This week marked a significant milestone in South African Esports history, as an impressive 26 women and girls were presented with their Senior Provincial Colours, the highest number to achieve this recognition in the history of Mind Sports South Africa. This year has been transformative for women in esports, as they establish their presence both […]
This week marked a significant milestone in South African Esports history, as an impressive 26 women and girls were presented with their Senior Provincial Colours, the highest number to achieve this recognition in the history of Mind Sports South Africa.
This year has been transformative for women in esports, as they establish their presence both nationally and on the global stage. In August 2024, an all-female Protea Counter-Strike 2 Esports squad captured the African Esports Championships held in Casablanca, Morocco.
Guided by the recent #GAL2024 honoree, Jess Greeff, the team delivered outstanding performances to clinch the championship title.
This accomplishment was particularly remarkable, given that Greeff was the sole player on the team with international experience. The roster included Avonique van Rooyen, Megan van der Westhuizen, Kayhla Calder, and Christin Brazier.
This victory allowed Greeff and her teammates to qualify for the International Esports Federation’s (IESF) 16th World Esports Championships in Riyadh, where they demonstrated their skill amidst challenging conditions.
Among those who excelled in this event was Van Rooyen, the schoolgirl who played a crucial role in their triumph at the African Championships and is undoubtedly a rising star to watch in the future.
Another athlete who received her colours and has been featured by gsport is Je’Nielle Cavanagh. She garnered recognition after being involved in esports for just a year and a half. By the end of 2024, she has become a familiar name in the community.
In a past interview with gsport, Cavanagh offered this insight for aspiring esports players: “Don’t pay attention to the chaos and silence the noise. Be true to yourself, pursue what you love, and enjoy what you do!”
South African Girls and Women Esports Players Achieving Senior Provincial Colours
Abigail Adonis
Avonique van Rooyen
Caroline Shen Ya
Christin Brazier
Christie Webster
Claudia Booyens
Diya Parthal
Fatiemah Isaacs
Fatima Prout
Inez Pringle
Je’nielle Cavanagh
Jess Greeff
Jiya Chagan
Karli Roodt (C)
Kayhla Rose Calder
Kaylee Ludick
Megan van der Westhuizen
Mia Anthony
Michaela
Mikara Nokraj
Ra’isha Prout
Raquel Santana
Rochelle Elizabeth Noortman
Roelien van Dyk
Rushaan Jacobs
Salma Parker
Main Photo Caption: This past week, history was created for women in esports as 26 women and girls were honored with their Senior Provincial Colours, the highest number of females to earn this accolade in the records of Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA). File Photo: Mind Sports SA
Photo 2 Caption: Scholar Avonique van Rooyen exhibited exceptional talent during South Africa’s victorious performance at the African Champs in Morocco. Photo: Supplied
Photo 3 Caption: Je’Nielle Cavanagh gained experience in international competition when she guided her Mobile Legends Bang Bang team in a remote match against Belarus. Photo: Supplied
