When considering the ideal individual to feature in our sport segment this week, the remarkable Zenande Funani immediately came to mind.

As a rising star in the presenter and content creator sphere, she is quickly establishing herself, making it fitting to celebrate her achievements by delving into her journey.

Without further ado, Zenande takes us on a journey through time, reflecting on the origins of her passion for sports, saying, “My mother always encouraged me to take up sport in primary school as an extra mural. I played every single sport my school had to offer and I was really good and very competitive. I received honours in Athletics when I was in primary for provincial high jump and honours in Netball Provincials in Matric. I always thought I’d go on and play for the Spar Proteas,” she explained. 

“But mostly, my love for sport stems from my passion for competition and the thrill of victory. I’ve always been drawn to the excitement and energy of watching and playing sports. It’s also the camaraderie and teamwork that I enjoy, and the sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming challenges. I find the whole experience to be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. It’s a great way to stay active and connect with others, and I can’t imagine my life without it!”

With a competitive spirit driving her, Zenande pursued further studies in Gauteng, “I studied Sports Management at the University of Johannesburg, which has a strong focus on developing leaders in the sports industry. The program provided me with a solid foundation in all aspects of sports management, from marketing and finance to facility management and event planning. It was an amazing experience that prepared me for a career in the sports world. I’m so grateful for the education I received and the opportunities it has opened up for me.”

Having laid the groundwork in sports through her education, Zenande fearlessly seized the next phase of her career by delving into sports content creation at stadiums, a move that propelled her forward and opened doors for her.

“My journey into the sport space began when I started vlogging at stadiums, using my phone to hone my skills as a presenter and content creator. It was a way for me to share my passion for sports with the world and connect with other fans and athletes. I started to gain a following, which led to some exciting opportunities to cover sporting events and work with brands in the sports industry. It’s been an amazing journey, and I’m still learning and growing every day. My advice to anyone starting out is to just go for it.”

When discussing the fusion of sports presenting and content creation on social media, Zenande emphasizes, “I think the key to merging sports presenting and content creation is to always stay true to my authentic self. I bring my unique perspective and voice to everything I do, whether it’s a sport-related video or a personal vlog. I’m passionate about sports and creating content that connects with my audience, and I try to infuse that passion into everything I create. I think it’s important to have fun and be creative, while still providing high-quality content that resonates with viewers. It’s all about finding the right balance.”

As Zenande continues to achieve milestones and ascend the ranks, she highlights some of her accomplishments thus far, “Some of my biggest career highlights have been working at the Netball World Cup, the Women’s FIFA World Cup, and being a part of the inaugural SA20 season. These events have given me the opportunity to work with amazing athletes and teams, and to share my passion for sports with a global audience. I’m also incredibly proud to have made my SuperSport debut, and to have covered Springboks Test matches. These experiences have been incredibly rewarding, and I’m grateful for the opportunities, and they’ve helped me grow as a sports presenter and content creator. I’m looking forward to continuing to learn and expand my horizons in the sports industry. I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received from my family, friends, and fans, and I’m excited to see what the future holds!”

As a young woman making her mark in the sports industry, Zenande has faced numerous challenges, which she elaborates on, “I’ve faced challenges like gender stereotypes, and sometimes not being taken seriously. But also the content creation side is a new concept on SuperSport, so many people (viewers) have not always received it well and that makes things quite challenging. But I’ve learned to use these challenges as motivation to work even harder and to prove myself. I also find strength in the support of my fellow women in the industry, and in my own self-belief. I believe that hard work, perseverance, and a positive mindset can overcome any challenges, and I encourage other women in the industry to have the same belief in themselves.”

As Zenande grows a thick skin in the sports industry, she proceeds to offer advice to young girls aspiring to enter the sports arena, “I’d say to go for it! But it’s important to be prepared for the hard work and dedication that it takes to succeed. I would also advise finding mentors and role models who can offer guidance and support. And most importantly, remember to stay true to yourself and be confident in your abilities. The sports industry is an exciting, ever-changing world, and there’s a place for everyone who is willing to put in the effort.”

As her career continues on an upward trajectory, I inquire with Zenande about her ongoing goals, whether in sports or any other field. Her response, “My career goals are always evolving, but right now, I’m focused on expanding my reach as a content creator, especially in the digital space. I also want to keep growing as a sports presenter and sharpen my knowledge, and to use my platform to highlight and celebrate other women in the industry. Ultimately, I want to inspire the next generation of women in sports. So, there’s a lot of work to do, but I’m ready to take on the challenge. And who knows what the future holds? 😊”

With a promising future ahead, Zenande concludes the conversation by sharing what motivates her and fuels her desire for more in life.

“For me, it’s a combination of things that keep me going. First and foremost, I’m driven by my passion for sports and my love for storytelling. I also find motivation in the support of my family and friends, as well as people who are constantly rooting for me, some I don’t even know personally. And finally, I believe in the power of hard work and determination. No matter what challenges come my way, I know that if I keep working hard and staying focused, I can achieve anything I set my mind to. I guess you could say that my motivation comes from within, and that’s what keeps me going every day.”