In the male-dominated world of sports, Sinethemba Mbatha stands as a beacon of inspiration for young women aspiring to carve their own paths into the sports industry.
We turn the spotlight on Sinethemba, a media officer for the South African Football Association (SAFA) and a figure that has established herself as a formidable presence in the industry. In this exclusive interview, the young girl from Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal opens up about her journey, her day-to-day responsibilities, and the advice she has for the next generation of women in sports media.
Q: Can you tell us about your journey into the sports industry and how you became a media officer?
Sinethemba Mbatha: "I am a Daddy’s girl so I have loved Sport from a young age and I knew I would end up in the Sports Industry. At first I thought I would only be a Sports Presenter but when I got into the industry I discovered that I can be a Sports Presenter while also still exploring different roles within the Sport Industry and the rest as they say is history.”
Q: What does a typical day look like for you as a media officer?
Sinethemba Mbatha: "[I am] Not a full time Media Officer, however a day in the life of a Media Officer in camp includes DOING everything. Press reports, arranging/scheduling interviews with different Media Houses, Social Media Manager (making sure all platforms are updated), photography and fighting with players for interviews.”
Sinethemba Mbatha: "Self-belief. Good Work Ethic. Telling yourself that you have not arrived! That allows you to be open to learning and growing."
Q: If you weren’t in the sports industry, what other career path might you have chosen?
Sinethemba Mbatha: "Plan A sport Plan B Sport. It has always been and it will always be sports for me."
Q: Lastly, what advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the sports industry, particularly in media roles?
Sinethemba Mbatha: "Believe that you belong where God has placed you and everything else will fall into place. Fun and Light hearted.”
FUN TRIVIA:
Dream Destination: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Football has given me the opportunity to tick off most of my dream destinations but Singapore is still the outstanding one. I would really love to explore it.
Superpower: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and how would you use it in your daily life?
The ability to have a button that I just click to end poverty in Africa. I don’t like seeing people suffering.
Hidden Talents: Do you have any hidden talents or unique skills that people might not know about?
I can dance but obviously my siblings and my partner would laugh and disagree with this. 😂💔
Go-to Playlist: What’s on your go-to playlist when you need to get motivated or relax?
Jesus This! Jesus That generation! Give me Worship any day! It has saved me so many times. However I do also listen to a variety of music, I am not genre specific.
Bucket List: What’s at the top of your bucket list, and do you have any plans to tick it off soon?
Host CAF Awards red carpet. I know I will tick that off soon.
Movies: What’s your favourite sports movie or documentary that you could watch over and over?
Documentary- The Last Dance! I absolutely enjoyed it! Movie- Coach Carter and Remember the Titans.
Lionel Messi. I want to walk in his shoes for a day and understand how it feels to be him.
Entertainment: What’s your guilty pleasure when it comes to entertainment or hobbies?
Cheesy romantic movies!
New Skills: If you could instantly master one skill or hobby, what would it be?
Running! I always struggle with consistency but I would love to be a good runner!
Favourite Quote: Is there a quote or mantra that you live by? What motivates you to keep going every day?
“MAKTUB” - It’s Written Taken from one of my favourite books “The Alchemist”. Your destiny is written! No need to stress about it!
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