Nie Cele
Believe it or not! Four animated and spirited voices are riding the crest of a wave with their impeccable witty commentary skills that can blow your mind off at the daily packed to the rafters and high octane Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge tournament currently playing out at the Nike Centre in Pimville, Soweto.
Infact they are on top of their game and on par with the erstwhile masters of the game like Elijah Thetha Masombuka, Koos Radebe, and the late Hlaps Masitenyane, Dan Setshedi et al.
These local lads inform, educate, entertain and mesmerises the throngs of fans as if they are paid an earth shattering salaries to do the job.
They master the art of giving a detailed running account of every action as it occurs in such a way that fans end up unwittingly mimicking them.
Ironically one of them Pule Masiteng is a grandson of the late Masitenyane.According to him, he was inspired by his late grandfather.
The Sebokeng based commentator also revealed that he was very grateful to have been granted the opportunity to commentate at the tournament in his mother tongue, Sesotho.
“The tourney is marvellous so far, the spectators come out in large numbers, what I like about this Soccer Challenge is that it is consistent, professional and gives us the platform to showcase our talent.”
The assertive 29 year old commentator also credited Phil Mogodi, Nike Centre Head Honcho and Sedibeng Safa President, Mondli Nkosi, Nyakallo Leine known as Ba2Cada from Lesedi FM for encouraging him to commentate at the tournament.
“Everything has its own time, God will eventually grant me the opportunity. The only thing I have to do is to keep on pushing until I make it,” Masiteng pointed.
The other upcoming commentators that holds the audience and fans spellbound with their rousing oratory during the pulsating matches are Sandile Hlatshwayo, Hleza Mathebula and Nkosinathi Maduna.
Hlatshwayo does commentary in proper Isizulu that makes every Zulu speaker to envy him.
According to this 25 year old who hails from Orange Farm in the Vaal, his journey started five years ago during local games around his home township.
In an exclusive interview with this reporter he revealed that his main wish is to work for any big Broadcaster where he can take his career to another level.
With tongue in cheek he also pointed that he would like to emulate Supersport’s seasoned commentator Zama Masondo whom he said is his best role model in this game.
Sadly he also bemoaned the scarcity and limited commentator’s internship programmes available for upcoming commentators especially in the commercial Broadcasting industry.
This soft spoken aspiring commentator also told this publication that he has passion for acting, swimming and loves music.
“Ethical football commentary informs and unites people and keep them busy, while paradoxically teach them not to deviate from the norms and values of society while watching football action,” He said.
Hleza Mathebula, 28, who is in his third year at the tournament is another vigorous and dynamic commentator who captivate the fans with English commentary full of pranking enunciations that keeps the packed fans on cloud nine and in spirited mood throughout the matches.
He prefers to be called with his moniker name ‘Englishmen‘.
This former Highlands Park defensive midfielder also told this reporter that he was more than ready for a big break in any mainstream media.
His strong point is fluency, eloquence and he is pregnant with football terminology that can land him a lavish commentary job at any Radio station or Broadcasting centre.
“I have been tirelessly working hard analysing the games including top flight matches. My wish is to obtain a PSL Accreditation so that I can get a bigger platform to analyse more matches.”
Pressed what it take to be a good commentator?
He said, “Talent, a learning ear, patience, ability to refrain from unduly criticizing other commentators and players, get your research right and make sure you don’t disseminate fake news.”
This talented redhot commentator has also done a sterling job on Tsalanang games, Mahlobo festive games and the June 16 Memorial Cup.
During his quality time he also freelances for 1912 Pulse radio station and Chiawelo online community radio station and Football Conversations where he interacts and interviews soccer players.
Nkosinathi Maduna, is the new kid on the block who is making his debut this year and is happy to be part of the commentary team.
DID YOU KNOW?
Englishmen is still an active soccer player.
