You can tell by the lack of attendance at PSL games South African football supporters love watching their football on their television sets. Have you ever watched a soccer match without sound? It kind of sucks, so I thought it would be interesting to take a look at the best commentators who entertain us every weekend. Here are the criteria we are going to use;
1. Excitement Value:
Does he excite us? Does he have us sitting on the edge of our seats?
2. Knowledge of the game:
How well does he know soccer?
3. Humour:
Does he keep us giggling through his broadcast?
4. Ability to think on feet:
Can they make good quick decisions? Do they stay in control amidst the chaos on the unpredictable soccer field?
5. Personality:
Does he have real, contagious and vibrant energy?
5. Duane Dell’Oca
Duane Dell’Oca is an award-winning journalist and former South African Television Commentator of the year. He is the English commentator of PSL games on the SABC, he is sharp, talented, and entertaining… well, most of the time he is. Duane isn’t too outlandish he keeps to the basics and does it well he has great knowledge of the game and he is just a likeable guy.
1. Excitement Value: 7/10
2. Knowledge of the game: 9/10
3. Humour: 5/10
4. Ability to think on feet: 9/10
5. Personality: 8/10
Total: 38/50
4. Sizwe Mabena
When I first heard Sizwe Mabena on SABC I was like “Who the hell is this coconut?” but as time went on I started becoming a fan of his as a commentator. Sizwe is informative, relaxed but he is excited at the same time.
1. Excitement Value: 8/10
2. Knowledge of the game: 9/10
3. Humour: 6/10
4. Ability to think on feet: 8/10
5. Personality: 8/10
Total: 39/50
3. Thabiso Tema
TT, as he likes to call himself, has the most recognizable voice in South African soccer; he has been commentating soccer since 1999. Thabiso is comfortable on the microphone, he is enjoyably sarcastic and he is enthusiastic.
1. Excitement Value: 8/10
2. Knowledge of the game: 9/10
3. Humour: 7/10
4. Ability to think on feet: 9/10
5. Personality: 9/10
Total: 42/50
2. Baba Mthethwa
MUDE MUDE S’BAM SENYONI! If you’ve heard this guy then you know what I’m talking about. Baba Mthwethwa is by far the most entertaining sportscaster on radio or TV right now. He is exciting, humorous, and silly which is fun to listen to.
1. Excitement Value: 10/10
2. Knowledge of the game: 8/10
3. Humour: 10/10
4. Ability to think on feet: 8/10
5. Personality: 10/10
Total: 46/50
1. Zama Masondo
‘Zimmmmbi Ndaba Madoda’ Who has watched South African football over a period of time and doesn’t know this man? Who doesn’t know the term ‘Laduma’ that he single-handedly made famous? This isiZulu commentator is surely a legend nicknamed ZZ; he has been in the broadcasting game for over 30 years. His deep voice, his cool demeanour, his catchphrases, and his LADUUUUMMMAA! make him my number 1.
1. Excitement Value: 9/10
2. Knowledge of the game: 9/10
3. Humour: 9/10
4. Ability to think on feet: 10/10
5. Personality: 10/10
Total: 47/50
Notable Mentions:
Mark Gleeson
The late Cebo Manyaapelo