Social media is now the primary source for sports news, from results and match analysis to behind-the-scenes content. Mbali Makhubo is building an authentic online presence by providing insights into cricket, including game developments and major competitions.
gsport chatted to Makhubo, who shared that her interest in cricket began in 2016, inspired by her brother. Since then, she has established her voice in cricket and aspires to become a global content creator.
Content creation isn’t all that keeps Makhubo busy, as she is also a Business Analyst by day, and she feels her job has actually helped in how she produces her social media videos. She also wants to play her part in ensuring that the women’s games and its players get the recognition they deserve, and she shared that this is something she is working hard at making a reality.
Tell us how your career in media began?
About ten years ago, at the 2016 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, my older brother introduced me to cricket, which marked the beginning of my media career. I fell in love with the game somewhere in between those matches after he insisted that I watch the entire tournament with him.
Pure curiosity gave way to analysis over time. I became interested in learning about the strategies, trends, and backstories of performances.
That enthusiasm eventually led me to pursue opportunities in sports media and produce content about cricket. The journey has been fuelled by a sincere passion for the game.
What is it about being in sports media that makes you excited about doing your job?
The chance to continue learning while sharing important backstory stories is what most excites me about working in sports media, especially at this early stage of my career.
“I am still very much in the process of looking at, researching, and comprehending the game’s deeper levels, and I get a real kick out of it.”
Business Analyst and Content Creator, Mbali Makhubo
Sport moves swiftly, but there are always trends, stressful situations, and strategic choices that influence results. I like to explore these details in my content. I can develop my analytical voice and add to discussions about the game by being here.
In my opinion, it’s more important to keep improving, pose more insightful queries, and assist viewers in viewing cricket from a more critical angle than it is to have all the answers at once.
You have a keen interest in cricket. Why do you love the sport so much?
My brother initially drew me in with cricket’s emotional appeal, but the game’s intelligence was what kept me interested. Patience, strategy, and mental toughness are all rewarded in this sport. Every field placement tells a story, and every delivery carries a decision.
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I adore how cricket is incredibly tactical and never just physical. For someone who likes to examine trends and performance, cricket seems like the ideal nexus of data and sport.
We have seen a vast improvement in women’s sport in South Africa. As a content creator, how does this help you in your creative process as you make videos?
The growth of women’s sports in South Africa has sparked so much creativity, giving us tons of fresh stories to share.
“With better performance, tougher competition, and way more visibility, we’ve got richer data and deeper narratives to dive into.”
It lets me craft content that truly celebrates the brilliance of women’s cricket, smarter, more insightful, and with real purpose. The whole storytelling world feels alive and exciting now thanks to these changes.
Who are some of your favourite female sports content creators?
I really admire writers who craft stories from scratch and aren’t afraid to let their true selves shine through.
“At the gsport Awards 2025, Stephanie Mawdsley’s work on women’s football, from its grassroots days to going professional, stands out as one of my absolute favourites. She fired me up and reminded me of the smart, heartfelt storytelling I want to bring to cricket.”
I also admire @tshepitalksmotorsport. I love her vibe; her energy, personality, and raw reactions to everything in Formula 1 are just electric. Watching her proves you can be a woman on social media, own your real opinions on sports, and blend your voice with sharp analysis and commentary. That’s the unfiltered, honest, insightful space I want for myself.
How are you helping to bring more awareness to women’s sport in South Africa?
I focus on creating cricket content that highlights women’s performances in a way that’s both insightful and accessible. Last year, I attended the gsport Business Breakfast event, where the discussion centred on visibility in women’s sport. That really reinforced for me how important it is to document and preserve the achievements of female athletes, not just stories, but the stats and data that show their impact over time.
My long-term goal is to ensure that women’s cricket is documented as rigorously as men’s cricket. Every player’s stats, milestones, and contributions should be recorded and analysed, so the history of the game grows with them. When stats are properly documented, it elevates the game, informs better coverage, and ensures that women’s cricket achievements are recognised and celebrated in the same way as men’s.
What have been some of your career highlights?
Some of my proudest moments so far include being invited into cricket spaces to observe performance analysis work, attending key women’s sport events, and recently participating in my first radio broadcast discussing the Women’s Cricket World Cup Final.
Each of these experiences has affirmed that I am moving in the right direction and has motivated me to keep building my voice within the cricket ecosystem.
We have seen an increase in women joining sports media, not just on the continent but around the world. As one of these women, how does it make you feel that women are now taking centre stage?
It’s incredibly encouraging. Seeing more women step confidently into sports media, especially in analytical roles, signals real progress in the industry. For me, it creates both pride and responsibility.
Pride because the doors are opening wider, and responsibility because we must continue delivering high-quality, insightful work that keeps those doors open for the next generation of women in sport.
You also have a day-to-day job as a Business Analyst. Has this helped or played any role in your content creation?
My day job as a Business Analyst has helped me learn how to notice patterns, organise information clearly, and ask better questions. All of that really helps when I’m creating cricket content.
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In a way, my work has trained me to see cricket differently and share it in a way that’s easier for others to understand and enjoy.
What is your biggest career dream?
It would be to establish myself globally as a performance analyst in cricket while continuing to grow as a respected voice in sports media. I want to contribute meaningfully to how the game is understood, not just by reporting what happens, but by helping audiences understand why it happens. Alongside my personal career goals, I also want to push women’s cricket forward.
What is your message to fellow female sports content creators for 2026?
I’m still on my journey and not yet where I want to be, but that has only made me more determined to grow, learn, and keep pushing.
“My message to fellow female sports content creators is to stay curious, keep refining your voice, and don’t be afraid to share your perspective.”
The space for women in sports media is expanding, and there is room for thoughtful, analytical, and authentic storytelling. The more we challenge ourselves, support each other, and consistently bring our best to the table, the more we raise the standard for women’s sport and inspire the next generation.
gsport will celebrate its 20th birthday this year. What do you think of the work being done and the impact it has made?
gsport has been incredible in giving women’s sport the visibility and respect it deserves in South Africa and across the continent. The platform not only celebrates athletes but also coaches, support staff, and everyone working behind the scenes. It recognises the hard work, dedication, and contributions of everyone involved in women’s sport and consistently shines a light on their efforts.
By telling these stories and celebrating achievements consistently, gsport creates a space where everyone in women’s sport can be seen, heard, and inspired. Their work has made a real impact on how women’s sport is perceived and has opened doors for the next generation of girls to step confidently into this space.
Main Photo Caption: By blending her expertise as a Business Analyst with a deep passion for cricket, Mbali Makhubo is building an authentic presence in sports media, dedicated to documenting the stats and stories of women’s sport for a global audience. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Driven by a passion that ignited at the 2016 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Mbali Makhubo is carving out her space in sports media.
Photo 3 Caption: Makhubo’s approach is to merge her professional background as a Business Analyst with a deep, tactical love for the game of cricket.
Photo 4 Caption: Mbali Makhubo uses her platform in a mission to ensure women’s cricket is documented with the same rigour as the men’s game.
