Celebrating 15 years in broadcasting, Motshidisi Mohono is an award-winning SuperSport anchor and in-demand host. One of South Africa’s most respected sports broadcasters, she reflects on motherhood, memorable stadium moments, and life’s simple pleasures.
YLA: When the cameras switch off, what does “downtime” look like for you?
Motshidisi: It begins the moment I leave the studio. I get into the car, put on something calming – R&B, jazz, or even amapiano – just to come down from the adrenaline. But even then, I’m often replaying the game in my head. During the week, I try to return to a routine: training, walking, and working through rehab after knee surgery. Sundays are slower – sleeping in when I can, long baths, reading, and really disconnecting. Time with family and friends is key, because that’s when I’m not talking about work.
YLA: From Twickenham to Mbombela, you’ve witnessed the power of stadiums and their crowds. Which atmospheres have stayed with you most?
Motshidisi: Paris during the 2023 Rugby World Cup stands out. I’d been before, but covering a tournament there brings a completely different energy – you feel the buzz building across the city as the competition intensifies. London was another highlight, especially broadcasting from Twickenham for the first time. It’s an incredible stadium. I’ve learnt that it’s important to go beyond the match. You must step out – have meals, see the city, take it in. That’s how you create memories beyond the game.
YLA: You’ve received notable recognition in the industry. How have those awards shaped your sense of purpose?
Motshidisi: They mean a lot because they come from my peers. The GSport award in 2016 and the SA Sport Journalist of the Year in 2018 are especially significant. They don’t change your purpose, but they refine it. They raise your standard. Once you’ve reached that level, you know you can’t drop below it – it becomes your baseline. It pushes you to keep improving.
YLA: How has motherhood reshaped your perspective on time, ambition, and what truly matters day to day?
Motshidisi: Time feels different when you have a child. My daughter is 21 months now, and watching her grow has been transformative. I’ve become more aware of how quickly time moves. It sharpens your focus on what matters – presence, legacy, and intention. Success, for me, is about being good for her – showing up, being present, and building something meaningful.
YLA: In an industry that demands visibility and presence, how do you navigate the balance between career, travel, and this new chapter of motherhood?
Motshidisi: I cannot do it alone. My mom, my sisters, and our nanny – they make it possible. Without them, I would have to choose, or I’d be falling short somewhere.
YLA: You’ve built a career in spaces that were not always designed with women in mind. What does carving out space now – both professionally and personally – mean to you?
Motshidisi: It’s about persistence. Sometimes it’s knocking on the same door repeatedly; other times it’s finding a different way through. Progress isn’t always loud – it’s like water chipping through a stone – but it’s about consistency. I’m proud to see more women in the space, but the work isn’t done. I want to be the first of many.
YLA: What does luxury mean to you?
Motshidisi: It’s about peace. Being able to go to bed without worry – that’s success for me. Luxury is the freedom to choose how you live, what you do, and when you do it.
YLA: What do you do for self-care?
Motshidisi: A spa day is always a yes – a massage, a facial, just time to reset. I also love solo breakfasts or lunches with a book. Those quiet moments help me reconnect with myself.
YLA: Looking ahead, what does the next season of your life and career look like?
Motshidisi: Expansion. I don’t yet know exactly what that looks like – whether it’s beyond South Africa, more digital work, or something new entirely. But I know I want to grow, to push beyond my comfort zone, and continue to excel.
