Marisa van der Westhuizen is MSSA's Esports Representative.

MSSA President, Amanda Pakade (left) with MSSA Esports Representative, Marisa van der Westhuizen (right) at IESF's 10th World Championships.

At Mind Sports South Africa's (MSSA) Annual General Meeting (AGM), on 1 December 2018, Marisa van der Westhuizen was elected in as MSSA's new Esport Representative.

It is the Esports Representative's role to suggest and formulate any amendments which they believe necessary for MSSA to adapt in a constantly evolving esports industry. Those changes could be as miniscule as a map change in the current competitive map pool or even as profound as a change to the regulations. Added to such responsibility, is the duty to chair the Esports Board of Control (EBoC) which overseas esports on a day-to-day basis.

Marisa has been a competitive esports athlete for the better part of the last four (4) years and a casual gamer for most of her life. This is Marisa's second year as a part of MSSA's national CS:GO squad.

In 2018, Marisa served as a player, but this year she truly made history.

Not only was Marisa selected as the first ever female team captain of an official South African Protea CS:GO esports team, but she was also the first ever female to captain a CS:GO team at IESF's World Championships.

Her involvement in esports, however, goes beyond competing. Marisa feels a strong obligation to give back and as such it is no surprise that she is also a qualified umpire. Additionally she is involved with esports administration, facilitation, and coaching on a daily basis through her position at ZAG Academy.

While dedicating her time towards improving as an esports athlete over the past few years, as well as recently becoming a new mother, Marisa is proof that it is possible to realise your aspirations so long as you apply yourself diligently, comply with existing structures, and remain dedicated to your dreams.
There is a great deal of work and responsibility associated with the position, but the entire MSSA Management Board is confident in Marisa's abilities. Marisa is the second female to hold this position in the history of MSSA. Her predecessors are none other than luminaries such as: Rob Stevens (2005), Johann von Backström (2006 - 2008), Dr Ryan van den Bergh (2009 - 2011), David Webster (2011 - 2012), Ryan Boyes (2014 - 2018), and Angelique Ramos (2018).


Also read:

• MSSA elections: One of the hardest positions on the Board
• In for a second term!
• Angelique is co-opted onto MSSA's Management Board.