Latest news with #SoccerAfrica
Eyewitness News
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Eyewitness News
Veteran sports broadcaster Phumlani 'Mr Versatile' Msibi dies at 57
JOHANNESBURG - The sporting fraternity is mourning the loss of veteran football broadcaster and boxing commentator Phumlani Msibi, who has passed away at the age of 57. Media house SuperSport confirmed his death. It's understood he died after a short illness. The Durban-born storyteller known for his iconic line, 'Coach, thoughts please?', made history as SuperSport's first isiZulu-English boxing commentator, and became a beloved football anchor following the Premier Soccer League (PSL) broadcast deal in 2007. Dubbed 'Mr Versatile', he was a fixture on shows like Soccer Africa and Mzansi Legends , and was celebrated for his insight, humility and passion.
The South African
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Julius Malema's EFF pays tribute to commentator Phumlani Msibi
Julius Malema's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has posted its condolences to the family and friends of sports anchor Phumlani Msibi. Msibi passed away on Friday at the age of 57 after a short illness. He was a renowned football and boxing commentator and presenter, best known for his phrase 'Coach, thoughts please?' The EFF's social media post read: 'The EFF sends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of legendary sports anchor Phumulani Msibi following his passing. May his soul rest in eternal peace.' Born on 15 December 1967 in Durban, Phumlani Msibi was a passionate and supremely talented storyteller, with a penchant for live football and boxing commentary and analysis. In his decades-long and storied broadcasting career, his iconic phrase, 'Coach, thoughts please?' upped the intrigue for viewers in post-match interviews and became iconic in the football fraternity. He started at SuperSport as a ring announcer with the late boxing promoter, Mzi Mnguni, in the late 1990s before becoming a seasoned boxing commentator, becoming the first to commentate in isiZulu and English on the sports broadcaster. Msibi soon embedded himself in the football sphere, becoming one of the faces and voices of football on SuperSport following the acquisition of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) broadcast rights in 2007. This proved a pivotal point in his career, whereby Msibi grew his repertoire, immersing himself in all things football on SuperSport, whether live or on magazine programming. His clever use of language, whether isiZulu or English, endeared him to viewers across the continent, while his humility made his interviewees comfortable in front of camera. He became SuperSport's 'Mr Versatile', featuring on popular football magazine shows, Super Saturday and Soccer Africa, as well as doing his bespoke storytelling through 'Mzansi Legends', where he interviewed people such as Dr Irvin Khoza, the PSL and Orlando Pirates chairman; Dr Kaizer Motaung senior, chairman of Kaizer Chiefs; the late Thomas Madigage and many other legendary football personalities. As synonymous as he was with football and boxing, Msibi also punched above his weight when it came to horse racing. SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha paid tribute to Msibi: 'Msibi was one of the most beloved sports commentators SuperSport has ever had. He had a reputation as an outstanding professional, well-respected by his peers and colleagues and a respected family man. 'On behalf of SuperSport and the MultiChoice family, we'd like to express our heartfelt condolences to the Msibi family following this great loss. Msibi's loss will be felt not just by the broadcaster and football fraternity but by the whole sporting community at large. We are gravely saddened by his passing.' Before joining SuperSport, Msibi honed his broadcast skills with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. Post your condolences below, by … ? Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
08-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Rulani and Hotto
Orlando Pirates chairman Dr Irvin Khoza received a special message from Rulani Mokwena on live television. After three Nedbank Cups and two MTN8 trophies in three seasons, former coach Jose Riveiro left the Buccaneers for Al Ahly before the end of last season. We are two months away from the start of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. Orlando Pirates have yet to name the next coach but are only linked with names like Rulani Mokwena. The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad Casablanca coach was asked if he would consider rejoining the mighty Orlando Pirates. Kaizer Chiefs to profile 17 players abroad 'Of course I would consider it [joining Orlando Pirates], of course I would,' Mokwena said live on DStv's Soccer Africa after he was asked about the prospect… Full story here. Orlando Pirates' leadership has been sorted ahead of next season's Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League terms. While the club has released fellow veterans Miguel Timm and Innocent Maela, Deon Hotto, 34, is staying put. According to Kick Off, Hotto is set to put pen to paper on a new deal for next season… Full story here. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
07-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Rulani Mokwena breaks silence on Zwane's CAF final snub
Rulani Mokwena, former Mamelodi Sundowns head coach, has finally addressed Themba Zwane's surprise omission from the CAF Champions League final. While choosing his words carefully, Mokwena made it clear that he holds immense admiration for the player known affectionately as 'Mshishi'. Despite playing a central role in Sundowns clinching their historic eighth consecutive Betway Premiership title, Zwane never stepped onto the pitch during the CAF Champions League final. Many fans were left baffled by his absence from such a crucial fixture. Speaking on Soccer Africa, Mokwena refused to criticise the decision directly, but his words carried weight. 'Yeah, it always has been that,' Rulani Mokwena said. 'But I don't want to talk about it because I think I have expressed my feelings about how I feel about Mshishi and everybody knows.' Mokwena didn't hold back in highlighting Zwane's cultural and sporting impact, calling him 'special' and drawing attention to his journey from humble beginnings in Tembisa to the global stage of club football. 'Mshishi is special, and there's more to just Mshishi being successful. Mshishi is a reflection of that, from the dusty streets of Tembisa to playing for Vardos, to going through difficulties and then, I mean how many seasons as a top professional?' By referencing Zwane's roots, Mokwena aligned him with the very essence of South African football, gritty, creative, and born on the streets. It's that street football spirit, he argued, that the nation must nurture and celebrate. 'These types of people have to succeed for football to be better and stronger because we have to get back to that culture of playing street football.' Mokwena painted a powerful picture of Zwane's inspirational role for youth across the country. According to the former coach, players like Zwane are living proof to children in townships that success is attainable. 'Over and above whether or not he should be playing, I think that's always something that is up to the coach. But I would always take my hat off and give Mshishi big respect because he speaks to the South African child. 'The Neo who is in Tembisa instead of going into the corners and really being overcome by so many social ills, he gets motivated when he says 'hey I used to watch Themba Zwane playing on the street barefooted and there he is already going to the Club World Cup, Champions League', he serves as an inspiration for many.' While he acknowledged that match-day decisions involve many unseen dynamics, Mokwena subtly hinted that, given the chance, he would have included Zwane in the final. 'I don't know [on playing Zwane] because the dynamics are completely different. But you know as a Sundowns coach, nine out of 10 times I played Mshishi.' That statement says it all. For Mokwena, Zwane isn't just a footballer, he's a symbol of hope, a player with flair rooted in authenticity, and someone who deserved his place on the biggest stage. Do you agree with Rulani Mokwena? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
07-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Rulani sends honest message to Orlando Pirates boss
Orlando Pirates chairman Dr Irvin Khoza received a special message from Rulani Mokwena on live television. After three Nedbank Cups and two MTN8 trophies in three seasons, former coach Jose Riveiro left the Buccaneers for Al Ahly before the end of last season. We are two months away from the start of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. Orlando Pirates have yet to name the next coach but are only linked with names like Rulani Mokwena . The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad Casablanca coach was asked if he would consider rejoining the mighty Orlando Pirates. Leaked: New Sundowns kit for the FIFA Club World Cup Kaizer Chiefs to profile 17 players abroad 'Of course I would consider it [joining Orlando Pirates], of course I would,' Mokwena said live on DStv's Soccer Africa after he was asked about the prospect. 'It's a big club. It's still got people who are very close to my heart. 'I am very, very fond of Dr Khoza. Very fond. He will always have a special place in my heart. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. Jose Riveiro's Orlando Pirates squad has lost four players since his departure to Al Ahly, and as we edge closer to the winter transfer window. The club known as the Buccaneers have reportedly signed the likes of Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Masindi Nemtajela and Tshepho Mashiloane. The new faces are subject to official announcements as of 1 July. In the meantime, the club has announced some rather surprising departures… Full Story here.
