Malawi's Lone Voice Breaks Gender Barrier at Pioneering COSAFA Commentary Workshop
The participants received technical instruction on commentary and had the chance to practice with live footage in a commentary booth.
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa— The only Malawian participant at a groundbreaking women's sports commentary workshop hailed it as a "lifetime opportunity" to break into the male-dominated broadcasting field, writes Winston Mwale.
The Council of Southern Africa Football Associations hosted the pioneering two-day event for eight aspiring female broadcasters from the region.
"I was very excited, humbled at the very same time," said Mwakhele Kaliande from MIJ FM in Malawi.
"It's not easy to make it through to the last eight of this workshop. And coming here and learning from COSAFA that over 300 entries were sent across the region and then being the only one from Malawi, with a few from other nations like Zambia, Zimbabwe, and a lot more from South Africa, for me it was that platform that was lacking."
Kaliande explained the workshop provided crucial training for female commentators trying to enter the profession.
"You'd be learning from the best, you'd be taught the best practices in the game, and then you'd be able to break into the male dominated space, not just like a fluke, but knowing exactly what needs to be done, knowing how you can jinx around in the game, which was a plus."
"It's a lifetime opportunity. I hope to grow from there, I hope to learn from there, and then change the sphere of how people have viewed sports in general and commentating specifically," she added.
The event hosted participants from Malawi, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe and provided training from veteran commentator Mark Gleeson as well as insights from SuperSport director Nono Cele.
COSAFA executive director Sue Destombes said the workshop aimed to inspire more women to pursue careers in sports broadcasting.
"We have seen the small steps taken by female commentators and analysts in broadcasting on the continent, but it is not enough and we need more."
The participants received technical instruction on commentary and had the chance to practice with live footage in a commentary booth.
They also toured SuperSport's studios in Johannesburg and created demo recordings to use as showreels with broadcasters.
"We have been very impressed with the calibre of participant and I have no doubt that many will have a long career in broadcasting," Destombes said.
"As COSAFA we continue to deliver on our mandate to provide development opportunities not only for players, coaches, referees and administrators, but also those in media and broadcasting."