FEMALE athletes urged to stop playing small, speak up about money and start building brands.
This was the message during Momentum's third annual Women Who Make Moves in Sports Summit held on Friday, 8 August and Saturday, 9 August in Joburg.
The two-day event brings together top performers, legal experts, psychologists and business minds with one mission: Helping women in sport win off the field too.
There were masterclasses covering social media image, AI tools, sponsorship strategy, financial planning and mental resilience.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Momentum Group's chief marketing officer, Nontokozo Madonsela said: "We're not here to motivate, we're here to educate. This isn't a stadium show. It's about learning. It's about the real work behind the wins."
Madonsela said the event targets high-performing female athletes who have already represented the country or their province.
"These are our national heroes and yet some of them don't have the financial security to match the brands they are. That's what we're here to change," she said.
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She said the event's female-only focus was intentional.
"We don't need men to figure out our own solutions. Men already have enough platforms. This one is for us. That's strategy, knowing what to say yes to and what to say no to," she said.
She also believes brands are slowly waking up to the value of women's sport.
"Yes, the numbers are still lower than men's, but we're seeing more deals. We also need women to learn how to raise their value, negotiate and show up when the opportunity comes," she said.
That value message was echoed by sports lawyer and agent, Karabo Tshabuse, who told athletes not to be afraid to challenge contracts.
"Don't negotiate based on someone's budget, negotiate based on your value," she said.
Dr Keitumetse Mashego, a clinical and sports psychologist, said athletes need to think beyond the field.
"A lot of women struggle with identity after retirement. Some stay stuck in the trauma of injury. And during their careers, they deal with pressure, anxiety and money stress all while juggling motherhood," she said.
Sport administrator and coach, Dumisani Chauke said women must stop fearing the money talk.
"Even if you're scared, speak. Learn to negotiate your value. Ask yourself: What am I bringing to this brand?"
