Full name: | Mokwena Thomas Kwenaite | |
Nickname: | TK | |
Marital Status: | Married | |
Children: | Lebohang, Kgomotso, Kutlwano, Ofentse and Redihentse | |
Place of birth: | 28 February 1957 in Pretoria |
First job ever: | Packing pies at a confectionary in Pretoria West | |
Worst job: | Packing pies at a confectionary in Pretoria West | |
CareerHighlights: | Winning SAB Sports Writer of the Year, Adidas Golden Pen Winner, Smirnoff Sport Writer of the Year, Coca-Cola Feature Writer of the Year, MTN Sport Writer of the Year, Steve Tshwete Lifetime Achievement Award, SAB Sport Hall of Fame and Ruth First Courageous Journalism award. |
Early Life and Career Beginnings
According to his blog, Thomas Kwenaite grew up in Pretoria, South Africa during the apartheid-era, a period marked by political repression, limited opportunities, and segregation—including in sport. Despite these obstacles, he found his passion early in storytelling, communication, and football.
Kwenaite began his journalism career in the 1980s, starting in print media. He worked for major publications such as:
- The Sowetan
- City Press
- Mail & Guardian
- KickOff Megazine

In these early years, he became well known for his fearless and articulate reporting, covering both sports and broader social issues where they intersected.
🗞️ Rise in Journalism and Broadcasting
1990s – Transition to Broadcasting
As South Africa moved toward democracy in the early 1990s, the media landscape changed dramatically. Thomas Kwenaite transitioned into radio and television, quickly becoming one of the most recognizable voices and faces in sports broadcasting.
He began hosting football shows and commentary segments, bringing his deep knowledge and engaging style to a broader audience.
SuperSport Career

Kwenaite became a key figure at SuperSport, Africa’s largest sports broadcaster.
- Hosted and anchored programs like:
- “Soccer Africa” – a popular continental show that featured analysis, interviews, and match breakdowns from across the African continent.
- “BackPages” – a media review show.
- Regular appearances as a studio analyst for CAF Champions League, AFCON, and FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
His professionalism and depth of analysis earned him both credibility and admiration from viewers, players, and fellow journalists.
🌍 Coverage and Influence in African Football
Kwenaite distinguished himself by elevating African football narratives, refusing to treat African leagues and players as second-class stories. Some of his hallmark coverage moments include:
- AFCON tournaments: Multiple tournaments as a presenter and field reporter.
- CAF Champions League: Insightful coverage of clubs like Al Ahly, Esperance, TP Mazembe, and Mamelodi Sundowns.
- World Cup Coverage: Especially significant during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where Kwenaite played a major media role.
With Pitso Mosimane:

He was often one of the first journalists to interview rising African stars, bringing attention to talent before they hit international fame.
🧑🏫 Mentor and Educator
Thomas Kwenaite has been deeply involved in media training and mentorship, helping to shape the next generation of African sports journalists.
- Regular guest speaker and mentor at journalism schools and workshops.
- Known for promoting ethical journalism, cultural sensitivity, and analytical depth in sports reporting.
- Worked with CAF (Confederation of African Football) and SAFA on media engagement training for press officers and team representatives.
He has also been involved with AIPS (International Sports Press Association), furthering international recognition for African journalists.
🏆 Awards and Recognition
Over his career, Kwenaite has been nominated for and received several awards recognizing his contribution to journalism:
- SAB Sports Journalist of the Year nominee
- CAF Media Award contributor
- Recognition from SuperSport for over a decade of service
- Veteran’s tributes at media and sports awards events in South Africa
🔊 Quote Collection – Memorable On-Air Moments from Thomas Kwenaite
Thomas Kwenaite is known not just for what he says, but how he says it—measured, passionate, and steeped in football culture. Here are some standout quotes that capture his style and insight:
🎙️ Classic Quotes:
- “Football is not just a game. It’s a mirror of our society—our strengths, our struggles, and our spirit.”
— Spoken during a pre-match analysis before the 2010 FIFA World Cup opener in South Africa. - “We are not just watching talent—we are witnessing the beating heart of the African continent on the pitch.”
— From a CAF Champions League final broadcast. - “You cannot write African football’s future using someone else’s pen.”
— A powerful comment on the need for homegrown football development and authentic African narratives. - “This isn’t just a derby. This is war, history, and healing in 90 minutes.”
— While previewing the Soweto Derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. - “We must ask the hard questions, even when they make us unpopular. That’s our duty as journalists.”
— From a panel on journalism ethics in sport.
His language often blends poetic reflection with analytical clarity—one of the reasons he’s so admired both on-screen and off.
With Pele:

📜 Key Interviews & Stories Broken by Thomas Kwenaite
Kwenaite’s long career includes several landmark interviews and exclusive insights. Here are some highlights:
🧑💼 Notable Interviews:
- Interview with Didier Drogba (early 2000s)
- One of the first major South African interviews with the Ivorian striker when he was emerging in Europe.
- Focused on Drogba’s views on the potential of African football.
- In-depth conversation with Pitso Mosimane
- Gave a rare personal insight into Mosimane’s tactical mind and challenges coaching Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns.
- Exclusive with Issa Hayatou (CAF President at the time)
- Covered African football politics, hosting rights, and youth development.
- Coverage of match-fixing allegations in SA football (late 2000s)
- Thomas tackled this difficult subject with integrity, earning praise for his responsible reporting.
- Coverage of South Africa’s 2010 World Cup preparations
- He wasn’t just reporting scores—he was documenting history, offering behind-the-scenes looks at the transformation of national infrastructure and pride.
With El Hadji Diof:
