SuperSport’s football fan favourite shares the pearls of wisdom on what has made her stand out and shine on Your World of Champions.
When the Gods of fate conspire, the results are often – interesting. Whether it’s a football game or a career path, one thing is certain, there is a purpose. Thato Moeng’s professional journey is an exact representation of such circumstances.
Known for her unique voice and alluring charm, Thato has long since been seasoned to step into the limelight and shine. Her start, however, was a fortuitous act of fate.
“I'm a TV baby. I actually used to do TV, and then I grew up further into radio and, how I ended up at SuperSport was actually a fluke,” she cheerfully reminisced. “I had auditioned, and I was the last one to audition, like, literally the last person to audition. I ran in there, sweaty, and, of course, I got the job.”
NEVER LOOKED BACK
She hasn’t looked back ever since. A glowing resume that is the envy of many and garners the respect of all, the highlights are endless but three stand out head and shoulders above the rest.
The first is the Fifa Women's World Cup Germany. “It was myself, Janine, and Amanda. It was so wonderful to work on that Fifa Women's World Cup. Then I got an opportunity to actually go with Banyana Banyana to the Fifa World Cup in New Zealand, Australia. That honestly has to be one of my best moments.”
The other two are the Women’s Afcon and the CAF Women’s Champions League.
It comes as no surprise that these are all women’s sporting events. Despite having worked predominantly on male sports, there is something both exciting and empowering when platforming other women.
ROLE MODEL
It all stems from women she aspired to be like growing up. Her recollection of that time is vivid and clear, so she did not hesitate in naming her role model: Ms Cynthia Chaka.
“She's the person who made me feel like I can do that. I wanna do that. And then you look at Cynthia's career.” Its Cynthia’s versatility that has inspired Moeng to be more than a broadcaster.
“She studied too, I think she's got a master's degree. So, Cynthia Chaka, oh my goodness. She's definitely an idol.”
A late friend nicknamed her Jose Mourinho, someone she dreams of interviewing one day, and much like Mourinho, Thato is not of the bottle – she is a “Special One”.
“I think it's because I wanted to stand out, and I stand out, nonetheless. I do not want to be a copycat. I'm so different, it's actually very easy to identify me.”
STUBBORN ABOUT DREAMS
From Thursday Night Live to anchoring on the biggest sporting games for both men’s and women’s sport, her persistence and confidence have taken her far. A true representation of SuperSport’s longstanding stance of being #HereForHer, her words of encouragement to young women coming through the ranks is firm and unequivocal.
She adds: “Be stubborn about your dreams. Be stubborn. Be angry about not reaching your dreams. Be your dreams. No one else. No one knows your dreams. Bring them to fruition.”
Thato Moeng is easily a role model in her own right. What is scary, is that it would seem she’s only getting started.
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SuperSport’s Here for Her is a movement, a celebration and a commitment to uplifting women in sports, both on the field and behind the scenes. Look out for lots more female-powered action from this bold initiative.