Sports presenter and broadcaster,  Karabo Phasha, has built his career on the firm foundation of hard work and humility. As someone who has always possessed a burning passion for sports (particularly football), he is dedicated to the continuous honing of his craft. 

An upbringing of love, support and strictness

Speaking to Nounouche, Phasha shared how his upbringing has moulded the kind of person he is today. He was raised in the community of Rabie Ridge by parents who are both loving and strict. 

“I’m from a family that is rooted in Christianity, and tradition as well. I’m very grateful that I still have both parents. A loving family as well, I’ve got two siblings; an older sister and a younger brother.”

Fondly relaying his story of family and home, he expressed how home is where he is able to remain grounded and continuously receive support. 

“I still love being with my parents whenever I can because they keep me grounded. At home, I still do the dishes and scrub the floors. I’m not the superstar that other people think I am,” he shared. 

 Football – an early love story

Although the current version of Karabo Phasha can easily be found on a football pitch with a microphone in hand, he used to grace the field with his soccer boots on from his early teen years. 

“I started playing when I was about 12 or 13. Honestly, I wasn’t the most talented of footballers, but I was certainly the most hard-working.”

At a Coca-Cola tournament, Phasha had the opportunity of being spotted by Orlando Pirates. For three seasons, he played for the  U13s, U15s and U17s. 

“I then moved on from that and went to Bidvest Wits U17 and U19. We actually  won a tournament with the Wits Under 19s. I also represented South Africa at U17 level,” he shared.  

After finishing school, he had to make the tough decision between going to varsity and pursuing his career as a football player. He chose to further his studies at TUT, and continued to play soccer for his res team. 

 Broadcasting – an instant fascination and long-term passion

When Ernest Fakude, one of the country’s best football reporters, took him to a game at Lucas Moripe stadium, Phasha’s passion for sports broadcasting was sparked. 

“Supersport United was playing and he had spoken to the media officer to say he just wants me to see what happens with post-match interviews. I saw that and I really fell in love with it. 

When I got to my residence room, I was really fascinated and I did a lot of work with regards to reading and watching a lot of television, predominantly SkySport.” 

Since then, Phasha has worked hard to build an admirable career in sports broadcasting. He has graced a number of television and radio platforms including Urban Culture, Kofifi FM, Power FM, Soweto TV and ultimately Supersport TV. 

With many achievements and admirable career moves under his belt, he considers joining the Supersport TV family on the 8^th of September 2021 as his biggest career highlight. 

“I’ve always wanted to join Supersport. 

I’ve always looked at Robert Marawa, the way he presents and the way he handles himself,” expressed Phasha.

God, good friends and the grind

Undoubtedly, the journey of hard work is highly beneficial. However, it also doesn’t come without its challenges. On days when the going gets tough, Phasha is kept sane and strong by his relationship with God. 

“I always turn to prayer, and I live by Jeremiah 29 verse 11.” 

He also applies the wisdom imparted by those he is privileged to learn from. 

“Coach Rulani, who has also become a close friend of mine, speaks of the 24-hour rule. When you’ve had the worst of days, suffer those down moments for 24 hours and be ready to get up and go again. It speaks to your mental strength. You’ve got to be strong mentally,” he shared.

When he is not at a stadium covering a football match, the broadcaster can be found with his mentor, Sandile Senaomadi, as he draws from his well of wisdom. 

“I spend a lot of time with my mentor. I’m always with him, learning and seeing how he does his things. He also gives me a lot of advice in terms of how to handle myself outside of television and radio.”

Phasha also enjoys spending time with his close friends, as well as reading anything sport-related that will help him to better his craft and learn more. 

When asked what advice he would share with young and upcoming sports broadcasters, Phasha emphasised the importance of hard work and small beginnings. 

“Never despise the small beginnings. Start with community radio stations and community television. 

Watch the smallest of leagues and tournaments, they mould the kind of broadcaster that you become.”