Top African Football Commentators in 2025

In summary
Africa’s sports broadcasting industry is at its most competitive, with top commentators working for CAF, FIFA, and leading international media houses.

In 2025, African commentators are fixtures in AFCON, FIFA Men’s and Women’s World Cups, CAF Champions League, and top European leagues.

Countries like South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, and Kenya are home to some of the most respected voices in the game.

Deep Dive!!

Football commentary in Africa has evolved from a supporting role to an essential part of the match-day experience. Today’s top commentators are not only narrating the action on the pitch but also offering deep tactical breakdowns, historical references, and cultural context that enhance fan understanding.

CAF’s increased investment in commentator training, multilingual coverage, and access to advanced broadcast tools such as VAR replays and tactical cam feeds has raised production standards. Partnerships with global media networks have also given African commentators more exposure to international audiences, boosting their influence.

The modern African football commentator is a hybrid professional—part storyteller, part analyst, part historian. Many are veterans with decades of experience, while others are young talents reshaping commentary with digital-savvy delivery and fan engagement on social media.

In this article, we spotlight the Top African Football Commenters in 2025, exploring who they are, where they work, and why they stand out in a competitive field.

10. Carol Tshabalala – South Africa

Dubbed the “First Lady of Sport,” Tshabalala blends charisma, expertise, and experience. In 2025, she was a lead voice on SuperSport’s AFCON Qualifiers and CAF Champions League coverage, known for her smooth delivery and authoritative pre-match analysis.

9. Peter Drury (Africa collaborations) – UK/South Africa

Though British, Drury’s partnership with African broadcasters and CAF events in 2025 cemented his status as an adopted African voice. His poetic style and ability to elevate the emotional weight of African football moments have made him a fan favourite.

8. Chinyere Kalu – Nigeria

Breaking barriers for women in Nigerian sports media, Kalu’s play-by-play commentary in 2025 included AFCON and FIFA Women’s World Cup matches. Her balanced mix of excitement and professionalism earned her the honour of being the first Nigerian woman to commentate a CAF Champions League final.

7. George Addo Jnr – Ghana

Addo Jnr’s energetic delivery and passion for African football have made him a household name. In 2025, he was central to CAF Champions League and African Football League broadcasts, also contributing high-quality analysis for BBC Sport Africa.

6. Julia Stuart – South Africa

A versatile broadcaster, Stuart’s in-depth tactical explanations and engaging personality make her one of the most respected female voices in African football. In 2025, she covered PSL, CAF tournaments, and collaborated with international sports outlets.

5. Alhassan Patrick – Nigeria

Patrick’s deep knowledge of African football, combined with an engaging style, secured him a leading role in AFCON 2025 coverage. His ability to keep fans invested during tense moments has made him one of Nigeria’s top sports media figures.

4. Robert Marawa – South Africa

Marawa’s commanding voice and decades of sports broadcasting experience have made him a legend in the field. In 2025, he continued to anchor major CAF events and deliver insightful live commentary for top-tier matches.

3. Hassan El Shazly – Egypt

El Shazly is a leading Arabic-language commentator, bringing detailed tactical breakdowns and smooth delivery to millions of viewers. In 2025, he was the go-to voice for CAF Champions League coverage on beIN Sports in North Africa and the Middle East.

2. Mike Okinyi – Kenya

Okinyi’s infectious energy and ability to connect with audiences have made him East Africa’s most prominent football voice. In 2025, he was behind the mic for AFCON, World Cup qualifiers, and CAF finals, delivering commentary that resonated with fans.

1. Mark Gleeson – South Africa

Renowned as Africa’s premier football historian and commentator, Gleeson’s encyclopedic knowledge and precise delivery continue to set the standard. In 2025, he was the lead commentator for AFCON and CAF Champions League finals, reinforcing his unmatched legacy.