Dedicated, dynamic, charismatic and multifaceted…these are just some of the words which can be used to describe talented sports broadcaster, Philasande Sixaba.

Showcasing his versatility across various media platforms for almost a decade, Sixaba is a noteworthy voice in the industry and undoubtedly an inspiration.

Sports – a family thing

Although his professional journey started in 2014, Sixaba’s love story with the sporting world dates back to his childhood, “My mother really loved cricket. She watched it religiously. She still does. It also helped that my brother was really interested in a lot of sporting codes. He played cricket, rugby and soccer while growing up. So, sports ran in the family, basically,” he shared.

Initially, Sixaba had hopes of becoming a professional cricket player. However, as fate would have it, he ventured into the world of media and was very soon bitten by the broadcasting bug.

“My first real hero was Makhaya Ntini. He gave me the interest of wanting to be a professional sports player. I never really intended to be in the broadcasting space, but it all kind of worked out quite nicely,” he added.

A multifaceted and praiseworthy career

Armed with a degree in Journalism, Sixaba’s expertise extends across various print, digital, radio and television platforms. He has contributed to Eyewitness News, establishing himself as a trusted and knowledgeable voice in the industry.

Additionally, he has anchored sports shows on prominent radio stations including Radio 702,  94.7 and Kaya FM.

Most recently, Sixaba embraced the world of podcasting as the co-host of ‘The All Rounder’ – a show that delves into the multifaceted world of sports.

Even after years of hard work and commendable moves, Sixaba still firmly believes that there is plenty more to be done and that the best is yet to come. As such, he remains committed to continuous improvement.

“I’m still very much in the beginning stages of it. If I can improve from the last time that I did something then I’m happy.  There’s no feeling in me that I’ve arrived or that I’ve finally cracked it big time. For me, it’s always about trying to improve,” he said.

Undoubtedly, his journey has not been free from challenges. In fact, he has had to deal with imposter syndrome more often than not.

“That’s the battle for me – to try and feel comfortable in those spaces. In my own skin, career and where I’m at.

“But it will always be a controllable for me to remind myself that I do belong and that I do fit into these spaces.”

Equally, his time in the industry has come with a number of valuable lessons, “I think the biggest one is not to get too far ahead of yourself. When I started, I wanted to chase the next opportunity. That made me feel like I was missing out on enjoying what I had achieved now,” he explained.

Continuing to outperform the broadcaster he was the previous day, Sixaba looks up to a number of his industry colleagues whom he believes do remarkable work.

“I am inspired by Kass Naidoo, Mluleki Ntsabo and most recently, Motshidisi Mohono. She is cut above everything and everyone else. She’s very humble. She does things in a very simple way,” he added.  

Music and the art of intentional relaxation  

On days when he is not passionately engaged in conversations and analysis about the games he loves, Sixaba can be found on the field playing a bit of cricket as it still remains a great hobby of his.

He is also very intentional about resting and relaxation. The older I get, the more I realise that doing nothing actually is something that is so important. When I started working, I didn’t leave a lot of time for rest.

“But rest is actually so important as something that really helps you get back onto the horse again,” he shared.

As an avid lover of music, he can also be found enjoying some great tunes, “I listen to a lot of hip-hop. Growing up in the 90s, playing sport went hand-in-hand with music. The older I grew, I got into more genres but the love for hip-hop is definitely my number one.”

With plenty of milestones achieved and many great things to come, Sixaba aims to be remembered for how he impacts people.

“If people can remember how I made them feel, I think that’s a job done for me, both as a professional and as a person. That’s how I want to be remembered.”

Encouraging youngsters who would love to enter the broadcasting industry, Sixaba highlighted the importance of authenticity and hard work. 

“It may not make sense when you’re younger but I think being yourself is probably the best thing to be.

It is the best currency you can have. And, work hard. Trust and believe in your capabilities and your potential. That will separate you from a lot of people.”