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Legendary broadcaster Phumlani Msibi dies at 57
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The South African sporting fraternity is mourning the death of legendary football and boxing commentator Phumlani Msibi, who passed away on Friday at the age of 57 following a short illness.
Born on 15 December 1967 in Durban, Msibi was revered for his vibrant storytelling, unmatched energy, and deep knowledge of both football and boxing. Over the course of a decades-long career, he became a beloved voice on television screens across the continent, bringing passion and cultural flair to every broadcast.
Msibi first cut his teeth in broadcasting with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) before joining SuperSport in the late 1990s. There, he began as a ring announcer alongside the late boxing promoter Mzi Mnguni, and quickly established himself as a trailblazing commentator—becoming the first to provide bilingual commentary in isiZulu and English on SuperSport.
His iconic phrase, "Coach, thoughts please?" during post-match interviews, became a fixture in South African football culture and a trademark of his interviewing style, which disarmed coaches and captivated viewers.
The acquisition of Premier Soccer League (PSL) broadcast rights by SuperSport in 2007 marked a turning point in Msibi's career. He soon emerged as a cornerstone of the network's football coverage, appearing regularly on flagship magazine shows such as Super Saturday and Soccer Africa.
Affectionately known as "Mr Versatile," Msibi's charm and humility made him a trusted voice not only in football and boxing, but also in horse racing and special interest programming. His depth and sensitivity shone through in Mzansi Legends, a series that featured powerful interviews with South African football greats including Dr Irvin Khoza, Dr Kaizer Motaung Snr, and the late Thomas Madigage.
Msibi's rich language, whether in English or isiZulu, made him a household name. His connection to the culture and people of South Africa allowed him to bridge audiences and sports in a way few could.
Tributes have poured in from across the sporting world, with fans, athletes, and colleagues describing him as a "gentle giant," "humble icon," and "a voice of the people."
Phumlani Msibi leaves behind an indelible legacy as a passionate commentator, a respected journalist, and a cherished South African storyteller. He is survived by his family and will be deeply missed by fans across Africa. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
Born on 15 December 1967 in Durban, Msibi was revered for his vibrant storytelling, unmatched energy, and deep knowledge of both football and boxing. Over the course of a decades-long career, he became a beloved voice on television screens across the continent, bringing passion and cultural flair to every broadcast.
Msibi first cut his teeth in broadcasting with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) before joining SuperSport in the late 1990s. There, he began as a ring announcer alongside the late boxing promoter Mzi Mnguni, and quickly established himself as a trailblazing commentator—becoming the first to provide bilingual commentary in isiZulu and English on SuperSport.
His iconic phrase, "Coach, thoughts please?" during post-match interviews, became a fixture in South African football culture and a trademark of his interviewing style, which disarmed coaches and captivated viewers.
The acquisition of Premier Soccer League (PSL) broadcast rights by SuperSport in 2007 marked a turning point in Msibi's career. He soon emerged as a cornerstone of the network's football coverage, appearing regularly on flagship magazine shows such as Super Saturday and Soccer Africa.
Affectionately known as "Mr Versatile," Msibi's charm and humility made him a trusted voice not only in football and boxing, but also in horse racing and special interest programming. His depth and sensitivity shone through in Mzansi Legends, a series that featured powerful interviews with South African football greats including Dr Irvin Khoza, Dr Kaizer Motaung Snr, and the late Thomas Madigage.
Msibi's rich language, whether in English or isiZulu, made him a household name. His connection to the culture and people of South Africa allowed him to bridge audiences and sports in a way few could.
Tributes have poured in from across the sporting world, with fans, athletes, and colleagues describing him as a "gentle giant," "humble icon," and "a voice of the people."
Phumlani Msibi leaves behind an indelible legacy as a passionate commentator, a respected journalist, and a cherished South African storyteller. He is survived by his family and will be deeply missed by fans across Africa. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
Source - SuperSport
