By Monwabisi Jimlongo
Never in his wildest dreams did much-loved Munghana Lonene FM’s Bongani Chuma think he would become a sport commentator one day.
Going by the name of 3D (Dyondza, Dyela, Dikodiwa) Commentator on Twitter, Chuma strives to educate, inform and entertain whenever he’s behind the microphone.
“I never dreamt of being a sport commentator, let alone being a radio presenter until God started revealing his plans about me,” the father of four, said.
Chuma’s road to radio sport commentary began after he won the 2008 Mellowwood celebrity coach competition, which was run in all SABC radio stations. And soon after winning the competition, Chuma landed a job as one of Munghana Lonene’s sport commentators.
Chuma is grateful for the guidance he got from retired Munghana Lonene head of sport Joas Mashimbye, Thilivhali Muavha from Phalaphalafm, Lesedi FM’s Thabo Kofa and Lindani Makwela from Thobela FM.
“I’ve got to say that Eric Mabasa, Joas Mashimbye, Phineas Malatjie and James Shikwambana inspired me in my commentary journey,” Chuma remarked.
Chuma was a bundle of nerves just before his first match as a commentator. He was, however, lucky that the late Umhlobo Wenenefm sport commentator Zingisile Mathiso noticed his nervousness and gave him some encouraging words, which calmed him down. He did an excellent job behind the microphone while doing commentary on Amajita’s match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2009.
“Fear of failure and rejection by listeners gave me sleepless nights. The fact that I was going to be famous also terrified me. I rehearsed opening lines, but still felt not ready. But I cannot trade that experience for anything because that was the beginning of a great journey. Later I won the 2015 Munghana Lonene sport commentator of the year,” Chuma said.
Besides being a sport commentator, Chuma is a voice over artist and a full-time nurse, who is considering studying towards a masters degree in public health.
