At 34, Motshidisi Mohono is highly regarded as one of South Africa’s top sports broadcasters. Koketso Mashika talks to her about starting out, standing out and staying true to yourself. 

The name Motshidisi Mohono is synonymous with sports broadcasting in South Africa. Soon after building a career in local radio, she stepped in front of the SuperSport cameras and has risen to become their senior rugby anchor. Her impact on sports journalism and representation cannot be overstated. She has been a trailblazer in the industry and has paved the way for other women to pursue careers in sports broadcasting.  

But her passion for sport began many years ago. “I played netball throughout school and began hockey in high school,” she says. She also excelled academically, obtaining four distinctions in Matric and claiming her place as one the top 20 performers in her high school.  

Motshidisi grew up in Katlehong, in the East Rand, and although she had a great childhood, it was not without its challenges. Her mother, a nurse, worked overseas for some time. Being an 11-year-old girl without her mother made the transition from preteen to teenager all the more difficult. 

 “My dad was a super-dad, though,” she says. “He was always there for me and my siblings. He was there when we were all born. He took us to school every day and would even wake up early to make us school lunches. He also loved sports and would watch soccer matches with us when we were kids.” 

RIDING THE RADIO WAVES 

After high school, Motshidisi attended the University of Johannesburg (UJ), where she obtained a BCom Accounting degree. She had dreamed of becoming a chartered accountant, but then the radio bug bit. “All of a sudden I had all this time on my hands, so I decided to audition at UJ FM. I ended up working as a newsreader on the daily breakfast show,” she says. In 2008 she caught wind of YFM looking for weekend newsreaders. “I had no business as an Accounting student wanting to read news on radio, but I wanted to make some money and ease the burden on my parents financially,” she explains. 

She bagged the YFM gig and went on to work weekends, before moving to weekdays and, later, the most coveted slots: breakfast and afternoon drive shows. Motshidisi later took over the sports desk, rediscovering a passion that soon led her to pursue a career in sports broadcasting.  

That year, SuperSport had their ‘Lady Rugga’ competition, designed to find and promote female rugby presenters. Though she came third, one of the producers saw her audition tape, called her back, and gave her a shot at co-hosting one of the shows for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. And so her rise began.  

“That was my foot into TV, and I’ve been at SuperSport ever since” she says. When the spotlight is brightest and the stakes are highest, this presenter leaves nothing to chance; she is committed to mastering every aspect of her delivery. She quickly established herself as one of the industry’s most talented and knowledgeable sports presenters, with a unique ability to connect with viewers that soon made her a household name in South Africa. 

You can’t help but be impressed by her presentation skills. Motshidisi has a knack for engaging an audience to make them feel as if they are part of the discussion. She speaks with passion, and her careful unpacking of complex sporting jargon makes it easily understandable and all the more interesting. Her unique approach is grounded in the conviction that sports presenting should be informative, entertaining and educational. But it wasn’t always this easy, particularly as a woman in a male-dominated industry.  

“People question your credibility, because sport has always been a man’s world. Women are often thought to be just a pretty face,” she says. “But if you just do your job to the best of your ability, and keep the main thing the main focus, then your credibility will shine through and be undeniable.” 

“It is important to stay true to yourself,” she continues. “Some women come into the business and want to be one of the boys and fit in, but I think you should stand out. Being the anomaly is our real x-factor. We shouldn’t lose who we are to be accepted in that sort of space. Just be yourself.” 

SHIFTING THE GOAL POSTS 

Despite the challenges, Motshidisi has persevered – and her hard work and determination have more than paid off. “In 2016, I got to host my very first Springbok match. Unfortunately we lost to Italy, but I think I handled myself very well. I believe that’s why I kept getting recalled,” she says. It also doesn’t hurt that she has the rare ability to bring calm and reason to a not-always-sorelaxed sports field.  

From there, the only way was up. In 2016 and 2020, Motshidisi won the Momentum GSport4Girls Women in Television Award, and was named Journalist of the Year at the 2018 South African Sport Awards. She has worked on SuperSports Blitz, Metro FM and Radio 2000, and she hosted the Rugby World Cup Final in 2019. Having recently left Radio 2000 – where she was hosting her own show, Game Time – she has a couple of projects in the pipeline but remains tightlipped about the details. “They’re not finalised yet,” she grins. 

Motshidisi’s success is testament to the fact that anything you set your mind to is possible with hard work, determination, and resilience. “I am always trying to be better. 

Always trying to improve and step up,” she says. “My message to young people, women especially, is to pursue your passion and to never let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams.” She also encourages resilience in the face of adversity. “I think it is crucial to remember where you come from,” she says.  

“Thinking back to where you have been, and what you’ve had to overcome to get here, will often give you the strength to keep moving forward despite your fears.” That sounds like a solid game plan. And if Motshidisi’s stellar track record is anything to go by, we will undoubtedly see more major wins from her in the years to come. Be sure to watch this space. 

MOTSHIDISI IN A FLASH 

ONE BOOK YOU CAN READ OVER AND OVER AGAIN? 

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell.  

 FAVOURITE SPORTS PERSONALITIES? 

The Springboks and their captain Siya Kolisi, Bongiwe Msomi, Serena Williams, Lionel Messi… to name a few!  

WHAT’S ALWAYS IN YOUR HANDBAG? 

A small tub of Vaseline – I don’t like dry lips! 

WHAT ARE YOU SCARED OF? 

Snakes… and not reaching my highest potential.