Full Name: Cebo Clement Manyaapelo

Date of Birth: 7 May 1967

Date of Death: 22 November 2017

Birthplace: Mahikeng, North West Province, South Africa

Occupation: Sports Commentator, Radio Presenter

Known For: Legendary SABC Sports Commentator, Motsweding FM Presenter

Nickname: “CC”

Honours: Covered FIFA World Cups, AFCON tournaments, and PSL matches for over three decades

Who is Cebo Manyaapelo?

Cebo Manyaapelo, fondly known as “CC,” was a veteran South African broadcaster whose distinctive voice and charismatic style captured the hearts of sports lovers across the country. With a career that spanned over 30 years, Manyaapelo became a household name through his football commentary, radio presenting, and work on major global sporting events. His passion, wit, and deep knowledge of sports left an enduring legacy in South African media.

Photo by Business Day:

Early Life and Passion for Broadcasting

• Born on 7 May 1967 in Mahikeng, North West Province.
• Developed a love for football and broadcasting from a young age.
• Grew up in a sports-mad environment, which fueled his dream of working in media.

Entry into Broadcasting

• Started his professional broadcasting career in 1984 at Radio Bop, a popular station serving listeners in the Bophuthatswana homeland.
• Quickly gained recognition for his lively, engaging style and encyclopedic knowledge of football.
• Built a strong reputation as one of the leading sports voices on radio during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Rise at SABC and Motsweding FM

• Joined the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), expanding his career to national audiences.
• Became a key sports presenter on Motsweding FM, one of South Africa’s major Setswana-language radio stations.
• Hosted popular breakfast shows like “Re tla dula re thabile” and “Mamepe”, blending music, sport, and social commentary.
• Became the lead commentator for “Laduma”, SABC’s flagship soccer program, from 1998 until his passing in 2017.

Major Tournaments and Achievements

• Worked as a commentator and presenter at multiple major tournaments, including:
  • 1998 FIFA World Cup (France)
  • 2010 FIFA World Cup (South Africa)
  • 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) (South Africa)
  • 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) (Equatorial Guinea)
• Covered countless Premier Soccer League (PSL) matches and special football events.
• Celebrated for his playful, well-researched, and passionate commentary that resonated with millions.

Health Struggles and Final Days

• In 2017, suffered a severe stroke that left him hospitalized at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto.
• Lost the ability to speak, and spent more than two months in hospital battling the illness.
• Despite brief hopes of recovery, he tragically passed away on 22 November 2017 at the age of 50.
• His death was mourned across the country by fans, colleagues, and the broader sporting community.

Legacy and Contribution to South African Sport

• Remembered as one of the greatest voices in South African football broadcasting history.
• Inspired a new generation of young commentators and sports presenters, particularly Setswana-speaking broadcasters.
• His deep understanding of football, combined with humor and relatability, made him a fan favorite.
• Left behind a rich broadcasting legacy that continues to influence sports media in South Africa.

Summary

• Cebo Manyaapelo’s broadcasting career spanned over three decades, during which he became one of South Africa’s most beloved sports commentators.
• His work at Radio Bop, Motsweding FM, and SABC connected millions to the beautiful game.
• His passion, humor, and storytelling elevated football commentary and inspired future broadcasters.
• Though his life was cut short by illness, his voice remains a treasured memory for sports fans nationwide.

Final Thoughts

Cebo Manyaapelo’s life reminds us of the incredible impact that passion and authenticity can have.
He didn’t just commentate on football — he brought it alive, painted pictures with his words, and turned every match into a story. South Africa lost a national treasure in 2017, but his spirit continues to echo across stadiums, radios, and memories, wherever football is celebrated.