From Humble Beginnings to Industry Recognition: Lerato Phago’s Rise in Sports Broadcasting
Lerato Phago’s journey into sports broadcasting didn’t begin with a lifelong love for the game or even a mild interest. In fact, when she walked into a voice-over audition at Massiv Metro back in 2018, she had no idea she was about to stumble upon her passion.
“I knew nothing about sports and had no interest in it whatsoever,” she laughs. But someone saw potential. “Motshidisi Mohono saw something in me, and after much convincing, brought me on board.” That decision set the wheels in motion for what would become a powerful and purpose-driven career in sports media.
Her first gig? Reading football updates on the DJ Sbu Breakfast Show. “From there, my passion for sports broadcasting took off,” she recalls. “The rest, as they say, is history.”
Phago is quick to point out that the journey was far from easy. Finding her voice and identifying her “why” were some of her biggest hurdles.
“Every opportunity I had to step behind the mic was a stepping stone, a chance to refine my craft and grow. Each experience shaped me, pushing me closer to the broadcaster I aspired to become.”
SuperSport Sports Broadcast, Lerato Phago
Mentorship played a massive role in that development, and allowed South Africans to witness a career evolve from humble beginnings to one of credibility and influence.
“Having someone like Motshidisi guide me made all the difference. It’s one thing to have potential, but having the right people challenge, support, and pour into you? That’s what truly changes the game.”
Now a familiar face on SuperSport, her work, especially in youth development, is deeply meaningful and commendable.
“This platform has not only given me the chance to do what I love, but also connected me with incredible people who inspire me every day. I’m fully embracing the journey, but I know there’s so much more to come.”
Among the many highlights of her career, one moment stands out: co-hosting the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards with industry giants Robert Marawa and Vusiwe Ngcobo.
“To have Robert not only recognise my work but say I’m the next big thing? That hit different. It was the kind of validation I didn’t even know I needed.”
The 2019 gsport Awards Women in Radio finalist is part of a growing wave of women reshaping the face of sports broadcasting in South Africa, standing alongside trailblazers like Carol Tshabalala and Thato Moeng.
“Seeing women who look like me thrive in a male-dominated space means everything. It reminds me that I belong here.”
She’s also witnessed meaningful shifts in the industry: more women stepping into powerful roles, and a slow but steady dismantling of outdated mindsets.
“But there’s still work to be done,” she adds. “Women in sports broadcasting still face a lot of challenges, many of them rooted in old stereotypes and biases.”
“One of the biggest struggles is constantly having to prove ourselves in an industry that’s been dominated by men for so long. Even when we know our stuff and are passionate about the game, there’s still that doubt, people often question if we really know enough about the sport.”
“There’s a real need for more women in leadership positions, not just in front of the camera, but in decision-making roles too.”
For the anchor and pitch-side presenter, the way forward is clear: “Create environments where women’s voices are not only heard but respected.”
“Mentorship is key. The more women we see leading and thriving in the industry, the more we’ll empower future generations to follow suit.”
And representation? It’s everything. “When young girls see women dominating the field, it tells them, ‘You’re welcome here.’ If they can see it, they’ll know they can be it.”
When asked what changes she’d like to see in terms of coverage and investment in women’s sports, she gives a powerful, passionate answer:
“I would love to see more of women’s sport treated with the same energy, excitement and resources that men’s sports have enjoyed for decades. That means prime-time coverage, deeper storytelling, consistent investment in development programmes. More seats at the table for women, both in front of and behind the camera.
“There’s so much talent, heart and drama in women’s sports that deserves to be in the spotlight, especially in Africa. We’re not just ticking boxes; we’re building legacies. I believe when broadcasters, sponsors and fans fully get behind this vision, we will all win.”
She credits SuperSport for setting the pace in creating opportunities for women platforms that many traditional newsrooms and media houses still fall short on. “It’s amazing to see how the women here have taken the opportunities and run with them.”
As for how she stays sharp in such a fast-paced space? It’s all about the grind. “It’s a mix of discipline, curiosity and the love for the game.”
“I start my morning by checking match reports, highlights, player stats and any breaking news. I follow trusted journalists, coaches and players online to stay tapped into the pulse of the game.”
“Preparation for me also means watching games with intent, looking beyond the goals into tactics, body language, communication, and the atmosphere. I always make time to connect with my production team, because great TV is a team sport. Above all, it’s the years of living and breathing sports that keep me sharp and grounded.”
While proud of how far she’s come, Lerato is dreaming even bigger.
“My heart will always be with football, rugby, cricket, F1, athletics and boxing. But I’m also dreaming bigger now. I’d love to host a global women’s football docu-series that tells the untold stories, the quiet hustle and the powerful moments that shape players on and off the field.”
“Covering the FIFA Club World Cup, AFCON, or the FIFA World Cup as a lead anchor is a dream I hold close. One day, I’d love to produce my own show that highlights women across different codes of sport; not just the athletes, but the coaches, medics and game changers behind the scenes. I want to keep creating spaces where women in sport are seen, heard and celebrated for the powerhouses they truly are.”
With passion, purpose, and the kind of drive that can’t be taught, Lerato Phago is not just showing up, she’s opening doors and making sure they stay open for the next generation of women in sport.
Main Photo Caption: She walked into a voice-over booth with zero sports interest or knowledge, but today, Lerato Phago is a respected face on SuperSport, shaping the sports narrative on her journey of purpose and undeniable growth. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Phago’s journey into sports broadcasting began when she walked into a voice-over audition at Massiv Metro.
Photo 3 Caption: Back in 2018, she had no idea she was about to stumble upon her life passion and launch a most succesful career.
Photo 4 Caption: “Every opportunity I had was a stepping stone, each experience shaped me, pushing me closer to the broadcaster I aspired to become.”
Photo 5 Caption: She credits SuperSport for setting the pace in creating opportunities for women platforms that many newsrooms still fall short on.
Crédito: Link de origem