Gloria Brown has worked her way into many of our lives and become a trusted and familiar soccer commentator. The veteran sports broadcaster has been delivering top-class football analysis over the years, from the local Premier Soccer League to the pinnacle of the sport, the Football World Cup.
Considering her vast stature, it might come as a surprise that she won her first-ever award at the recent 20th annual gsport Awards, when she walked away with the coveted SABC Sport Woman in TV gong.
“It fills me with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation. It gave me more purpose and served as a reminder to me, ‘The why’. People would say why it took so long, and I say my job was not done yet.”
2025 SABC Sport Woman in TV Award Winner, Gloria Brown
“Today I can proudly say that the key to most broadcasting careers in this male-dominated sport was in my hands. When I look at those who have walked this journey to date, and even tomorrow, it gives me unexplainable joy, but being validated by gsport is a proud moment, and I am highly motivated and looking forward to more opportunities,” she told gsport.
With a wealth of experience, Brown is looking at her legacy in commentating as two-pronged. She shared that there are two legacies that she is actively building. One is being inspirational, and the other is fostering a sense of community.
“I want to inspire the girl child, from the most disadvantaged areas, to have a dream, to believe that there are possibilities, to adopt healthy lifestyles and build confidence, and this becomes a career. It’s amazing that through sport we can contribute to society and meet people you never thought you could. Sharing conversations and learning from others.”
“It is important to foster strong relationships, encourage social responsibility, and extend oneself. I took a vow never to allow anyone to feel alone, because in this space it can be. I have extended myself to many, not only in SA but across the globe. What many people don’t know is how many people I mentor, and that is so special”, she went on to say.
As she mentioned, Brown is keen on identifying new talent and is of the opinion that winning on the gsport stage will not only help her continue on the path of success but also encourage and inspire other women in the process.
“It’s a great feeling. There is still so much to be done and I believe this award will help me in my pursuit of growing more talent behind the mic, and give me the voice. Although male voice is still the trusted voice, which conveys strength and resilience, assertiveness, whilst the female voice may be more open and express a bit of vulnerability.”
“We need leaders who are bold and promote gender equality. We need women in broadcasting who can be an inspiration to young girls and women,” said Brown. “What I have realised is that female sports commentators and analysts bring unique insights, experiences, and viewpoints which enhance the overall quality of sports coverage. We need a balanced representation, so the leaders need to address the issues of biases.”
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Brown has had a storied career, starting as a Banyana Banyana player, where she played as a goalkeeper for the national team. After her time on the field, she transitioned into media, beginning her broadcasting journey as a pitch-side reporter. From there, she moved on to football analysis and eventually established herself as a respected commentator.
She says there is no real secret to her enjoying such longevity in her career, but she continues to keep an open mind to developing her talent and not forgetting to always be at her best for the audience she is commentating for.
“What I know is I am still learning; it’s important to stay up to date with trends. I did not start my broadcasting journey as a commentator; it began with other roles and evolved over time. One needs to become multi-skilled and seize every opportunity.”
“As they say, when you are given a chance, make the most of it and remain memorable. I respect my audience, which means when assigned a World Cup, I must prepare thoroughly, just as I do for the women’s game,” she emphasised. “Since we are growing the sport and welcoming newcomers, I avoid using terminology that may not be easily understood.”
“My role needs to be always clear: If I’m an analyst, do you want me to be a coach or storyteller? It’s very important to know who you are engaging with, but preparations are important. I still get nervous until today; I can never take my listeners or viewers for granted; they are the people I respect most; they know the game; they are brilliant at that; I am just given that opportunity and I don’t take it for granted.”
She shared what some of her career highlights have been over the years.
“My highlight is firstly just being given the opportunity to commentate as a woman in football. I commentated on every game you can think of: Bafana Bafana games, UEFA Champions League games, and the Premier Soccer League. This was under different management; of course, they never segregated or had a gender preference.”
“Being an analyst on all the World Cups thus far is a huge achievement; however, what stands out is the 2010 World Cup when they used my clips from SABC, and the world got to know about me, and then the women commentators and analysts in the UK were brought into the limelight. Today, they are respected and given the platform.”
Brown has been the inspiration of many women who wanted to and still harbour hopes of one day joining the sports broadcasting industry. She advised females who are looking to make the move into the broadcasting sphere to recognise their worth and value their abilities.
“I am humbled by that, and I truly understand, but there is one sentence I will share, and that is to ‘love yourself’. It can be lonely, it can be difficult, and you can be exploited, but because you want to sit at that table and break bread, do not sell yourself short. Education and training will provide a solid foundation, gain experience through volunteering and internships, attend industry events, join online communities, practice your on-air presence, and stay patient and persistent, don’t give up.”
The sports media expert has taken it upon herself to ensure that more women are getting their chance in the industry.
“I have been given opportunities through Cosafa to work on these international tournaments, which have allowed me to connect and build networks with others around the Cosafa region. I also mentor, but I should amplify this more; it’s amazing how many women around the globe have taken the mic and made it their own.”
Brown is calling on the continental soccer body to give women a chance to be the face of commentary during tournaments.
“I think my being heard and seen for as long as I have gives hope, and allows more to take this as a career. I would like CAF to be bold and give women commentators a chance. I am not talking about comments persons, or analysts; I am talking about lead commentators. There is not a single woman given that platform. I believe we can grow more and more women. There are many tournaments where we can be recognised … I’m hopeful.”
There has been a lot of talk of Brown’s influence and inspiration, but which women motivate her?
“I was inspired by Holly Rowe, who was ESPN’s commentator who covered college basketball, NBA, and WNBA games. She is a very versatile commentator. We came onto the scene almost at the same time; she is a real trailblazer and well respected for her work ethic, who does insightful interviews and coverage of major events. She started as an intern and made her way up the ladder.”
In closing, Brown had this message for gsport, who is approaching a second decade of promoting girls and women in sport, coming up in 2026. “Firstly, congratulations on getting this far!”
“Twenty years is a milestone; it’s a true testament of reliance and shows maturity and fulfilment. Keep unveiling the best, and amplifying women in sport.”
Main Photo Caption: Veteran sports broadcaster Gloria Brown is pictured receiving the SABC Sport Woman in TV Award from Keletso Totlhanyo, Head of SABC Sport. Over three decades, Brown has worked her way into many of our lives to become a trusted and familiar soccer commentator, and the veteran soccer commentator intends to encourage and inspire girls and women in this key career path. Photo: Sachin du Plooy Naran / gsport
Photo 2 Caption: Brown has had a storied career, starting as Banyana Banyana player goalkeeper before she transitioned into media, beginning as a pitch-side reporter, and going on to football analysis and establishing herself as a respected commentator. Photo: Supplied
Photo 3 Caption: The veteran sports broadcaster has been delivering top-class football analysis for decades, covering everything from the PSL to the Football World Cup. Photo: Paul Mukwevho / gsport
Photo 4 Caption: “Being an analyst on all the World Cups thus far is a huge achievement; however, what stands out is the 2010 World Cup, when they used my clips from SABC, and the world got to know about me.” Photo: Supplied
Photo 5 Caption: To gsport, Brown says: “Twenty years is a milestone; it’s a true testament of reliance and shows maturity and fulfilment. Keep unveiling the best, and amplifying women in sport.” Photo: Supplied
