In last week’s gsport Twitter Space Thursday, gsport Founder Kass Naidoo chatted to cricket broadcaster Lesego Pooe, multi award-winning journalist Busisiwe Mokwena and Group CEO of Unorthodox PR and Media Group Sibabalwe Sesmani.
Lesego Pooe spoke about the South African U-19 cricket girls, adding that prior to this ongoing tournament they did not come from the most encouraging series, having lost all their games.
“It has been very impressive to see these girls walk into the World Cup with so much confidence and play such fearless cricket with so much aggression and intent. I love the way the ladies are playing.”
Pooe added that she is impressed to see how the U-19 game has grown over the years and how we finally get to see a women’s World Cup for the very first time.
The #GAL2021 Social Media host mentioned: “The future looks really bright for the Women’s senior team especially looking at all the talent that is coming through. Looking at how Simone Lourens, Kayla Reyneke as well as Karabo Meso to name a few, have been performing.”
Busisiwe Mokwena who always knew she wanted to be a sports journalist, got the opportunity to be part of the 2009 Confederations Cup volunteer team, who were stationed at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg.
The connections she made launched her career in 2010 and the journey has had its ups and downs, facing many challenges along the way.
“I did not have a mentor when I started in the industry and I pretty much had to learn things on my own. I am actually grateful for all the challenges because they taught me how to be an independent journalist and helped me find my way around when I got opportunities.”
Mokoena mentioned that her stubbornness is what actually helped her stick it out in this industry and her focus has never been deterred from what she wants.
“My first big opportunity came in print media even though my career actually started out in radio while I was still in High School. I think it is very important to be able to work in different media spaces and be able to be versatile.”
In terms of women’s sport getting enough media coverage: “I believe that we still have a long way to go because certain journalist and media gravitate towards Banyana Banyana, in major tournaments and not necessarily during friendlies, Hollywood Bet games or even Sasol League. It is very important to start profiling these ladies from development level before they get to the senior teams.”
From a sponsorship point, Sibabalwe Sesmani added: “When it comes to branding female athletes unfortunately we still have a long way to go. I would advice athletes to use social media as a tool. It is free, it’s something you can do yourself and it allows you to reach a global audience. Be intentional in your social media by aligning yourself with organizations that are like minded.”
Wrapping up the conversation Sesmani added that the best way to get a manager is to: “Look within your industry and always look for the right fit to your brand. Look for organizations that can open up opportunities for you and help you grow. Always do your research before committing yourself.”
Photo 1 Caption: Sibabalwe Sesmani revealed that athletes must use social media as a tool to align their brand with likeminded organizations.” Photo: Sibabalwe Sesmani (Supplied)
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