Lebo Motsoeli is enjoying a successful sports broadcasting career but there is much more to come from this talented all-rounder and former hockey player.
The award-winning broadcaster has enjoyed a career of many highs and some challenging moments, and she is hoping to take the experience gained over the years, as she takes her career in sport to a new level.
Motsoeli is now eyeing success beyond broadcasting. She recently completed her SAFA C Coaching Licence and is passionate about coaching children. She hopes to obtain various other badges in different sporting codes.
Motsoeli has a Communications Science Degree, which she is also keen to build on, as she explores greater opportunities in South African sport.
The former gsport Award winner chats to Celine Abrahams about breaking down barriers, reaching great heights, and coaching children.
Lebo, as an award-winning Television Presenter, voice-over artist, scriptwriter, producer and one of the leading women in sports broadcasting, your journey has surely had its highs and lows. Please tell us what your journey has been like over the years.
My journey has been one of many surprises. I never thought I’d be where I am. The beginning years were exciting and challenging. I was still trying to figure out my journey.
I was blessed with international events where I spent time on the ground reporting and creating sporting content.
The later years have been a rollercoaster. With all I’ve achieved, I’m back to where it all started; still figuring it all out. It’s a journey of an athlete, really. You get the gold Olympic medal, then what…
You came into the scene at a time where it was still uncommon to find women involved, especially in what was and still partially is considered an industry for men. How did you manage to break down that barrier?
It was tough at first. But I didn’t really realise the fight I was fighting. Only when people were asking about it, and highlighting the male vs female aspects, then only did it dawn on me.
I’m grateful for the opportunities that were given to me by management. However, I still don’t see the male counterparts having that conversation.
When they are given the opportunities, it’s deserved. So, I still wish my work can just be that, my work and not a first for women!
What were the challenges that you faced back then?
The challenges back then were that I was just seen and not heard. The challenges now are that woman are still not heard. Equal pay and respect are still a foreign language in women’s sport.
Do you still face those challenges today even though we find more women being vocal and owning their space in the sports industry?
Yes, there are more women in broadcasting now, but there’s now a bigger challenge where it appears the door is just left open for anyone to come in, regardless of the passion or talent for sport. There’s so much more to the industry than television and radio.
Considering the number of years and the experience that you have under your belt; do you still look to mentors for guidance. If so, who would that be?
I’ve never had a mentor. It’s not something I believed in. But now things have changed. I’m at a crossroads in my career and I’m leaning towards having conversations with industry leaders for guidance. But nobody in my field.
What would you say was the best advice that you had received that might have impacted in a turning point in your career?
Hmm, make sure the mic is always off, hahaha. But, on a serious note, one piece of advice is just to stay focused on your own journey.
Having won the 2017 gsport Woman in Media Award, 2016 Ministerial Award and SAB Merit Award, how much did it mean for you to be recognised for your contribution towards sport?
Winning the gsport, SAB and the Minister’s award validates what one does. You almost feel like at least someone sees your work. They see your dedication and long hours. Most importantly the awards made my parents so proud and really that’s all that matters to me.
You are armed with a Communications Science Degree, but you are also a qualified coach after obtaining your SAFA C Coaching License. What made you decide to get your coaching badges?
I love sport and any opportunity to learn and improve myself, I’ll jump at it. I never want to stop learning. I’ll probably get more coaching badges in different sporting codes. I think there’s always something more to learn. You can never know enough.
Will we see you taking a different path and swopping your position in studio for the bench soon?
No ways! Coaching is not my cup of tea, unless it’s with small kids. I was meant to start coaching 5-7-year-olds this month at a private school, but due to the current coronavirus, that’s on hold. I love kids and that’s the only age group I’m interested in.
What do you still hope to achieve in the coming years?
I’m working towards a PhD of some sort, God willingly. Maybe get into the sports science of things, or health or even medicine. There’s so much more I’m busy with and it’s all outside of sports.
What advice would you give to young girls who are looking to follow in your footsteps?
Please don’t follow in my footsteps. Take a leap of faith and follow your heart instead. Carve out your own journey and be the best version of you.
Photo 1 Caption: Award winning sports broadcaster, Lebo Motsoeli, chats to gsport’s Celine Abrahams about her journey and what she is still hoping to achieve. Photo: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: “I love sport. And any opportunity to learn and improve myself, I’ll jump at it. I never want to stop learning,” says Motsoeli as she completed her SAFA C Coaching License. Photo: Supplied
Photo 3 Caption: “Winning the gsport, SAB and the Minister’s award validates what one does. You almost feel like at least someone sees your work.” Photo: Supplied
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