By Monwabisi Jimlongo
Lesedi FM sport commentator Thabo ‘Mr Cool’ Kofa never gave up in his quest to become a radio presenter even after he failed his first audition almost four decades ago.
Kofa knew that he belonged behind the microphone even when he was working elsewhere and securing a job at Radio Sesotho (now Lesedi FM) 33 years ago was the fulfilment of his calling in the broadcasting industry.
And Kofa has since established himself as one of the commanding voices in radio sport broadcasting.
Born in Ficksburg, Free State, 59 years ago, Kofa was inspired by departed broadcasters Hlapane Masitenyane and Sello Thulo.
But it was former Radio Sesotho announcer Tseliso Leballo, who inspired him when it came to football commentary.
“My interest in sport commentary was inspired by my love for soccer,” the married father of three said.
A former amateur footballer, Kofa started doing dummy commentaries whenever he was not playing. His journey on radio got delayed by a few years after he failed auditions 39 years ago.
“After passing matric, I couldn’t continue with tertiary education because my family was facing financial difficulties at the time. That’s when I thought of becoming a radio announcer,” he said.
“l was just taking my chances because the SABC was very clear on their specifications. They said that they needed someone who had a teacher’s diploma or a certificate and was in possession of a driver’s licence. I did not have a teacher’s diploma. I just told myself that my love and passion for radio would help me. In 1982 I applied and I received a call inviting me to come to auditions. Unfortunately, I did not make it.”
After failing to secure a job at the SABC, Kofa looked for employment elsewhere. He got lucky when he was employed as a peace-officer at the Mangaung Town Council in 1982.
Still, Kofa didn’t give up on his dream of becoming a radio presenter. And his dream became a reality when he aced auditions in 1988, six years after he had failed to land a job at the SABC.
“In 1988 there was an advertisement at Radio Sesotho, which said that they needed an announcer. I applied again and received another call asking me to come for auditions. I finally made it during the auditions. I then resigned from work and started working at Radio Sesotho in June 1988,” Kofa said.
“I was asked if I wanted to do sport or ordinary programmes. I chose sport. I had to learn soccer commentary, boxing, athletics and rugby. My all-time favourite sport was soccer.”
Being a sport commentator has offered Kofa an opportunity to travel throughout the world.
“I have been to many countries. In 1993 I went to Stuttgart for the World Athletics Championships, in 1996 I travelled to the Olympics in Atlanta, in 1998 I went to France for the FIFA World Cup. I also travelled to Athens for the World Athletics Championships, in 2000 I went to the Sydney Olympics,” Kofa said.
The veteran commentator has covered eight FIFA World Cup tournaments with Italy 1990 being his first tournament. He has also worked in 13 Africa Cup Of Nations tournaments since 1996.
“In the process, I have won about 23 awards. At the moment, I am still doing what I love most as if l started doing it yesterday,” he said.
