Name: Naledi
Surname: Aphane
Occupation: Broadcaster
Country: South Africa
Favourite Sport: Football
Favourite Team: Liverpool
Favourite Athlete: Tricky one but lets go with Mbappé
Hobbies: Playing tennis, I love a good hangout with my friends
Favourite quote: ''You achieve very little, if anything, alone.''
Unveiling Passions:
Q: Beyond the sports realm, what are your personal passions that light up your world and bring you joy?
A: I really love sports with all of my heart, I don't think I really have passions outside of sports and broadcasting. Sportscasting lights up my world, EVERY SINGLE DAY.
Behind the Mic:
Q: Can you share a memorable on-air moment that has stuck with you, shaping your perspective on sports broadcasting?
A: A memorable on air moment has to be when I interviewed Robert Marawa on my own show and when he introduced me on his show as someone who will stand in for him when he went away... One of the best moments of my career.
Inspirational Icons:
Q: Who are the women that have inspired you throughout your journey, both within and outside the world of sports journalism?
A:Serena Williams, because I loved tennis so much, I eventually played it in high school, Carol Tshabalala and Thato Moeeng. Recently I am so in love with Kate Abdo, I think I am obsessed with her and her craft.
Championing Change:
Q: As a woman making waves in a male-dominated industry, how do you envision your role in
breaking down barriers and inspiring the next generation of female sports journalists?
A: I think first of all, I would have to make my mark as authentic as possible so that those looking up
to me are able to follow suit. A door was opened for me and that's the kind of impact I would like to leave for those coming after me.
Global Adventures:
Q: Having covered various sports events, what's the most extraordinary place that you have visited and how has it left a lasting impact on you?
A: AFCON Cote D'Ivoire 2023, oh my goodness! It's all I think about every single day, what an experience and a dream come true for me. The impact it has left on me is impeccable, just being in rooms with people you watch on TV, people you admire, interviewing players you watch on the bigger stages, it has changed me in so many positive ways.
Pre-Game Rituals:
Before hitting the airwaves, do you have any unique pre-game rituals or routines that help
you stay focused and energized?
A: Not sure if it's a ritual but I have to arrive to my show at least two hours before my show to calm down and make sure I have prepared thoroughly, if I get to the studio an hour of mins before I have to go on air, I feel like I am not at ease, I have to be comfortable.
Hidden Talents:
Apart from your interest and passion in sports journalism, what other hidden talents or hobbies
do you enjoy?
A: I can actually sing. I love singing with my family, yes we can all sing.
Beyond the Scoreboard:
Q: When not immersed in the world of sports, what kinds of books, movies, or music do you
turn to for relaxation and inspiration?
A: To zone out of life and everything else, you will find me immersed in a good series or a reality show like 90 Day fiance and many others.
Favorite Sports Moments:
Q: As a sports enthusiast, what's your all-time favorite sports moment, and how has it
impacted you personally?
A: AFCON again! As someone who grew up watching football and fantasising about being a broadcaster pitch side, this was the closest to that dream. Covering the Africa cup of nations as the only woman from South Africa, among so many icons and legends, I don't think I'd ever be the same (haha) in a very positive way.
Bucket List Adventures: Naledi's Dream Sports Event Coverage
Q: If you could cover any sports event in the world, regardless of the sport, which one would it be, and why?
A: FIFA world cup, The EUROS, Cricket world cup pitch side
Future Aspirations:
Q: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals, both professionally and personally, as
she continues to make her mark in the world of sports broadcasting?
A: Professionally I really want my work to not only be for South Africans but to go abroad as far and wide as possible, personally, I just want to be happy and enjoy the life I have created for myself.
Q: As a prominent figure in South African sports media, what impact do you hope to make in
inspiring the next generation of female sports broadcasters?
A: Not to put any pressure on myself but I want my impact to be in a way that allows aspiring sportscasters a foot into the industry and guide them from there.
Q: If you could interview any sports personality, living or historical, who would it be
and why?
A: Didier Drogba. It's a pity I didn't get an opportunity to meet him in Ivory Coast. He almost impacted me to support Chelsea and that's when I really got into watching football closely and he was such a brilliant player.
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