Carol Tshabalala: Sports Broadcaster

Carol Tshabalala is Africa’s First Lady of Sport and internationally acclaimed broadcaster breaking barriers in global sports media.

Carol Tshabalala-1

Quick Facts:

Highlights:
  • Over 20 years of experience in sports broadcasting across Africa and international media.
  • The only African-based presenter on the English Premier League’s global team.
  • Veteran of major global sports events including the FIFA World Cup and Olympics.
  • Advocate for women’s empowerment and mentorship in sports media.
  • Highly sought-after event emcee and panel moderator for international sporting and corporate events.

Formats: Event emcee, sports broadcast host, keynote speaker, or panel facilitator.

Audience: Sports federations, corporate brands, leadership conferences, youth empowerment events, and media industry summits.

Outcomes:
  1. Experience a dynamic, world-class host who brings energy, insight, and professionalism to every event.
  2. Learn lessons in resilience, representation, and leadership from one of Africa’s top media icons.
  3. Be inspired to break barriers, redefine norms, and lead with excellence.
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Johannesburg

Talent Services

Carol Tshabalala is one of Africa’s most iconic sports broadcasters, renowned for her expertise, charisma, and trailblazing achievements in the industry. With a career spanning over two decades, she has cemented her status as a respected voice in global sports media, breaking barriers as the first African woman to host major international sporting events.

As an award-winning broadcaster, presenter, and producer, Carol has worked with prestigious networks such as SuperSport and the English Premier League, where she brings insightful analysis, in-depth interviews, and compelling storytelling to audiences worldwide. Her ability to engage with athletes, fans, and industry leaders sets her apart as a dynamic and influential figure in sports journalism.

Beyond her on-screen presence, Carol is an advocate for women in sports media, inspiring a new generation of African broadcasters to pursue their dreams. Her professionalism, versatility, and passion for sports continue to make her a role model and a pioneer in the field.

Talent Short Bio

Carol Tshabalala is an award-winning sports broadcaster, presenter, and event emcee whose groundbreaking career has redefined representation in sports media. Known across the continent as South Africa’s First Lady of Sport, Carol has spent over two decades at the forefront of international sports broadcasting—bringing professionalism, passion, and authenticity to every platform she graces.

Her illustrious career includes covering some of the world’s biggest sporting events, from the FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games to major Premier League fixtures. As the only African-based presenter on the English Premier League’s (EPL) global broadcast team, Carol has established herself as a trusted and respected voice in a traditionally male-dominated arena. Her work extends beyond the camera: she’s an advocate for women in sports, mentorship, and the pursuit of excellence across industries.

Carol’s broadcasting style—intelligent, poised, and approachable—makes her a natural leader and role model for aspiring journalists and sports professionals. Whether she’s anchoring international broadcasts, hosting live events, or moderating global sports panels, she embodies grace under pressure and the power of representation.

Carol Tshabalala is one of Africa’s most iconic sports broadcasters and an inspiring pioneer in her field. Dubbed South Africa’s “First Lady of Sport,” Carol has broken barriers in a male-dominated industry, building a career that has spanned over 20 years.

Her journey has seen her rise to global recognition, with work that includes covering major international sporting events and hosting high-profile sports broadcasts. As the only African-based presenter on the English Premier League’s (EPL) global broadcast team, she has earned the respect and admiration of audiences worldwide, further solidifying her standing in sports media.

Her career began with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), where she quickly demonstrated her talent and passion for sports journalism. Carol’s impressive track record includes interviews with some of the biggest names in sports, including world-renowned soccer stars and athletes across disciplines.

Known for her extensive knowledge, warm presenting style, and engaging presence, she has successfully carved a niche in live event hosting, TV presenting, and sports commentary.

In addition to her role as a broadcaster, Carol Tshabalala is a sought-after MC, speaker, and influencer, inspiring audiences with her story of perseverance, resilience, and excellence. She has hosted numerous high-profile events and served as a mentor to aspiring journalists and young women across Africa. Carol uses her platform to champion women’s empowerment and youth development in sports, advocating for more inclusivity and diversity in the industry.

Carol Tshabalala’s expertise is not limited to sports. Her work embodies leadership and the pursuit of passion, resonating with individuals from all walks of life.

Her accolades include:

  • 1 of the Top 10 Women in Radio in SA – MTN Yello Rose award, 2011
  • Best Sports Presenter -Television at the SAFA (South African Football Association) Awards – 2010
  • Best Radio Journalist – SAB Sports Journalists awards 2009
  • Best Television Presenter – for the 2003/2004 PSL soccer season
  • Best television newcomer- SAB Sports Journalist of the Year awards 2001

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Talent Videos

Carol Tshabalala | Forbes Woman Africa “In The Spotlight” | Breaking Barriers in Sports Broadcasting

In this 7-minute Forbes Woman Africa feature, trailblazing sports broadcaster Carol Tshabalala—known as South Africa’s “First Lady of Sport”—shares her journey, challenges, and triumphs in transforming sports media on a global stage.

This Forbes Woman Africa: In The Spotlight interview offers an intimate look at Carol Tshabalala’s rise from local television host to one of the most respected voices in international sports broadcasting. The segment opens with Carol reflecting on her early years in the industry—how her love for sport and storytelling drove her to enter a space that, at the time, had very few women. She recounts the skepticism she faced as a young woman in a male-dominated field and how perseverance, preparation, and passion became her tools for success.

Carol discusses her groundbreaking achievement as the only African-based presenter on the English Premier League’s global broadcast team—a role that demands excellence, adaptability, and composure on one of the world’s most visible media platforms. She shares the behind-the-scenes realities of live broadcasting and the pressure of representing both her country and continent on an international stage.

The conversation turns to mentorship and representation, two themes Carol holds close to her heart. She speaks about her commitment to paving the way for young women in media, encouraging them to own their voices and pursue their dreams unapologetically. Her message is clear: hard work, integrity, and authenticity open doors that talent alone cannot.

The feature closes with Carol reflecting on legacy. Her tone is both humble and proud as she acknowledges how far she’s come and the responsibility she carries to inspire future generations. Her journey, as portrayed in this interview, is one of courage, professionalism, and a relentless belief in the power of perseverance.

Key Moments

  • 00:45 – Early beginnings and entering sports media as a young woman.
  • 02:00 – Overcoming barriers and earning credibility in a male-dominated industry.
  • 03:30 – Becoming the only African-based presenter on the EPL’s global team.
  • 05:00 – Mentorship, representation, and empowering the next generation.
  • 06:30 – Reflections on legacy, growth, and the importance of authenticity.

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