger
Simoné Kruger
Paralympic athlete Simoné Kruger defended her F38 discus world title this year. She received the Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability award and the overall Youth and Junior Sport Star of the Year at the South African Sports Awards.
Kruger, born with cerebral palsy, competes in F38 discus and shot put events. She debuted internationally at 14 and has become a multiple-time world champion and world record holder in discus.
In March 2025, Kruger also won the Zanele Situ Trophy for the best overall performance at the Winelands International Para Athletics Championships.
Footballer Thembi Kgatlana played a decisive role for Banyana Banyana.
Image: BACKPAGEPIX
Thembi Kgatlana
Footballer Thembi Kgatlana played a decisive role for Banyana Banyana. She scored the winning goal in the qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo, securing the team’s place in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
In addition to her national team success, Kgatlana won the Liga MX Femenil Apertura 2025 title with her club, Tigres UANL.
Middle-distance runner Prudence Sekgodiso.
Image: Instagram/Prudence Sekgodiso
Prudence Sekgodiso
Middle-distance runner Prudence Sekgodiso won the gold medal in the Women’s 800m at the World Indoor Championships.
She was named the GSport Athlete of the Year in recognition of her performance.
South African retired swimmer Tatjana Smith.
Image: Michael Sherman/IOL Sport
Tatjana Smith
Retired swimmer Tatjana Smith, née Schoenmaker, was honoured at the 2025 South African Sports Awards for her career.
She received the overall Sports Star of the Year and the Sportswoman of the Year awards.
Smith retired following the Paris 2024 Olympics, leaving behind a legacy of competitive success and inspiration for future generations of swimmers.
Referee Akhona Makalima.
Image: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Akhona Makalima
Referee Akhona Makalima continues to break barriers in South African football. She officiated the Carling Knockout Cup final between Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants on Saturday, December 6.
This made her the first female referee to lead a major men’s final in South African football.
The match went into extra time, with Orlando Pirates winning 1-0. Analysts praised her handling of key decisions, including a controversial yellow card.
Beyond her officiating, Makalima mentors future referees, promoting greater gender representation in football officiating.