Ashley Nakazwe is a leading Women's Football Correspondent and Analyst who a regular expert analysts on SuperSport, BBC, Newzroom Africa and numerous media platforms. Ashley is a The Sports Apprentice Class of 2020
TSA:: Can you introduce yourself to our audience?
Ashley Nakazwe: My name is Martha Ashley Nakazwe, I am originally from Mufulira Zambia (very proud of where I come from).
TSA: What was your dream before joining the Sports Apprentice?
Ashley Nakazwe: I have always wanted to work in Sport and after working on numerous brand activations centred around Football at my previous place of employment, I decided to take a leap and get into Football Journalism.
TSA: How important is mentorship?
Ashley Nakazwe: Mentorship is super important. A lot of us are lost and need guidance, especially if you do not come directly from a journalism background. Another reason I think mentorship is important is because there are so many job in sport that one can pick from other than journalism, so unless you are properly mentored, it's not so easy to see beyond journalism.
TSA: How would you describe The Sports Apprentice Program?
Ashley Nakazwe: Oh wow, the Sports Apprentice. An incredible learning and networking platform. I had an incredible experience throughout the program. Took away a lot of insightful tools that I have to this day carried on applying.
TSA: How did you find Emeka Enyadike's approach to mentorship?
Ashley Nakazwe: I personally like to think of Emeka’s approach to mentorship as Patient. He takes time in knowing us individually and gives great advise and constructive criticism.
TSA: The Sports Apprentice Program is Pan African. How did that help your development?
Ashley Nakazwe: The fact that the program is Pan-African makes it worthwhile. I have been able to build solid networks with a couple of the participants and guest speakers. It has helped me navigate my journey smoothly by making it easy for me to connect with industry colleagues from various part of continent whom we share first hand information such as breaking news tournaments and players well fare in va leagues across the continent.
TSA: Can you believe it's been five years since you graduated from the Program?
Its been 5 years already? God has been faithful, I have been a part of numerous events but I am most proud of covering my first Women’s AFCON tournament in Morocco 2022, still have goals of covering the Olympics and the World Cup on my bucket list. In 5 years I have been able to strike a balance in pursing both my passions. I am a Team Manager at Football Club while still covering Women’s Football as a Journalist and living my dream by sitting next to my icons on the biggest African Football TV Show - Soccer Africa in Supersport.
TSA: What is your advice to the Class of 2025?
Ashley Nakazwe: My advise really is for the participants to be open to learning and not to focus much on the exciting activities our jobs in Sport offer, but more on building a sustainable career path and creating lasting relationships within the industry.
