Beloved broadcaster Phumlani Msibi, of ‘Thoughts Please' fame, dies aged 57
Broadcasting giant SuperSport and the South African Sporting fraternity are mourning the loss of celebrated commentator and presenter Phumlani Msibi, who died on Friday.
The popular Durban-born broadcaster, who was synonymous with the phrase 'Thoughts please' when speaking to coaches and players in post-match interviews and his 'Halakasha' exclamation when goals were scored when he was on football commentary, succumbed to a short illness.
He was 57 at the time of his passing.
Msibi had carved out a niche for himself at SuperSport with this versatility, excelling in boxing and horse racing, while also moving seamlessly across isiZulu and English when commentating.
Msibi, who came through the South African Broadcasting Corporation, quickly established himself at SuperSport in 2007 after they acquired the Premier Soccer League's broadcasting rights.
SuperSport's chief executive officer Rendani Ramovha paid tribute to Msibi, saying his versatility and professionalism had endeared him to colleagues and friends alike.
'Msibi was one of the most beloved sports commentators SuperSport has ever had,' Ramovha said.
'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 by the whole sporting community at large.
'We are gravely saddened by his passing.'
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