In 2013, Dikeledi Letsiri walked onto the gsport stage as the Women in Media winner, a moment that sparked a transformation in her journey as a sports broadcaster. More than a decade later, she’s one of the few female commentators regularly heard on SABC Sport, bringing women’s football to life for millions of South Africans.
She’s also stepped up as a producer, shaping the narrative behind the scenes. For Dikeledi, it all began with a dream and the confidence boost that came from being seen.
“In a field dominated by men, being honoured by gsport elevated my visibility.”
2013 gsport Women in Media Award winner, Dikeledi Letsiri
“It boosted my presence and confidence in the arena as a woman who has high ambitions about her craft. Since then, I’ve done both radio and TV sports,” she reflects, “At first, it was only radio.”
The recognition came at a time when Dikeledi needed a spark: “It brought much-needed attention to my work, and reignited the fire I had lost for my craft.”
Today, she’s one of the distinctive female voices in the Hollywoodbets Super League commentary box, narrating the rise of women’s football in South Africa.
“TV has always been one of my goals on my vision board,” she says. “When the chance finally presented itself, I grabbed it with both hands and ran.”
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She speaks with joy about her place in this growing space: “The feeling is close to none, seeing women’s football grow rapidly, and me being part of that history in the making as a woman!
“I can only say thank God, and to initiatives such as the gsport Awards for uplifting women and putting them on the pedestal, where everyone can recognise them.”
Like many women in sport, her path hasn’t been without obstacles. “My greatest challenge was stepping into something I had never done before. But for the love of what I do and know as a presenter and commentator, it wasn’t a hill to climb before I found my way around everything.”
Though she’s a seasoned voice on-air, Dikeledi has also made her mark as a producer, a role she likens to “getting your hands dirty to collect all the stories to take to the viewers and listeners.”
“I’ve been in front of the mic for over 15 years. I have reached a level of mastery when it comes to delivering, and yet I still get goosebumps every time I go on air. I’m more alive behind the mic!”
It’s not just about airtime for Dikeledi, it’s about changing how women in sport are seen. A moment that stands out for her came thanks to her husband, who worked with a SAFA U17 girls’ team.
“With his knowledge of these ‘unknown’ talents, I get to paint a colourful picture to the viewer or listener,” she explains. “As a result, a household name is birthed, and people no longer ask questions the second time a team plays. They watch with knowledge and excitement.”
Never one to stand still, Dikeledi’s next goal is crystal clear:
“I want to commentate the Betway Premiership, and Rugby!”
She’s passionate about helping the next generation of women step into sport media with purpose and resilience. “Like myself, don’t rely on one sporting code. I cover cricket, rugby, athletics, marathons, football … That way you build your name steadily, without pressure, until you are a brand. Then, you can push for the one sporting code you really prefer once you have a ground to stand on.”
When asked who inspired her most, Dikeledi doesn’t hesitate: Kass Naidoo. “The first time I fell in love with cricket commentary, it was after I heard Kass do it. She made it sound so easy. I promised myself that I was going to do it in vernac and own it and I did just that. The rest was history.”
Main Photo Caption: In 2013, Dikeledi Letsiri walked onto the gsport stage as the Women in Media winner, in a moment that sparked a transformation in her journey as a sports broadcaster. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: More than a decade later, Dikeledi is one of the few female commentators bringing women’s football to life for millions of South Africans.
Photo 3 Caption: “TV has always been one of my goals. When the chance finally presented itself, I grabbed it with both hands and ran.”
Photo 4 Caption: “I’ve been in front of the mic for over 15 years, and yet I still get goosebumps every time I go on air.
Photo 5 Caption: She’s passionate about helping the next generation of women step into sport media with purpose and resilience.
