At just 24 years old, Princess Tshepiso Mobeng has already carved out a name for herself in South African broadcasting, and now, she’s making history as Engen’s first-ever sportscaster. Crowned by the power of the people’s votes, Princess will step into the spotlight at the Engen Champ of Champs, embodying what Women’s Month is all about: opportunity, growth, and rewriting the script in a male-dominated industry.
Soccer Laduma caught up with the MGOMA award-nominated presenter to talk about her journey, what this recognition means, and the impact of Engen’s commitment to empowering women during Women’s Month.
Q: Princess, first off, congratulations on becoming Engen’s very first sportscaster. That’s a huge milestone, especially as the role was decided by the fans. How does that recognition make you feel and what does it mean to you personally?
A: Yeah, man, you know the sportscaster search. I think it was a wonderful experience and how it went about and, you know, having the people that saw my video believe that I could also be an Engen sportscaster and I think first and foremost, big ups to Engen really for putting an opportunity out there for young people to be found in the sports industry, regardless of whether male or female. But obviously, I think there's a beauty in it on, on having the first sportscaster be a female, you know, and because of it being a very male dominated space. So, I think the journey for me has been quite beautiful and meaningful. Looking at the fact that I'm already like a broadcaster, but having to step into sports broadcasting through Engen and the playing out of the competition itself. It was very beautiful to watch. Young people also believe that they could become an Engen sportscaster and obviously there can always be one winner. But having so many people rally behind me at the point where they needed to cast their vote and they took their time. It reminded me that, you know. Yes, the dream is mine - but if I believe in myself enough, other people will see it too, they'll see the potential and they will rally behind me. And that's exactly what they did. And I guess my community got me where I am, now and here, I am an Engen sportscaster.
Q: You’ve touched on how powerful it is that the first Engen Sportscaster happens to be a woman, in what has always been a male-dominated space. With this being Women’s Month, what does breaking that barrier mean to you? What message do you think it sends to a younger version of yourself, and to other young women looking up to you?
A: I think it just gives confirmation that I deserve a seat at the table, that my voice needs to be heard, and solidifying that my voice needs to be heard, you know, and being given a seat at the table and not being made to feel like it’s really just, 'We’re giving you a chance', but rather, 'You deserve to be there'. And I think it allows me to dream even bigger, to see the future me when I look back and think of how hard I’ve been pouring into myself, because I want to be a broadcaster. I want to be a broadcaster, and you know, having to manoeuvre this dream of mine with so much enthusiasm. And now here I am, an Engen sportscaster being put on a national platform, being surrounded by people’s personalities, both personalities who are already in this, your Brighton and your Thabiso, your coach Thabo Senong, they’ve already been in this space, and having them pour into my cup and just remind me every chance that they get that I belong.
Q: From your perspective, why do you think it’s important for corporates like Engen, and even others still to follow, to spotlight women’s stories and create opportunities for women in sport? Not only during Women’s Month, but as a constant commitment?
A: Look, I really do believe that each and every person has something to give. Everyone has something to offer. For the longest time, women have been given the back seat because of how things used to be and what people used to believe, that women didn’t deserve a seat at the table, or to be the driving force on the front lines. But once people start to realize the substance women can bring to the table, then you see how vital it is to keep spotlighting that. That’s why it’s so important for big corporates like Engen to put focus into the girl child. By doing so, they’re not only providing a platform, they’re contributing to these young women becoming somebody tomorrow. It’s about reminding them that their dreams are valid. And what I love about Engen is that they don’t just say it, they do it. If you’re a young woman who aspires to be a coach, there’s a place for you. If you want to play the sport, come through, there’s a platform for that too. The initiatives they’ve put in place prove that. Even the prize money is equal between boys and girls, which shows real commitment to giving women and young girls the opportunity to be themselves. At the end of the day, everybody deserves to have a moment, and Engen makes that possible.
Stay tuned to catch the second part of our conversation with Princess!
