Global Institute of Sport Announces Landmark Events in South Africa
The Global Institute of Sport (GIS) is heading to Africa for the first time, with two exciting Careers in Sport events set to take place in Johannesburg and Durban this October and November.
With a presence across Europe, Australia, Asia and North America, GIS is delighted to be expanding its support to the African continent, where we aim to embody our EPICC values by connecting aspiring and established professionals in the sports industry.
In Johannesburg, attendees can book individual meetings with GIS Deputy Dean Shana Doyle-Axcell. In Durban, a panel of industry experts will explore “The Modern Athlete: Performance, Protection and Promotion”, sharing insights into fan engagement, sports science and athlete wellbeing.
Both events welcome future and current sports professionals, academies, clubs, schools, government entities and sports fans.
See below for details of both events.
Johannesburg: Friday 30 October 2026
Where: Garden Court Morningside Sandton Hotel.
Corner of Rivonia Road and Cullinan Close, Morningside, Sandton, 2146, South Africa
When: 17:30–20:00 SAST
Individual meeting opportunities will also be available before the event.
Shana Doyle-Axcell
Shana Doyle-Axcell is a South African-born academic and sports marketing specialist based in the UK, with over 18 years of experience across higher education and the sports industry. She serves as Deputy Dean of the Business School at the Global Institute of Sport (GIS) and Senior Visiting Lecturer at Royal Holloway, University of London.
Her expertise spans sports marketing, social media in sport, and fan engagement, with a particular focus on the intersection of digital innovation, marketing strategy, and the evolving relationship between sports organisations and their audiences. She has delivered guest lectures at leading international institutions, including Durham University, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and St. Thomas University in Miami, and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).
Alongside her academic career, Shana has consulted for major brands, including Tesla and Top Gear, and works closely with leading football clubs such as Chelsea, Arsenal, Watford, Everton, and Inter Miami on student projects and industry-led initiatives that bridge academic learning with professional practice.
An established academic author, Shana has published a marketing textbook for the African market and an article in an Emerald academic journal. She is currently co-authoring a pioneering Routledge textbook dedicated specifically to football fan engagement, addressing a significant gap in the existing sports marketing literature and contributing to the development of this increasingly important field.
Durban: Tuesday 3 November
Where: Pure Fitness, Moses Mabhida Stadium
1st Floor, City Life Building, 477 Anton Lembede Street, Durban Central, Durban, 4001, South Africa
When: 17:30–20:00 SAST
Individual meeting opportunities will also be available before the event.
The Speakers
Shana Doyle-Axcell
Shana Doyle-Axcell is a South African-born academic and sports marketing specialist based in the UK, with over 18 years of experience across higher education and the sports industry. She serves as Deputy Dean of the Business School at the Global Institute of Sport (GIS) and Senior Visiting Lecturer at Royal Holloway, University of London.
Her expertise spans sports marketing, social media in sport, and fan engagement, with a particular focus on the intersection of digital innovation, marketing strategy, and the evolving relationship between sports organisations and their audiences. She has delivered guest lectures at leading international institutions, including Durham University, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and St. Thomas University in Miami, and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).
Alongside her academic career, Shana has consulted for major brands, including Tesla and Top Gear, and works closely with leading football clubs such as Chelsea, Arsenal, Watford, Everton, and Inter Miami on student projects and industry-led initiatives that bridge academic learning with professional practice.
An established academic author, Shana has published a marketing textbook for the African market and an article in an Emerald academic journal. She is currently co-authoring a pioneering Routledge textbook dedicated specifically to football fan engagement, addressing a significant gap in the existing sports marketing literature and contributing to the development of this increasingly important field.
Dr Kevin Subban
Dr Kevin Subban is a South African sports medicine physician with extensive experience supporting elite athletes at major international sporting events.
He was part of South Africa’s medical team at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing before working at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. In 2016, he served as the Chief Medical Officer for Team South Africa at the Rio Olympics.
His expertise spans athlete health, injury assessment and medical support, helping South African athletes prepare for competition at the highest level of international sport.
Paddy Doyle
Based in Durban, Paddy Doyle is a qualified biokineticist and exercise scientist specialising in performance and health amongst youth athletes.
Having previously lectured at GIS, Paddy has held the role of Lead Doping Control officer for SAIDS (South Africa Institute of Drug-free Sport) as well as working as a coach. This includes the position of Head Coach at Sharks Women’s Rugby Team in Durban, where he is also an executive member of the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union.
Across his career, Paddy has developed knowledge in the fields of sports science, coaching and management, setting him up to provide industry insight to aspiring professionals at the event.
Immerse Yourself in the Sports Industry. Don’t Miss Out.
Through these events, GIS aims to strengthen connections within South Africa’s sports community. Guests at the events will have the opportunity to network not only with leading guest speakers, but also with other industry professionals in attendance.
Whether you’re trying to get your foot in the door of the sports industry, looking to develop your existing knowledge or expand your network, the events will offer a platform to engage directly with people working at the heart of the exciting and fast-paced world of sport.
Having explored the potential of the African sports industry in the past, GIS is proud to mark our arrival in Africa through events such as these.
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