PROFILE - MOLEBOHENG TSOANE: From viral sensation to MVP hopeful

Name: Moleboheng Tsoane

Age: 25

Hometown: Sasolburg, Free State

Hearing her home language on football commentary was enough to convince Moleboheng Tsoane that she too can be able to tell stories through the microphone.

She was inspired by the legends of SeSotho commentators in South Africa, Baba Mthethwa, Thabo Kofa and Maphale Moloi. Her journey, though, started with her providing pitch-side entertainment for her friends and other spectators at a local tournament.

Little did she know that the video her friend took while she was imitating commentators would trend and make her a sought-after commentator in her community.

SOCIAL SPARK

“It started off as a joke, I didn’t think it would grow to be something serious. My friend recorded me and posted the video on social media platforms. People loved what I did and I started getting invited to commentate at tournaments around the Vaal and Free State.

"I also got an opportunity to work on the DStv eKasi Champ of Champs in July and it was an amazing experience. It was the first time that I had to work with an earpiece, I was only used to just having a mic only when I do commentary at the tournaments that I usually work at,” says Moleboheng.

The experience she picked up in the Champ of Champs competition was enough to convince her to enter the SuperSport MVP Talent Search. She says not only did she want to test how far she has come but she wanted to learn more about the world of sports commentary and broaden her skills as well.

“After hearing Baba, Mr Cool and Maphale doing this, I thought I would like to do this as a woman. Inspire others too and make them fall in love with football through my commentary in SeSotho,” she says.