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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
2 hours ago
- The Citizen
Know the laws of the game: former PSL referee
SEDIBENG.- Former PSL referee Victor Hlungwane encourages coaches and players to know and understand the laws of the game. Hlungwane was addressing the coaches who attended the FAR Post Media workshop held in Sharpeville on Saturday. Hlungwane said it is important for coaches and players to know the laws of the game, including their interpretation. Hlungwane, who is now an analyst for SABC's Soccer Zone, said during his days as a match official, he encountered many incidents where the coaches and players didn't understand the laws of the game. He took the coaches through some of the incidents that took place in local and international football. 'It is very important as coaches to understand the laws of the game, and you must teach your players about them. This is the biggest problem in South African football, with coaches and players always unfairly criticising the match official for the decisions they make during the match.' 'As a former referee, I can tell you for free that this is a big challenge for the referee. Coaches and players always think match officials are wrong because they don't understand the laws of the game. Hence, it is important for everyone involved with football to make sure they know and understand it. When I say everyone, I mean the soccer fans and the club owners as well. This can help our football grow, and I'm here to offer my assistance to clubs that need my service to educate their coaches and players about the laws of the game,' said Hlungwane. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs: Nasreddine Nabi's transfer targets
Kaizer Chiefs are linked with many red-hot transfer targets. These are Nasreddine Nabi transfer targets. Kaizer Chiefs are linked with several targets from PSL rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana targets. However, many of the players linked are based to on rumours and reports. These are the players Nasreddine Nabi is interested in bringing to Naturena. Nabi has identified several targets for Chiefs. 'It's believed that the coach was not part of interest in those two players. Apparently, the coach was looking at three right backs, in Richards Bay defender Lwandile Mabuya, Cape Town Spurs' Lungelo Bhengu and Mhleli Mabuza who had trials at the club in May. And at left back the coach's main interest was Fawaaz Basadien (Stellies) and Mohamed Hussein from Simba SC in Tanzania,' the insider told SNL . So, he is interested three players from PSL rivals. Meanwhile, Mabuza came from Portugal for trials with Chiefs last month (in May). It remains to be seen whether he will be signed on board. Additionally, Nabi is focused on recruiting a left back. With his attention drawn to Basadien from Stellenbosch as well as Hussein. Whilst, Nabi is interested in these defenders, It appears that Amakhosi scouts and management alike are leaning towards signing Monyane and Mako. 'But apparently the scouts and management are believed to have liked Monyane and Mako. So, we will see what will happen in the pre-season whether the coach will still go for his targets or they will settle for the two former Orlando Pirates players,' the added on the same publication. Therefore, it is up to Amakhosi management to decide whether to go for Nabi's targets or not. Interestingly, these former Pirates and Bafana Bafana stars are all expected to be unveiled by Chiefs soon. Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
eNCA
14 hours ago
- eNCA
Bellingham strikes as Dortmund sink Sundowns
CINCINNATI - Jobe Bellingham netted his first Borussia Dortmund goal in a thrilling 4-3 win over Mamelodi Sundowns at the Club World Cup on Saturday. The English midfielder, who this month followed older brother Jude's footsteps in joining the German side, started for the first time for Dortmund. Sundowns took a surprise early lead but Dortmund hit back strongly to triumph in sweltering conditions in Cincinnati at the TQL Stadium and move top of Group F. Dortmund coach Niko Kovac had claimed teams from the "south" had an advantage because of the heat, and the Sundowns 11th minute opener appeared to confirm his fears. Lucas Ribeiro's fine solo goal put the CAF Champions League runners-up ahead, with the Brazilian charging forward from his own half before beating Gregor Kobel. However Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams handed Dortmund their equaliser on a plate, passing the ball straight to Felix Nmecha, who stroked home. Both stoppers made good saves in an end-to-end clash before Dortmund claimed the lead through striker Serhou Guirassy. Dortmund won the ball high up the pitch and Julian Brandt crossed for the Guinea international to score with a fine leap and header, continuing his fine form this season. Bellingham, who joined earlier in June from Sunderland for 33 million euros ($37 million), netted Dortmund's third just before the break. Williams parried a cross into his path and after controlling on his chest, Bellingham drilled home. His brother Jude signed for Dortmund five years ago, before joining Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2023. "Hey Jobe," sang Dortmund fans, adapting the Beatles classic "Hey Jude" which they used to sing to Jude Bellingham. Dortmund were toothless in their opening draw against Fluminense but grabbed their fourth when Kuliso Mudau turned into his own net as he tried to cut out a cross. Three minutes later Iqraam Rayners pulled one back as the Sundowns, who have won the last eight South African league titles, refused to give up. Rayners, who netted Sundowns' winner in the first match against Ulsan HD, hit the post with a header and reacted quickly to nod home the rebound. Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso's side pulled back another through Lebo Mothiba in the 90th minute, forcing Dortmund to sweat through six minutes of stoppage time before they were able to celebrate their victory.
