How did you get into commentary?
I was playing football in Pretoria in 1992 and injured my knee. At the age of 32 I decided that was that, but soon was at loose end. I phoned SAFM and spoke to Gerald De Kock and told him that I would like to be a sports commentator. He gave me the chance to do a demo tape. After the demo, he suggested that if I was serious about getting into commen-tating, I would need to go for speech lessons. I duly did this with a wonderful lady called Zia Garfield, who gave me a very solid foundation for my commentating career. Six months later I did another demo. Gerald was amazed at the difference and I was asked if I wanted to commentate on football. With an answer of “Yes!” my career got under way.
My very first match was the 1994 African Supercup between Al Ahly and Zamalek. What a match for a debut. I worked for SAFM and Radio 2000 for five years before being “promoted” to SABC Sports ‘Laduma’ television show on Sundays where I was the principal commentator for three years. I then moved to Supersport in August 2001. By the end of 2010 I would have commentated on 1 704 football matches, 1 141 of which were for Supersport. Add to that studio work and highlights packages and career industry contributions add up to 2 104.
Who did you learn from?
A combination of people had a direct influence on my career. Gerald De Kock who gave me my first break, Mark Gleeson without a doubt, Martin Locke (gave us training at the SABC), John Perlman, Michael Abrahamson, (all the guys have different styles) and Hugh Bladen too.
Watching English Premier League football and listening to their commentators was always encouraged by the Rob Rogers at the SABC. It’s very important to listen to other commentators, not for only the things they say, but for the things they don’t say.
Louis Karpas gave me crucial guidance during a lean period and assisted greatly with my African journey.
I learned a very important skill with SAFM while commentating on African World Cup Qualifiers and Afcon matches. These matches were done from the studio, and while “offtube” commentary is really difficult, these skills were developed from the early years in my career and are still used today.
Last, but by no means least – my wife Krystyna who has to bear my endless enthusiasm and spends time alone over weekends while I entertain the fans.
It is been said that you have the most complete set of African football records in existence, is this true?
While I have a fair knowledge of the African game, there is no doubt that Mark Gleeson and Peter Auf De Heyde would have by far the most comprehensive record of African Football.
How has the preparation changed over the years?
It’s one of most crucial parts of the job. Thorough preparation is the key to success. With the advent of the internet, research has become a great deal easier. The PSL has also started providing valuable pre- and post-match information. The manner in which I collate information has also improved over the years.
Drawing from all your experiences what has been the greatest match you ever witnessed?
Not one that I was involved in personally, but great to watch nevertheless: 1986 FIFA World Cup Finals in Mexico – Argentina vs England. The ‘hand of God’ goal from Maradonna, and the little maestro’s brilliant scything run and goal in the same match which was voted Best World Cup Goal in 2002.
Which has to be your favourite final?
A definite highlight is the 1995 CAF Champions league win for Orlando Pirates in Abidjan played on 16 December 1995.
Do you have a favourite stadium?
The revamped FNB Stadium is terrific. Not only a beautiful place, but the facilities for commen-tators are top class. The commentary box has unimpeded views, is comfortable, access is easy and the height from which you work is breathtaking.
Can commentators support teams?
I think one can, but one has to be so careful in one’s delivery if you happen to be commentating when that team is playing, not to be biased towards or against them.
Which team do you support or like?
There is a reason why Orlando Pirates is the favourite team of mine. When I arrived in Johannesburg in 1990, I was playing softball with a team in Primrose. While I played football at amateur level, I was not exposed to the professional game to any large degree (how that has changed). Jomo Cosmos were sharing the training ground with us and everyone knows Jomo. When Cosmos were relegated in the early 90’s a bunch of their top players were signed by Pirates. And the rest they say happened naturally. I still have a picture of the Caf Champions League Pirates from 1995 side in my study.
Any partners you enjoy working most with?
All the people on a production have their own personalities and skills. It is such a privilege to work with these wonderful professionals on an almost daily basis.
Have you ever been confronted by an angry coach or player?
No. A drunk fan once back in the late 80’s. No harm done.
Do you think you are the encyclopaedia of football?
Not at all. I do have a decent database of the game though. Work in progress.
How important is it to do background checks on players?
Research is the key to success in this field. One has to make sense of the facts, don’t believe everything you read and when in doubt, ask the person directly.
Any facts people don’t know about Brain Mathe?
Brian is a thorough professional and a private person.
Do you PVR your matches and listen to them later?
Only recently had a PVR installed so that will come into play, but thank goodness for repeat broadcasts. It’s crucial to listen to your own work.
Are you self critical?
I must be my own worst critic. I don’t think that I have ever had a perfect match. There is always something to work on, whether it is voice production, energy, accuracy, or observations.
How do you prepare for a game?
It starts on Monday morning straight after a weekend of fixtures with updating results, logs and goalscorers of the various leagues. When the information arrives from the PSL, update yellow/red cards, start lists and substitutions, goalscorers so that your database is up to date when you are preparing for the next match. “I still have a picture of the Caf Champions League Pirates from 1995 side in my study”
