Proteas could alter face of women's sport

As a nation that is both generally progressive and loves sport, we really are dragging our feet in reaching gender equality on the field of play.

- Wesley Botton

South Africa has made progress in recent years, with Banyana Banyana receiving increased support, Proteas women's cricketers earning national contracts and Netball South Africa launching a semi-professional league.

In comparison to men's sport, however, there is still a chasm that exists.

But that could all change next week if the national cricket team can achieve a historic title at the T20 Women's World Cup in the UAE. They must still qualify for the play-offs, with one more group match to be contested against Bangladesh today, but they are well placed to progress to the semifinals.