SuperSport mourns veteran broadcaster Phumlani Msibi
SuperSport is mourning the passing of legendary football and boxing commentator Phumlani Msibi, who died on Friday at the age of 57, following a short illness.
Born on 15 December 1967 in Durban, Msibi was a trailblazer in South African sports broadcasting, known for his passionate storytelling and charismatic presence on screen.
Over a career spanning decades, he earned the admiration of audiences across the continent with his expert commentary and signature phrase, “Coach, thoughts please?” — a staple of post-match interviews that became iconic in the football world.
Msibi began his journey at SuperSport in the late 1990s as a ring announcer, working alongside the late boxing promoter Mzi Mnguni.
He later became the first commentator to offer bilingual coverage in isiZulu and English, making boxing more accessible to a wider audience.
His influence extended well beyond the boxing ring. With SuperSport's acquisition of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) broadcasting rights in 2007, Msibi transitioned seamlessly into football coverage.
He quickly became a household name, anchoring matches, analysing games, and hosting magazine shows such as Super Saturday and Soccer Africa.
His warmth, wit, and multilingual flair endeared him to fans, players, and fellow broadcasters alike.
Msibi also brought South Africa’s rich football history to life through his work on Mzansi Legends, where he conducted in-depth interviews with icons like Dr Irvin Khoza, Dr Kaizer Motaung Senior, and the late Thomas Madigage.
Not limited to boxing and football, Msibi also showcased his talents in horse racing commentary, further cementing his reputation as SuperSport’s “Mr Versatile”.
SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha paid tribute to Msibi, describing him as “one of the most beloved sports commentators SuperSport has ever had.”
“Msibi had a reputation as an outstanding professional, well-respected by his peers and colleagues, and a respected family man,” said Ramovha.
“His loss will be felt not just by the broadcaster and football fraternity, but by the whole sporting community at large.”
Before joining SuperSport, Msibi sharpened his broadcasting skills at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), laying the foundation for a storied career that inspired a generation.
Phumlani Msibi leaves behind a powerful legacy of excellence, humility, and passion for sport.
