On The Whistle Podcast

It’s CAF Champions League quarterfinal time, and you won’t get a bigger tie right now than Al Ahly versus Sundowns. The Cairo club triumphed in the first leg, but not after filing an official complaint against the ref over his performance. Pitso Mosimane returns to his old stomping ground this weekend, and we look forward to what should be a classic in Atteridgeville. Host:  Zayn Nabbi, host...

In this episode we speak with New Zealand star Jeremy Brockie about his experiences playing in South Africa's Premier League, hear about his memories of being part of the All Whites team that remained unbeaten at the 2010 World Cup, and find out what he's doing now after returning to the Antipodes. Host: Hal Fish, @halfish95 Guest: Jeremy Brockie (New Zealand Forward), @JRBrockie   WhatsAapp&...

In this bitesize edition former Bafana striker Shaun Bartlett talks about why Newcastle has the best atmosphere in the Premier League, how a legend of Dutch football inspired him, and he recalls a funny football initiation at Charlton.   Host: Courtney Freese (otw_podcast) Guest: Shaun Bartlett (@shaunbart9)   WhatsAapp  Get in touch on WhatsApp - +447908 790 474 YouTube Watch...

The Witness Sports Editor Carl Peters is one of the most respected football writers in South Africa, and on the eve of the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations he was invited to the Bafana hotel, where he would meet Nelson Mandela. He shares that special anecdote, as well as his experience in Casablanca covering the CAF Champions League.    Host: Courtney Freese (Former PSL winner) Guest: Carl Pet...

In this bitesize pod we talk with South African defender Tercious Malepe about moving during the pandemic to the Ukraine, his goals for the Tokyo Olympics, and his philosophy on leadership. Host: Courtney Freese Guest: Tercious Malepe (South Africa defender / midfielder)   WhatsAapp  Get in touch on WhatsApp - +447908 790 474 YouTube Watch us here - On The Whistle Podcast:  htt...

Matthew Booth’s towering frame was once an imposing sight in Bafana Bafana’s back four, as the Sundowns star become a popular member of the national team ahead of the 2010 World Cup. In this pod the "big man" speaks candidly about his experiences in the game, the importance of financial planning, his goals to coach professionally, and about why he thinks Pitso Mosimane deserves another shot at the...

In our bitesize pod Francis Nkwain explains why Comoros coach Amir Abdou could one day follow in the footsteps of Pitso Mosimane and land a job at one of the North African giants. Also, Courtney Freese labels South Africa a “serial failure” after Bafana fail to qualify for the AFCON.   Panel: Zayn Nabbi (host), Courtney Freese (Former PSL winner) and Francis Nkwain (African football expert) &...

Former Bafana Bafana legend Shaun Bartlett opens up about his career that’s taken him to play professionally in three continents, and oh yes - he talks us through his Premier League "wonder volley" that still goes viral when posted on social media today. Bartlett also reflects on his time playing at Charlton, winning the African Cup of Nations, and his goals to coach the national team one day. &nb...

Many people across the continent are incensed with French football's decision to ban African players from joining their countries ahead of crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers this week. The decision was made due to the Coronavirus. However, players in Europe face no such issues despite numbers rising and talk of a third wave gathering momentum. In this bitesize edition we look at why there is...

In this week’s show our panel is joined by Kenyan football blogger Francis Gaitho to analyse Patrice Motsepe’s priorities as CAF president. Gaitho, an insider on African football politics, gives context to Motsepe’s rise, talks about the challenges that the organisation faces, and tells us what to expect from the new head of the confederation.   Panel: Zayn Nabbi (host), Courtney Freese (Form...

In this podcast we take a deeper dive on Morocco's youth selection policy, which has raised questions on whether it’s detrimental to local players. The Atlas Lions recently selected just six local players in their U17 squad and some 24 players based in Europe. Is this good or bad for development in the country? Lastly, we give you the latest on the CAF Presidential elections, which should see Sund...

As the CAF elections come up on March 12, this episode provides insight on Africa’s ninth-richest man, Patrice Motsepe, who is making a bold move for the top job on the continent. Also, we take the time to look back at Egypt and Brazil’s epic 7-goal thriller in 2009. And finally, we close with an African football quiz that surprisingly caused a few headaches!   Panel: Zayn Nabbi (host), Court...

In this week’s bitesize pod our very own Courtney Freese shares his favourite football memories, which include Doctor Khumalo making a defender do ballet, a young Steven Pienaar breaking onto the scene, and some Steven Gerrard magic. Co-hosts  Zayn Nabbi and Courtney Freese WhatsAapp  Get in touch on WhatsApp - +447908 790 474 YouTube Watch us here - On The Whistle Podcast:  ht...

In our quickfire interview with Al Ahly’s Pitso Mosimane, the South African talks about his favourite food in Egypt, why his "space" is limited in Cairo, and takes your fan questions.   Co-hosts  Zayn Nabbi and Courtney Freese Guest:  Pitso Mosimane (Al Ahly coach) WhatsAapp  Get in touch on WhatsApp - +447908 790 474 YouTube Watch us here - On The Whistle Podcast:  h...

In the second part of our extended interview with Pitso Mosimane, the Al Ahly coach opens up about growing up in apartheid South Africa, and how that impacted him, his family and playing career. We also talk to Pitso about the most talented players he’s coached and learn his thoughts on some of the up-and-coming South African managers. Co-hosts  Zayn Nabbi and Courtney Freese Guest:  Pit...

The eagle has landed!!! In the first part of our extended interview with Pitso Mosimane, we talk to the Al Ahly mentor about creating history by becoming the first Black and sub-Saharan coach at the African giants. The South African talks about the comparisons made between him and Pep Guardiola, his calls for FIFA to make the Best Awards more inclusive, and why he’s realistic about future opportun...

In this week’s show our very own man on-the-ground Francis Nkwain runs you through the main headlines from the CHAN tournament in Cameroon, which he’s had the pleasure of attending. We also take the opportunity to give you our analysis on the EPL as we review the season thus far, while closing out the pod with some perspective on the January transfer window.   Panel: Zayn Nabbi (host), Courtn...

In our first bitesized edition of the pod, South African football expert Edwin Kgaswe relives his experiences of Bafana’s 1996 AFCON success, which included driving to games with a fish tied to the bonnet of his friend's car, which served as a tribute to the national team. Edwin also recounts his memories of Orlando Pirates famous CAF Champions League win, where a “Pele-esque” strike from Jerry Si...

In our first show of 2021 we tell you why Percy Tau has all the potential to match the hype around his move to England's Premier League, and why South Africa's "Lion of Judah" will be a force for Brighton. We also preview the CAF Champions League group stages, as we look at Al Ahly’s prospects of defending the title that they won last year, and hear why former PSL winner Courtney Freese thinks Kai...

In our year ender we reflect on our most notable and memorable shows, while also taking the time to pick our coach and player of 2020. From Benoît Assou-Ekotto opening up about racism in France and explaining why he refused a boot sponsor during his career, to Mido talking about the dangers of fasting while playing, and some light-hearted moments with Delron Buckley, we have something for everyone...

Liam Jordan was just a teenager when he was selected for the South African national team in 2017, but since then he’s been traveling Europe developing his game quietly and confidently in Portugal and Denmark. The Bafana forward, who spent part of his life in New Zealand, opens up on the podcast about his travels that have taken him across three continents, how he’s found his identity in his faith...

Clinton Larsen is a coach on the rise in South African football and in this show he discusses the challenges of working in local football. From having to edit his own videos, clubs reneging on payment, and even at one point preparing pre-match meals with his wife, Clinton gives an unvarnished look at the realities of coaching in the country.   Co-hosts: Zayn Nabbi, and Courtney Freese  ...

This was the show you asked for (well at least Nottingham Forest fans!): in this episode we catch up with Tendayi Darikwa, Zimbabwean football’s “Minister of Defence.” The Nottingham-born defender opens up about The Warrior’s goals to qualify for the Qatar World Cup in 2022, how his Zimbabwe debut was delayed due to a corrupt official, and he also takes questions from Nottingham Forest fans. Co-ho...

In this episode we look at how Nigeria's football stars have united to condemn police brutality in the country. From two-time African Player of the Year, Nwankwo Kanu, to Man United’s Odion Ighalo, and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, many current and former players have used their platforms to raise awareness on this issue. We also have an interview with former South African wonder kid Shane Morrison and...

In this show Nigerian legend Nwankwo Kanu tells us about his goals of building hospitals across Africa to help people suffering from heart conditions to get the surgery they so desperately require. The Arsenal icon opened up to us about wanting to leave a legacy beyond the football pitch. We also look back on the CAF Champions League semis, and to end the show we take a few listener questions. Pan...