“My work speaks for itself, I’m a big believer in preparing for every broadcast I do,” said Tony, who has returned to the radio station, Giyani Community Radio (GCRFM), after working in various capacities as a commentator. “Commentary is my passion, I eat, walk and I talk sports. I also run a football club at home called Vonakule FC.”

Tony said he started commentary during primary and high school. “When other learners were practicing football and other sporting activities, I was busy entertaining them with commentary from the side, and they loved it. “I grew up listening to the likes of Vaseni, Malatjie, Chuma, Cebo Manyapelo, Duane, Walter Mokoena, and Peter Drury,” said Tony.

He said he gets his inspiration from the master of the game, multi-talented sports presenter, commentator, and analyst, popularly known as Magelevende or Mavona. “I worked for GCRFM in 2014, then at Hlalala newspaper (sports news), as an administrator on the online Facebook Limpopo Sports Wise, @Mala_FM, GTFM, and now I am back at GCRFM where things started.”

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He said he is a big fan of Walter Mokoena. “He did everything to do with football, from being an agent, sports presenter, and football team owner,” he said. He hopes to one day be recognised by Supersport or SABC. “I’m nowhere near where I should be. When you have been consistent for a very long time, you end up losing hope,” he said.

“You ask yourself when am I going to show the world what I am capable of? I have been in the industry for eight years and have seen it all. But my focus is to continue working hard for GCRFM, I can’t complain.” He says a Bible scripture from the book of Job: “There’s hope for a tree that has been cut down”, which keeps him going.

“Every day I strive to be better than I was yesterday! he concluded. His first award was in 2020 at Zamazama Soccer Challenge when Zamazama was celebrating 20 years of excellence. He competed against three other commentators when he won the award. The second award was during the Noza Annual Soccer Tournament. The third award was at the Timber Mshezi Easter Games and the fourth was at the Noza Annual Soccer Tournament.