BY REGINALD KANYANE
A MAN from Madibogo-pan village, outside Mahikeng, turned his life around after he moved from being a cleaner to a sports commentator.

  Tshepo Maimane, 29, is employed by SABC as TV sport commentator after working as a cleaner almost three years.

  He said his love for commentary grew day-by-day since he was 10.

“I struggled before I could reach my destiny. I was working as a cleaner at the SABC offices in Auckland Park, Johannesburg. However I knew my time will come. I submitted my demo to the relevant authorities and received irresistible support.

  “Meeting people like SABC sport commentator, Cebo Manyaapelo in the corridors gave me hope. I knew that one day I will be where I want to be. It is not easy to become a sport commentator though. We cover the live action play-by-play of sporting events,” Maimane said.

   He said his arrival in Johannesburg was not easy either.

Maimane said he stayed at Joe Slovo informal settlements in Crosby.

  “I stayed in informal settlements while looking for greener pastures. However as we know jobs are scarce nowadays. I ended up selling hot dogs to make ends meet.

  “I got a job as a cleaner at SABC in Auckland Park and back in 2014 I was employed as sport commentator. I am over the moon now because I do what I like. The love I have for sport especially soccer is out of this world,” he said.

   Tshepo added: “As sport commentator, one is expected to recount sporting events for the news and perform interviews off the field. An understanding of various sports and athletes is crucial too. We also provide analysis of sporting events.”

  Maimane said even though he does not have educational background on the field, he is planning to finish his journalism course.

  “I was forced to drop out at Boston college because for financial constrains. However I am planning to continue with my studies next year. This occupation can be stressful when deadlines hover nearby or scheduling becomes tight.

  “So my message to those who want to embark on the same field, they must be prepared. Education is also imperative because it broaden your mind. You have to know various rules, history, teams and athletes involved with a sport,” he said.

  The commentator pointed out that a well-developed strong, clear and personable voice is also important. He highlighted that the voice helps because fans have to listen to a sports commentator for extended periods of time.

  “The curriculum for these programs is usually liberal arts-based. And one of the most useful courses for an aspiring sports commentator can take is a class in television news and production,” Maimane said.
-TDN
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