RIP Phumlani Msibi: Legendary sports commentator, presenter & anchor dies! Mzansi has lost one of its most iconic voices in sports.
Veteran broadcaster Phumlani Msibi passed away on Friday, 20 June, after a short illness.
He was 57 years old.
His passing was confirmed by SuperSport, where he made a massive impact over the years with his unforgettable voice and passion for sports.
RIP Phumlani Msibi
SuperSport CEO, Rendani Ramovha said Phumlani 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 the whole sporting community at large.
We are gravely saddened by his passing” said Ramovha.
Phumlani was more than just a sports presenter he was a true pioneer in the world of sports broadcasting, especially for African-language commentary.
He started at SuperSport as a ring announcer with late boxing promoter, Mzi Mnguni, in the late 90s before becoming a seasoned boxing commentator.
Phumlani 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.
His clever use of language, whether IsiZulu or English, endeared him to viewers, while his humility made his interviewees comfortable in front of camera.
He also earned the nickname, 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 PSL and Orlando chairman, Dr Irvin Khoza, and Kaizer Chiefs chairman, Dr Kaizer Motaung.
For many South Africans, his voice became a familiar sound in their homes during major tournaments, from football clashes to Olympic events.
Over the years, Phumlani mentored many young commentators and presenters, always encouraging them to embrace their culture and language on screen.
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