Picture: Motsweding FM sports presenter, Mosela Irene Mokgosi/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
Motsweding FM’s multi-award-winning sports presenter, Mosela Irene Mokgosi said, she is happy to finally find her niche within the sports fraternity, despite heavy criticisms. Recently, Mokgosi celebrated her achievements after she scooped the Best Sports Presenter of the Year award (Commercial) at the 2023 North West Media Awards (NWMA) and the Sports Journalist of the Year (Electronic) at 2023 North West Sports Awards (NWSA).
She originates from Tlapeng village, near Taung, and started her radio presenting journey at Vaaltar FM, which is a community radio station. Mokgosi further said she would always listen to Motsweding FM and Vaaltar FM presenters and mimicked how they presented.
“One day, I went to Mahikeng with Vaaltar FM presenters and it was fun. In 2004, one of the former presenters at Vaaltar FM, Amogelang Matuane recruited me. She said I do have a voice for radio. Even though I was reluctant, I said why not. So, in a nutshell, that is how my radio presenting journey started.
“In 2007, I received a life-changing call from the former Motsweding FM Station Manager, Sibongile Mtyali, who requested me to send her a demo doing sports. It was during the 2007 Rugby World Cup,” she said.
Mokgosi added that, even though she did not have vast experience in sports at the time, she sent the demo. She said she was over the moon when she was recruited by SABC-affiliated radio station, Motsweding FM.
“On 1 November 2007, I officially started working for Motsweding FM as a sports presenter. You would remember at that time, sport was male-dominated. However, I was fortunate enough to work with the likes of Oshebeng Koonyaditse, the late legendary Cebo Manyaapelo, and others.
“I also received unwavering support from my colleagues, friends, and family who believed in my craft. Believe me, when I say, nothing beats discipline, dedication, and determination, hence I managed to succeed and became the person that I am today.
“I remember one day, Manyaapelo said I am on the right track and he would die peacefully if he could see a woman making a mark across all sporting codes. On the other hand, Koonyaditse always wanted to see me doing soccer commentary,” said Mokgosi.
She said, however, she still has to fulfill that dream.
“I did not want to put myself under unnecessary pressure, then I decided to stick to what I’m good at. I would not want to feel like I’m thrown in the deep end. Funny enough, Koonyaditse still harbours that dream of me becoming a soccer commentator.
“I would not lie, I have received a fair share of criticisms in my career. However, I have always shut them down by my work. As a human being, you are the one who knows what you want and how badly you want it. So, work in silence and let your work do the talking,” she said.
Mokgosi also encouraged aspiring sports broadcasters, who would like to consider sports presenting as a career, to go to school and study media studies and journalism. She said that will prepare them to understand the media mechanisms better.
“Even though broadcasting is a competitive field, you can find success in the industry with a combination of the right education, experience, and passion. So, if you are passionate about sports and want to report on sports news and game results, then you may be considering a career as a sports broadcaster. Now, I would like to embark on television as a sports presenter or commentator,” she said.
The Guardian 