Читать книгу The Politics of South African Football - Alpheus Koonyaditse - Страница 6
ОглавлениеAlphie Koonyaditse: “Never abandon your dreams”
Coming from a non-descript village called Cokonyane in remote Taung, Oshebeng Alphie Koonyaditse’s future did not seem promising. But his parents and maternal grandmother gave him a solid education in self-belief, and a deeply felt sense of right and wrong.
Alphie absorbed their simple humanity and innate wisdom.
Later, when he became one of South Africa’s leading sports journalists, these values translated into journalistic independence, an aversion to dishonesty and a determination to reflect the truth. “The history of this country has not always been accurately reported,” he points out. “People tend to forget the powerful role which sport, and football in particular, played in getting us where we are today as a nation.”
Alphie’s voracious appetite to learn, first led him to the Common-wealth Broadcasting Association, where he obtained a Certificate in Journalism, and then to further studies, culminating in an MBA at North West University. From there he moved to Radio Mmabatho where he became a radio presenter, newsreader, reporter and sports commentator. Awards followed in his wake: Commentator of the Tournament for the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, ranked third best commentator of the 1998 World Cup, and a PSL Merit Award for the 2003/4 season. The recognition, far from going to his head, simply spurred him on to greater achievements.
Wherever there was access to knowledge he plunged right in, reading, reading, and reading – everything he could lay his hands on. At Radio Mmabatho Alphie first tasted the addiction of football. Fascinated by the intricacies of the game it wasn’t long before he was delving into the history of football in South Africa.
Always an avid reader, Alphie had long dreamt of writing a book, but thought it was “an impossible dream.” But as with any endeavour that has its roots in sincerity and passion, it soon began to take shape. It started as a series of articles, then it was going to be a documentary film, then gradually it formed itself into this book.
Alphie’s natural charisma and genuine interest gives all those he meets an instinctive trust in him and his goals.
His gaze is fixed on the far horizon. First, more studies – a PhD beckons. And then, who knows? There is still much to expect from this sparkling talent.
Hendrina Westoll
