From sprinting down the track to commanding the mic at some of South Africa’s biggest sporting events, Boitumelo Valtina Matjila’s story is breaking barriers and soon you could hear her being a stadium announcer and MC at one of the biggest games in the country.
“My love for sport has always been bigger than just competing. As much as I enjoyed the thrill of crossing a finish line, I realised I also had a passion for creating those moments for others.
From Athlete to Sports MC: Boitumelo Valtina Matjila
“Moving into sports administration, MC’ing, and stadium announcing allowed me to stay close to the action while shaping the stories, opportunities, and memories that happen behind the scenes,” she reflects.
“It’s like I traded my spikes for a mic, but the adrenaline is still the same.”
That adrenaline has carried her into roles with organisations such as University Sport South Africa (USSA), Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), and Wits University. Each, she says, has shown her a different side of South Africa’s sporting landscape.
“At TUT, I saw firsthand how resources and structured support can elevate student-athletes. At Wits, I experienced the power of media and events in building sporting culture. At USSA, I’ve witnessed the national network that connects these institutions, giving athletes a platform to grow from campus to continental and even Olympic stages.”
Her career has taken her from the Varsity Cup to the SA20 cricket league and Bulls Daisies rugby, with the SA20 standing out as an unforgettable experience. “The energy was electric, the production world-class, and the audience incredibly diverse.”
“It challenged me to bring my A-game every day, and it reminded me how sport can unite people from all walks of life. Plus, there’s nothing like hearing a crowd erupt when you announce a big moment.”
But stadium announcing is no easy task. Preparation, she insists, is everything. “I research teams, players, and event storylines so I’m not just reading names, I’m telling a story. On the day, I feed off the crowd’s energy, adapt to the atmosphere, and make sure I’m engaging both the die-hard fans and those experiencing the sport for the first time.”
Matjila’s work doesn’t stop with mainstream events. She is also committed to developing emerging sporting codes, such as footgolf, a sport that blends football and golf. “I love being part of something fresh, where the rulebook is still being written. Footgolf attracts a mix of athletes and fans. It’s exciting to watch people discover it for the first time and realise it’s more than just a novelty, it’s a sport with real potential.”
Her rise hasn’t been without challenges, especially in male-dominated spaces. “I’ve had to work twice as hard to prove that I belong. Early on, there were times I wasn’t taken seriously until I showed what I could deliver. Overcoming that meant building my credibility through consistent performance, building relationships, and refusing to let anyone’s doubt become my own.”
One of her proudest moments was hosting the Varsity Women’s Football Tournament. “Seeing young players shine on a big stage was special. Knowing that my role helped make their moment possible and that some of them might go on to represent South Africa is incredibly rewarding.”
To young women aiming for a career in sports media or event management, her advice is simple but powerful:
“Start where you are, with what you have. Volunteer, network, and keep learning. Every small event you MC or assist at builds your skillset and your brand. And most importantly, don’t wait for permission, create your own opportunities.”
Looking ahead, Matjila’s vision for women in sport in South Africa is bold: “I’d love to see equal media coverage for women’s sport, better funding for female athletes, and more women in decision-making roles.”
“We’re making progress, but in five years, I want young girls to grow up seeing women leading, competing, and winning on every stage without it being seen as unusual.”
From her first steps on the track to her voice echoing across stadiums, Boitumelo Valtina Matjila is proving that the mic can be as powerful as the medal and that her story is only just beginning.
Main Photo Caption: From sprinting down the track to commanding the mic at some of South Africa’s biggest sporting events, Boitumelo Valtina Matjila’s story is breaking barriers and soon you could hear her being a stadium announcer and MC at one of the biggest games in the country. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Her career has taken her from the Varsity Cup to the SA20 cricket league and Bulls Daisies, with the SA20 standing out as an unforgettable experience.
Photo 3 Caption: One of her proudest moments was hosting the Varsity Women’s Football Tournament. “Seeing young players shine on a big stage was special.”
Photo 4 Caption: To young women aiming for a career in sports media, Matjila says: “Start where you are, with what you have!”
Photo 5 Caption: Looking ahead, Matjila’s vision for women in sport in South Africa is bold: “I’d love to see equal media coverage for women’s sport, better funding for female athletes, and more women in decision-making roles.”
