SuperSport has confirmed the passing of veteran football and boxing broadcaster Phumlani Msibi, who died on Friday, 20 June 2025, after a brief illness. He was 57.
Msibi, originally from Durban, had built a reputation as one of Southern Africa’s most dynamic voices in sports broadcasting. Known for his iconic post-match question, “Coach, thoughts please?”, he became a familiar presence in households across the region, including Eswatini.
His career at SuperSport began in the late 1990s as a ring announcer under the mentorship of the late boxing promoter Mzi Mnguni. He later made history as the first commentator to deliver matches in both isiZulu and English for the network, opening up access to a wider audience in the region.
Msibi’s role expanded significantly after SuperSport secured the Premier Soccer League (PSL) broadcast rights in 2007. He quickly became one of the most recognisable faces and voices of the network’s football coverage.
Beyond commentary, he brought storytelling to the forefront through shows like Mzansi Legends, where he interviewed prominent figures such as Dr Irvin Khoza of Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs’ Dr Kaizer Motaung. He was also a regular contributor on Soccer Africa and Super Saturday.
Although best known for football and boxing, Msibi also brought his unique style to horse racing broadcasts.
SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha described him as a respected professional and family man. “He had the rare gift of connecting with fans across different sports and cultures,” said Ramovha, expressing condolences to the Msibi family.
Before joining SuperSport, Msibi was a broadcaster at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).
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