Raised on tradition, driven by passion and fuelled by love for sport, Yvette Mhlauli proves that when you stay true to yourself, the game always finds its way home.
Alberton’s own rising star, Yvette Mhlauli, was born in July 1992 and raised in Brackendowns. Her life is shaped by a strong sense of identity and belonging.
‘My cultural upbringing gave me a clear moral compass,’ she says. ‘Staying connected to Bizana and Umzimkhulu reminded me that no matter where I go, I should never forget who I am and where I come from. It taught me humility.
’ This deep connection to self is the foundation of everything she does, including the way she loves sport and people.
Love, tradition and grounding
Yvette grew up in a home where culture and family came first. Every June was spent in Bizana in the Eastern Cape, and every December in Umzimkhulu in KZN. Her parents were committed to keeping traditions alive for Yvette and her siblings. ‘My parents were strict but also fair, so that played a huge role in shaping who I am today,’ she shares. ‘They valued hard work and made sure my siblings and I had everything we needed when we grew up.
’ Family remains her anchor. She speaks to both parents every day and draws strength from them during high-pressure moments. ‘Even when I couldn’t physically be with my family, knowing they believe in me helps a lot.’
Her love for sport
Her love for sport began early. She played netball and touch rugby at school, and weekends were spent watching cricket on SABC 3 as a family ritual.
Football, however, captured her heart through her father’s love for Orlando Pirates. ‘I realised it very early on. My Dad loved sport, and the bug bit me too,’ she explains.
Soweto Derby days were serious business in the Mhlauli home, with early dinners and strict rules if Pirates lost. Her older brother Mongezi, a passionate Manchester United supporter, added another layer to her football education.
‘Watching European football with him expanded my understanding of the sport beyond local leagues and showed me how incredible global football really is.’ Sport became a language of love, loyalty and bonding in her home.
The SuperSport MVP journey
Yvette is currently part of the nationally televised SuperSport MVP Talent Search and has made it into the Top 3. A radio broadcaster at YFM, she has long dreamed of moving into sportscasting. That dream began to feel real when she started blending sport into her prime-time show, The Lunch League (weekdays 12–3pm alongside FreshBy Caddy). ‘The spark came from realising that I didn’t just love sport, I loved talking about it,’ she says.
Her first on-camera experience was “humbling”. Long days, technical run-throughs, time away from family, and constant pressure tested her deeply.
‘Being away from my family, my daughter, my routine and everyday life was extremely difficult,’ she shares.
Yet the journey brought unexpected gifts. The Top 20 contestants formed a close-knit family. ‘We lifted each other up during low moments and celebrated each other’s wins,’ she says.
Guidance from Carol Tshabalala proved life-changing. ‘Hearing her tell me that she’s proud I took her advice was incredible,’ Yvette says, after placing second in that challenge. ‘It was an indication to me that I would go far in the competition.’
Downtime: Choosing peace
When she switches off, Yvette does so with intention. ‘Definitely simplicity, peace and resetting mentally,’ she says.
She spends time with her family and her daughter, watches MasterChef and Courage The Cowardly Dog, and puts her phone on DND. Meditation and journalling are daily rituals.
‘The first 10 minutes after I wake up and the last 10 minutes before I go to sleep are reserved for that,’ she explains.
Love yourself enough to try
Yvette hopes young women understand that background does not limit potential. ‘Where you come from does not define how far you can go,’ she says.
Her message to young women is: ‘Keep dreaming boldly, trust your passion, and know that the love you have for sport will one day become your purpose. It’s ok to make mistakes and not be perfect… it’s all worth it in the end.’
Purpose and legacy
Yvette is focused on becoming a respected and credible sports broadcaster, known for authenticity and insight. ‘I want to be a storyteller that resonates across audiences,’ she says.
Her bigger dream is to build a legacy rooted in excellence and inspiration. ‘I want to open doors for other young women and reshape representation in the world of sports.’
Text: Desnay Peterson. Photo: FreshBy Caddy.
