Introduction: South African soccer is awash with stories; stories of redemption, hope, sorrow, disappointment, fervor, fans, and heroes. One of the most enthralling of these is how the modern professional game first took root in the 1930s and wound its way through the decades, often in the face of apartheid and its associated horrors, to offer a glorious counterpoint.

Documentary: This story has finally got its due with the production of “Pulse of a Nation,” a four-part documentary that puts a lens on a critical pillar of South Africa’s most popular sport. A story rich in drama, controversy, heroes, pathos, and celebration, it will soon be broadcast on SuperSport and Mzansi Magic.

Quote from Sipho Mabuse: Sipho Mabuse commented, “I am thrilled to have been asked to give my input and share thoughts. Football is in our DNA, and living in Soweto all my life, I grew up with football all around me. Kaizer Motaung and Irvin Khoza are dear friends of mine; in fact, Irvin was at the same school as me in Orlando West.”

Additional Information: If you want more about Sipho Mabuse, do listen to this 2-part series on Cape Talk’s weekly show “The Business of Entertainment,” where Sipho goes into lovely detail about his journey. Each podcast is 30 minutes long, and the show airs every Thursday night at 9 pm.

Part 1

Part 2 – with Sipho on Cape Talk – The Business of Entertainment .Goes to air every Thursday at 9pm

Introduction: This is a story of South African soccer, a narrative that weaves together the tales of many individuals who shaped the game. While not attempting to be definitive or all-encompassing, it captures a snapshot of a vast canvas overflowing with characters, goals, and glories. The history of local soccer is too vast for a single account, but this version brings to life a compelling narrative.

Soccer’s Patriarch:

The filmmakers utilize rare historical footage to craft a sweeping story that begins with James Mpanza, arguably the patriarch of SA soccer. In 1934, Mpanza established a boys’ club in Soweto, laying the foundation for the formation of Orlando Pirates three years later. The narrative explores the pride instilled in black people, offering a parallel of hope and happiness amidst apartheid’s degradations.

Motaung, Khoza to the Fore:

The documentary delves into the early years, from the 1940s to the 1950s and beyond, highlighting figures like the “Magnificent Seven,” George Thabe, Kaizer Motaung, and Irvin Khoza, who unintentionally became architects of the vibrant game seen today. The Premier Soccer League’s evolution is shaped by anecdotes from various soccer personalities, adding layers of insight into its becoming a powerful force.

Voices and Anecdotes:

The project features voices like former Santos striker Duncan Crowie, sharing insights into the injustices of the ruling regime and decisions made by Cape clubs. Narrated by popular actor Sello Maake KaNcube, the series carries a gravitas befitting its historical importance. The uniqueness of local soccer is emphasized through players with colorful nicknames, turning them into folk heroes with flamboyant play.

Notable Moments:

The creation of Kaizer Chiefs in the early 1970s and Manning Rangers’ unlikely title triumph are given their due treatment. As the game emerged from the shadows, the government’s grip retreated, and SA soccer became a metaphor for a bold new age. Characters emerged, and the sport became a powerful expression of self.

Passionate Fans and Powerful Figures:

The narrative underscores that little of the local game’s history is dull. With powerful figures shaping its course and passionate fans breathing life into it, South African soccer remains a vibrant and dynamic part of the nation’s cultural tapestry.

Influence Across Society: Unsurprisingly, the filmmakers have placed a big emphasis on how local soccer seamlessly integrated itself into the lifestyles of South Africans, influencing fashion, music, culture, and much else to become a central point of public life.

Darkest Day in SA Soccer: Sadly, the darkest day in SA soccer is also brought into sharp focus as the events of April 2001, when 43 fans were crushed to death at a game at Ellis Park, are re-told. Even now, all these years later, the visuals are chilling. It is a warts and all story, which it had to be.

Commercial Realization: More latterly, the commercial value of the local soccer machine was finally realized when the game’s power brokers brokered a deal with SuperSport that continues to nourish local soccer.

Beyond Money: It was about more than money, though; it was about acknowledging how a sport could claim its place at the top table, how it could inspire, and how it could come to define a nation’s spirit. This, finally, is the long overdue story of how soccer came to be the pulse of a nation.