Mpho Ursula Mashego is a former Basketball player who started playing with Seshego Sonics in Limpopo, representing her province throughout primary and high school, and going on to represent various Gauteng clubs, ultimately finding a home with V&J Women’s Basketball, Maverick Stars, and Nkelethu Basketball.
Mashego has over the years levelled up and switched from court to playing various roles behind the scenes including the latest one as the new Media Liaison Officer at Basketball South Africa.
A graduate after studying Journalism at Rosebank College, and a number of online courses to up-skill and develop, Mashego says she is relishing this opportunity at BSA and adds the transition from on court to the sidelines has been exciting.
“While it’s definitely a shift in perspective, I’ve been enjoying the new challenges that come with it. As a player, I always had a passion for the game, and now I’m looking forward to using my experience to contribute in a different way, supporting the development of the sport and the community around it. The transition has been a learning curve, but I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited to see where it takes me!”
Newly Appointed Basketball SA Media Liaison, Mpho Ursula Mashego
Her love for sport goes back to her formative years, growing up surrounded by active family members. “My love for sport really stems from a combination of family influence and the way sport has always provided me with a sense of community and personal growth.”
“Growing up, I was always surrounded by active family members who encouraged me to play and enjoy different activities.
“Over time, I developed a deep passion for basketball because of the teamwork, discipline, and the constant challenge to improve,” says Mashego. “Sport has always been a way for me to push my limits, and it’s also taught me valuable life lessons about resilience, leadership, and perseverance.”
Mashego has been passionately and resolutely building her portfolio in the media space. From PR to Communications and Events Management, she’s been navigating these roles, driven by the urge to tell stories that matter.
“I’ve had the opportunity to wear several hats, which has kept my work dynamic and exciting. I’ve been involved in everything from media relations and content creation to strategic communications and event management. What really drives me is the ability to tell stories that matter—whether that’s raising awareness for a cause, promoting a team or athlete, or crafting a narrative that connects with people.”
“I thrive on the challenge of creating impactful messages and building meaningful relationships, and I love being able to use media as a tool to create change, inspire action, and drive engagement. Every day presents something new, and that variety is what keeps me motivated.”
Basketball is seeing a steady rise on the continent with the introduction of Basketball Africa League. BAL was founded in 2019, with the first season starting in 2021. The league was established and is co-organised by NBA Africa and the International Basketball Federation, but that league is for men at the moment.
Mashego describes the Basketball scene in SA for women: “The women’s basketball scene in South Africa has seen significant growth in recent years, with more talent emerging and increasing support at grassroots and professional levels.”
“There’s definitely a greater focus on providing opportunities for female athletes, and we’ve seen some fantastic performances both locally and internationally. However, there’s still work to be done, especially in terms of visibility, investment, and infrastructure,” says Mashego. “More funding and sponsorship for women’s teams could help raise the profile of the game, while additional pathways for young players to develop their skills could make a big difference.”
“Strengthening the coaching network and providing more opportunities for women to take leadership roles in the sport would also be key in fostering long-term growth and sustainability.”
The mandate given to her at BSA is to focus on fostering the growth and development of the sport at every level, with a special emphasis on creating more opportunities for women in basketball.
Mashego elaborates: “This involves advocating for increased investment in the sport and working to strengthen its overall presence. I’m also responsible for building and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders—such as sponsors, media, and community organisations—to raise basketball’s profile and ensure its long-term sustainability.:
“Ultimately, my goal is to drive the sport’s expansion, enhance its visibility, and ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, has equal access to opportunities in basketball.”
While she has put in the work and earned her stripes as a media practitioner in SA, building a credible name, has come with some challenges.
“I’ve definitely faced challenges that have made the journey tougher, particularly around visibility and opportunities. Historically, women’s sports often receive less attention and investment, which can make it harder to break through and have a voice in the conversation.”
The plucky Basketball SA Media Liaison continues: “I’ve also had to work harder to prove myself in spaces that were traditionally male-dominated, whether that’s in leadership roles or when advocating for equal resources and recognition. But I’ve always viewed these challenges as an opportunity to push boundaries, build resilience, and create more pathways for other women to follow.”
“While there’s still work to be done in levelling the playing field, I’m motivated by the progress we’ve made and the chance to help pave the way for future generations of women in sport.”
Basketball is not among the so called “elite” sporting codes in SA thus sponsorship opportunities for women are hard to come by.
“It’s definitely a challenge,” Mashego clarifies. “Basketball – while growing in popularity – is still not considered one of the ‘top sports’ in South Africa, which can make it harder to secure sponsorship, particularly for women’s teams. Sponsors tend to focus more on mainstream sports, and women’s basketball often faces the added difficulty of competing for a share of a smaller pie.”
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“This creates a gap in resources for development, visibility, and professional opportunities. However, I believe there’s great potential for growth. As the interest in women’s sport continues to rise globally, we’re seeing more brands starting to recognise the value in supporting women’s basketball, says Mashego.”
“It’s a tough journey, but with more exposure, improved media coverage, and continued advocacy, I’m hopeful that we’ll see increased sponsorship and investment in the women’s game in South Africa.”
South Africa gets to host the BAL finals in Pretoria and this is testament to the rise of interest in the sport in SA.
Mashego agrees: “It shows that the sport is gaining more recognition, not only locally but also across the African continent. Having such a prestigious event on South African soil helps elevate the profile of the game and demonstrates that the country is becoming a key player in zAfrican basketball.
“It’s an exciting time for the sport here, and events like the BAL finals create a platform for both local talent and fans to engage with top-level basketball, inspiring more people to get involved and pushing the sport’s development even further.”
The hard-working and highly ambitious Mashego has big dreams for herself and Basketball in the country as well as the continent: “ I want to help shape a future where sport—especially women’s sport—receives the recognition, support, and resources it deserves. I aspire to create lasting change in the basketball community, not just in South Africa but across Africa, by providing opportunities for athletes, especially women, to thrive.
“On a personal level, I want to continue growing as a leader in sport and media, using my platform to inspire others and make a meaningful impact. Ultimately, my goal is to leave a legacy of empowerment, inclusion, and progress for the next generation of athletes and sports professionals.”
In particular for women’s Basketball, she would like to it rise in recognition like other sporting codes.
“I envision a future where women’s basketball is not only widely followed but also receives equal investment, media coverage, and sponsorship as other sports.”
“I’d love to see more local leagues, stronger player development pathways, and more South African women representing us on international stages like the WNBA or at the Olympics,” says Mashego. “Ultimately, I want to help create an environment where young girls can dream big and know that basketball can be a viable and celebrated career path for them.”
Main Photo Caption: Journalism grad Mpho Ursula Mashego, a former Basketball player who rose through the ranks, has levelled up and switched from court to playing various roles behind the scenes, leading to her recent appointment as Media Liaison Officer at Basketball South Africa. Photo: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Basketball SA’s new Media Liaison Officer Mpho Ursula Mashego is a ball of energy. Her passion for the game goes beyond the playing court. Photo: Supplied
Photo 3 Caption: She tells Lonwabo Nkohla she aspires to create lasting change especially for women to thrive in the sport. Photo: Supplied
Photo 4 Caption: Mashego’s many years in Basketball in South Africa, from a junior scholar senior leagues, makes her uniquely suited to the job. Photo: Supplied
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