As we celebrate Mother’s Day, it’s important to acknowledge the exceptional women who not only excel in sports but also fulfil the challenging role of motherhood.
Motherhood is often deemed one of the most challenging jobs, demanding boundless patience, selflessness, and resilience.
Now, imagine adding the rigours of professional sports training, competitions, and travel to the mix. It’s a balancing act that many would find daunting, yet these incredible women take it in their stride, proving that motherhood and sports can indeed co-exist harmoniously.
From the Netball courts to the cricket stadiums, from the track to the hockey pitch, we boast a league of extraordinary mothers who shine brightly in their respective sports.
Let’s shine a light on five of South Africa’s sports supermoms to celebrate this significant day.
Karla Pretorius
Karla Pretorius, the goal defence of the SPAR Proteas, has proven that you can pursue both netball and starting a family without having to choose between them.
During the 2023 Netball World Cup, she made history by being allowed to bring her one-year-old daughter to camp, marking the first time such an arrangement occurred.
“Nowadays there are so many moms playing. We don’t want to put our sport on hold to start a family or the other way around. We still want to, while having family, continue doing our jobs.
Obviously, this is in the new netball era. I think I am the first one in South Africa, currently, to be a playing mom,” said Pretorius in an interview with SuperSport.com.
Pretorius was the player of the tournament at the 2019 Netball World Cup in Liverpool, England, and in 2023 she was the Proteas vice-captain for the event which was hosted in Cape Town for the first time ever.
Xoli Zondo
One of the prominent mom’s making waves in the industry is Xoli Zondo. She’s a remarkable individual who wears multiple hats with grace.
Not only does she excel as an SABC sports presenter, but she also holds a full-time position as an Environmental Scientist and juggles the responsibilities of motherhood.
Xoli’s achievements extend beyond her professional endeavours. In recognition of her talents and influence, she received nominations for two 2019 gsport Awards, namely in the categories of ‘Woman in TV’ and ‘Style Star’.
Masabata Klaas
Masabata Klaas, the star player of the Momentum Proteas, is not only a talented cricketer but also a devoted mother to her lovely daughter.
With the unwavering support of her own mother, Masabata navigates the journey of motherhood while striving to provide the best upbringing for her daughter, Rethabile.
Klaas, known for her skills as a seam bowler, has been a stalwart in South African cricket for over a decade, making her debut in 2010. With 88 caps in limited overs formats and 56 wickets to her name, she has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Having participated in two ICC Women’s Twenty20 tournaments and a Women’s World Cup, Klaas continued to shine on the international stage, and secured her place in South Africa’s squad for the ICC T20 World Cup in 2020.
Caster Semenya
Two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 800m, Caster Semenya, has been proudly representing South Africa on the global stage.
Despite facing significant media criticism, she remains unwavering in her dedication as a world-class athlete and a devoted parent to her two children.
“Ten little fingers, ten little toes. With love and grace, our family grows. This precious soul that God decided to bless us with. We all can’t wait to meet YOU!” she wrote on her Instagram.
Caster fought for gender equality in sport and in 2018 she won the Sports Star and Sportswoman of the Year awards at the SA Sports Awards.
Phumelela Mbande
Phumelela Mbande, the former captain and goalkeeper of South Africa’s hockey team, now enjoys motherhood with her two children. Her pride in representing her country was evident as she carried South Africa’s flag at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Furthermore, she has been recognized with the 2021 gsport Ministerial Award for her outstanding accomplishments in sports and beyond. Her remarkable contributions have also secured her a place on the M&G 200 Young South Africans list in 2022.
“Motherhood has given me so much perspective. So many things become insignificant when you have a life you are responsible for. It has taught me to be kinder to myself and that some things really don’t matter.” she said in an interview with gsport.co.za.
To all the sports supermoms: the unwavering commitment to your families and your passion for sports serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration to us all.
Happy Mother’s Day! ❤️
