Namhla Mphelo Aims To Become Media Officer for FIFA

Highly experienced and deeply respected in her field, Namhla Mphelo stands as a powerhouse in sports media and communications. Currently studying Marketing, Sponsorship and Communications with Barcelona Institute, she has over two decades of unmatched expertise, passion, and professionalism to the game she loves.

Born and raised in Naturena, Namhla’s remarkable journey began on a historic stage when she was appointed as the youngest member of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee, serving as Assistant Media Officer. That pivotal moment ignited a career defined by excellence, resilience, and continuous growth.

From those early beginnings to her current role, Namhla has consistently broken barriers and elevated standards, cementing her place as a formidable force in football media. Her story is not just one of experience—but of impact, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to telling the stories that shape the beautiful game.

In this conversation, she tells us about what it takes to be a media officer and her ambitions of working for FIFA.

Hi Namhla, please tell us about yourself and where you are from?
My name is Namhla Mphelo, born and raised in Naturena. Johannesburg. I grew up watching Kaizer Chiefs and fell in love in love with football as a teenager. I studied Sport Management at Durban University of Technology and interned at AmaZulu FC for 3 years before being hired as the youngest member of the 2010 FIFA World Cup LOC as Assistant Media Officer for Durban Stadium. I then came back to Johannesburg and began my journey with SAFA.

If you weren't a media officer, where would one find you? 

I became a media officer in 2010. If I wasn't in football I would be a Geologist.  

What does a typical day look like for you as a media officer, and what are your key responsibilities?
A Media Officers day varies between office based work and being in camp with the team. I have worked locally and internationally with all our national teams over the years and some of the biggest tournaments and events in world football. Some of the main responsibilities of a Media Officer are player media training, staff training. Having a relationship with local and international media and informing the public about activities surrounding the national team etc. Player profiles, team activities, match day build up and blow by blow reporting of a match.

How do you decide which stories or announcements are newsworthy enough to share with the media?
As a media officer it is always important to give a good story about your team. Keep the coach interacting with the media and slowly introducing players to the public. We try to keep bad publicity out of the way but at times you have to react to broken stories.

Can you describe a time when you had to manage a media crisis? What steps did you take and what was the outcome?
There have been countless media crisis over the years but we always try to spin the story to our advantage rather than for the bad publicity to be exposed at times you have to admit to the bad publicity but spin the story to have a happy ending.

How do you build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and media outlets?
Media days always help but they have access to us as media officers 24/7 there are media outlets that we have stronger relationships with but we ensure that we are able to always assist all outlets and make sure that the narrative we want pushed is published.

How do you respond when your organisation receives negative media coverage or public criticism?
Public criticism will always be there we have to always allow for freedom of speech. But the best way to counter negative media coverage is to admit to it and clearly outline the plan going forward ( my organization was not always good at this but I recommend it).

What elements make a press release or media statement effective and likely to be picked up by the media?
It is important that a story is catchy and gives as much detail as possible. Keeping the media interested is always tricky so sometime you use the Head coach, most popular players and slowly speak about our matters on more quiet days.

How has social media changed the way media officers communicate with the public and journalists? 
Social media has helped us reach bigger audience for less the work. With a new generation of kids we use catchy, quick and informative GIF to share information.

How do you measure the success or impact of a media campaign or communication strategy? 
In football or sports in general, results are the biggest strategy to get people talking. Campaigns and strategies linked to good results will always draw big numbers.

What skills do you believe are essential to succeed as a media officer today?
One has to be witty, friendly and open minded. Also build a network from an early stage so that your pedigree grows over time.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to build a career in media relations or public communications?
Education is the key to success. One must study but also build a network early so that you can have connections.

If you could be a media officer anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I am still gunning to become a Media Officer for FIFA as this is the ultimate place for someone in my career. I would also love to work for Mamelodi Sundowns and continue representing South Africa at CAF level.

Picture: Supplied