When drawing up a list of South Africa’s most accomplished sports broadcasters, the name Morena Mothupi is one that easily makes the cut. The award-winning and multifaceted broadcaster has had a colourful career that has won him the love and support of many sports enthusiasts. Born and bred in Soweto, Mothupi is a versatile and dynamic individual who describes himself as a happy soul and a lover of life.  “I was that kid who went to a Model C school but I’ve always been that Kasi Boy. So, I adapt to anywhere and everywhere I am. I love that there is no rigidity about me,” he shared. 

Sports Broadcasting – a career that chose him 

Mothupi has always been a huge lover of sport. As such, his career comes as no surprise although it is not necessarily something which formed part of his list of career choices. In fact, it is his broadcasting career that chose him. The year was 2013 and he was working at a bank as a data capturer when someone shared something that would ultimately change his life. “A friend of mine by the name of Lebogang Manoko sent me a screenshot of a tweet from Supersport Blitz. They were looking for journos to join the team. He encouraged me and said we should both apply. He sent the screenshot because he knew my love for the sport.”

After going through a nerve-wracking application and assessment process where he and hundreds of other aspiring sports journalists had to write a script, pass a test and even record an audition clip, Mothupi made it into Supersport Blitz in May 2013. He defines his journey at Supersport Blitz as a time like no other. It established the strong foundation he needed for his career, as well as the opportunity to work alongside some of the best people in the world of sports reporting. Mothupi later joined Eyewitness News (EWN) where he spent four years. This was also when he started his radio career. “I will forever be grateful to EWN. A lot of what people see about me today was nurtured and properly crafted by EWN,” he said.  After deciding that he wanted to be on television, Mothupi left EWN. Joining eNCA had always been a dream of his and that’s exactly where he landed 7 months later. 

A decade of dedication and passion

It goes without saying that Mothupi has had a beautiful and inspirational career so far. It takes a special kind of talent and dedication to excel in both television and radio.  When asked what makes a good sports broadcaster, he stated a burning passion for sports as a non-negotiable prerequisite. “A good broadcaster is someone who does it because they enjoy it and not because they get paid for it. For me, sports is not a job, it’s a lifestyle. It goes beyond the paycheck. It’s about the love and passion that I have.”

Reflecting on the past decade, the talented broadcaster gives all credit and thanks to God, his ancestors as well as each individual who has brought help and empowerment on his path.  Indeed, Mothupi’s 10 years of sports reporting and anchoring have come with some challenges, lessons and plenty of golden moments. Although he is grateful for it all, he cites his decision to start as his greatest achievement. “It’s truly that moment of responding to my best friend Lebogang when he sent me that screenshot and said we should give it a try. My greatest achievement is actually starting a journey I could’ve never imagined for myself. When I look back at the 10 years of this journey, I marvel.” Mothupi added that what he also views as an achievement is his commitment to always having a goal and never thinking that he has made it. 

Fatherhood, family and a fine taste in music

It is often said that life’s best moments are better when shared. For Mothupi, community is of utmost importance and he is very much a family man. “I will always be about family and community. I can never subscribe to the idea of doing life by myself. I always need someone there. Whether it’s friends, a romantic partner or family, I always have to have someone there. I’m all about community” he said. The broadcaster is also a father and views fatherhood as the ‘best hood’ and one of the greatest things to ever happen to him. “Fatherhood has given me a reason to live. It has given me a reason to wake up every day…to set a goal, to have dreams and to have a purpose.”

When Mothupi is not on our TV screens or on the airwaves, he can be found in front of his own television screen enjoying some sports. He also loves sitting alone and enjoying some music. “I listen to everything. From Classical Pop to Rock music as well as Kwaito and House music. My partner has also introduced me to artists such as Cleo Sol and Marie Dahlstrom. I also listen to Amapiano like everybody else…a bit of everything really. If it sounds good, I’m literally listening to it,” said Mothupi. Serving as living proof that our dreams are indeed valid and that anything is possible, Mothupi encourages young aspiring broadcasters to know their “Why?”

“Remember why you started. The going is gonna get tough but I am where I am because I never forgot why I started.” He also warns against doing it for fame and encourages a willingness to work diligently and build from the ground up. “Don’t get into this industry for fame or because you want to earn half a million like Robert Marawa. Robert Marawa didn’t start off earning half a million. Thato Moeng is where she is today because she used to do the jobs that nobody wanted to do. Never make it about the illusion. Fame is an illusion,” he advised.