LIMPOPO – From cheering on village football matches while perched in a tree to commentating on professional games, Tony Khosa’s journey is a story of passion, persistence, and purpose.

Today, he is a proud radio commentator at SABC’s Munghana Lonene FM, a role he earned through sheer determination.

Born and raised in Nhombelani village in the Collins Chabane Municipality, Tony was more drawn to watching football than playing it. While his peers chased the ball across dusty fields, he found joy in analysing every move, pass, and goal.

When the crowd was too big or his view was blocked, young Tony would climb a tree just to see the game better. But he wasn’t just watching, he was commentating aloud from above, entertaining those around him with his animated narration. “I felt motivated when people imitated the way I commentated,” he recalls. “That made me think, if people enjoyed it, maybe I should take it seriously and do it even better.”

That encouragement lit a spark. He began mimicking professional commentators and soon started volunteering to commentate at local matches. His unique voice and style quickly caught attention.

As his popularity grew, so did his opportunities. He was soon invited to provide commentary at various local football tournaments. However, as he got older, reality set in, and passion alone would not provide for his family. “My biggest fear was growing up and having nothing to show my children,” Tony says. “That thought kept me going.”

Despite doing countless unpaid gigs, his breakthrough came in 2014 when he was invited to commentate at the Greater Giyani Municipality Mayor’s Cup tournament. It was a turning point. “I was nervous,” he admits. “But once the whistle blew, it felt natural, like I was born to do this.”

From there, Tony steadily built his profile, working tirelessly at community tournaments and sports events. The journey was far from easy, there were no guarantees, no contracts, and, for a long time, no pay. Just his voice, his belief, and relentless determination.

“There were times I thought of giving up,” he says. “But every time someone said, ‘You were great on the mic,’ it gave me the strength to carry on. This career demands passion and patience; without them, it’s easy to give up.”

Eventually, his hard work paid off. Tony was hired as a commentator by Munghana Lonene FM, a SABC regional station. Today, his voice is heard by thousands across the country as he covers major football matches.

“Joining SABC was a dream come true. It proved to me, and hopefully to others, that even if you come from a small village and humble beginnings, your talent can take you far.”

Tony Khosa’s journey from treetop commentator to national radio broadcaster is more than just an inspiring tale. It is proof that with passion, persistence, and self-belief, dreams can become reality.