On The Whistle Podcast

Pitso Mosimane’s history-making appointment by Egyptian-giants Al Ahly sent shock waves around the football world. In this episode hear about his coaching philosophy, dreams to win the FIFA Club World Cup and we give perspective on how his recruitment is a powerful symbol for Pan-Africanism. Also in this show, Liverpool and Zimbabwe legend Bruce Grobbelaar talks about some of his memorable mo...

In this episode we take a closer look at Arsenal and how Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, under the tutelage of Mikel Arteta, is breathing new life into the North London giants. Arsenal legend Perry Groves joins the show and gives perspective on why Aubameyang is the most feared attacker in England, explains how Bukayo Saka has the potential to achieve greatness, and also recalls the Gunners' fa...

In this Premier League Preview Show we are joined by award-winning journalist Mimi Fawaz to assess Liverpool’s prospects of repeating, and we debate which of the Manchester clubs will pose a bigger threat to the Reds. Mimi also tells us which African players are set for breakout seasons and we close out the show with Bafana legend Lucas Radebe ahead of his beloved Leeds United’s return to the EPL....

Liverpool waited 30-years to lift their first league title and we speak to the man who lifted the witchdoctor’s curse on the club, Zimbabwe’s legendary goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar. The former Reds shot stopper told us how he broke a spell that was cast on the club, reflected on his magnificent career that saw him win 16 trophies, and he also spoke about his coaching ambitions in Africa. Panel: &nb...

Former Bafana Bafana wing Delron Buckley catches up with his old teammate Courtney Freese to talk about his remarkable career. From being plucked out of amateur football in South Africa as a teenager and travelling to Germany where he was compared to Ronaldo in his prime, Buckley opens up about his past, present and what’s next in his coaching future. Special Guest:  Delron Buckley (Former So...

In this action-packed episode we tell you why Sadio Mane is the best player in the Premier League and should have been named Footballer of the Year ahead of Liverpool teammate Jordan Henderson. Former Bafana star Delron Buckley opens up about his coaching struggles in SA, and Peter Odemwingie pulls out his favourite party trick for some levity as the former Super Eagles forward impersonates Michae...

We sit down with former Tottenham defender Chris Hughton to talk to him about his journey in the game. Chris opens up about being a trailblazing manager in England, lifting trophies at Spurs, and becoming the first Black player to represent Ireland. We also explore his Ghanaian roots, experiences of racism, and talk about how we can make football a more equitable game for all. Panel:  Zayn Na...

In this episode former Cameroon and Tottenham defender Benoît Assou-Ekotto opens up about his career in football that defied the norm. Find out about why he could never be proud to wear France’s colours, how African players continue to be under-valued in the global market, and hear his memories of those magical years at Spurs under Harry Redknapp. Panel:  Zayn Nabbi (host), Francis Nkwain (Sp...

📢 COMING UP    Next Wednesday (July 15th) our wide-ranging interview with football maverick Benoît Assou-Ekotto drops. In this promo clip he explains how sports brands exploit African players by paying them less, and why in good conscience he rejected boot sponsorship deals throughout his career.  SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook Group:  On The Whistle Podcast Instagram:  @otw_...

Liverpool have clinched their first league title in 30 years and we take the time to analyse this success, which was built on the back of several African players. The panel assess the team, provide insight on the African stars, and debate if Liverpool can build a dynasty. We also hear from the Liverpool Echo's Paul Gorst about the impact Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané have had in the city and how th...

Owen Da Gama is one of the most respected coaches in the PSL. In an all-encompassing interview he opens up about how he rejected an opportunity to work with legendary manager Brian Clough, reflects on South Africa’s World Cup legacy, and provides some ideas on how to make Bafana Bafana a force again in African football. Panel:  Zayn Nabbi (host), Francis Nkwain (Sports media executive), Ahmad...

Fans are the lifeblood of the sport, and during our first ever fan forum we discuss Africa’s most underrated players, debate how to rejuvenate local crowds, and share about the moments that made us believe football is so much more than a game. Panel:  Zayn Nabbi (host), Francis Nkwain (Sports media executive), Ahmad Yousef (Kingfut.com Editor) and Courtney Freese (former PSL winner). SOCIAL M...

It’s our tenth episode, so we’ve decided to celebrate ten of Africa’s greatest number 10s. We look at the continent’s best playmakers, thinkers, and creative forces in football. Joining us for this 90-minute special is African legend Kalusha Bwalya. Panel:  Zayn Nabbi (host), Francis Nkwain (Sports media executive), Ahmad Yousef (Kingfut.com Editor) and Courtney Freese (former PSL winner). Sp...

We debate if it is be possible to keep Africa’s best talent on the continent or is it a forgone conclusion that they will head to Europe at the first possible chance? We hear the perspectives of Sierra Leone legend and Kallon FC founder Mohamed Kallon, and former Egypt international Yaser Elshanawany.   Panel:  Zayn Nabbi (host), Francis Nkwain (Sports media executive), Ahmad Yousef (Kin...

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has unveiled a vision to transform African football which includes plans to host the African Cup of Nations every four years and the establishment of a pan-African Super League for clubs. We debate whether these goals are in the interests of Africans, or whether it’s a European solution that favours UEFA and FIFA. Panel:  Zayn Nabbi (host), Francis Nkwain (Spor...

With football suspended on the continent, we take a look at the impact of the coronavirus on African competitions and clubs. Our panel explains how players are staying in shape, assess the financial impact on clubs and leagues, and discuss how the CAF Champions League could be completed in just three days. Finally, we hear who the biggest winners and losers are due to Covid-19. &nbs...

Lucas Radebe is still one of South Africa’s favourite sons, and an inspirational figure in his home country. We talk to him about growing up in a four-room house during Apartheid, becoming a legend at Leeds United, and what is was like to be paid the ultimate compliment when revered statesmen Nelson Mandela referred to Lucas as his 'hero.' SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook:  On The Whistle Podcast Twitte...

In a wide-ranging interview former Super Eagles captain Peter Osaze Odemwingie opens up about his Russian roots, affinity to Nigeria, riding tanks in Indonesia, and how in retirement he’s taken up golf and is aiming to be a professional in the sport. SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook:  On The Whistle Podcast Twitter:  @otw_podcast  /  @sportsguyzayn Instagram:  @otw_podcast  /&nb...

Description: Egyptian icon Mido tells us about his ambitions to coach The Pharaohs, explains why his buddy Zlatan Ibrahimović has had such longevity in his career, and talks about the dangers of playing while fasting. SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook:  On The Whistle Podcast Twitter:  @otw_podcast  /  @sportsguyzayn Instagram:  @otw_podcast  /  @sportsguyzayn WHATSAPP Mobil...

Description: Ahead of the MLS kick-off we catch up with Uganda’s Micheal Azira. The Chicago Fire midfielder says that his franchise is focusing on making the playoffs this season, predicts that the Uganda Cranes will qualify for World Cup in his lifetime, and shares his inspiring journey that’s taken him from Kampala, to Louisville and now to Chicago.  SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: On The Whistle Po...

We have an in-depth interview with South African legend Benni McCarthy. The former Champions League winner opens up about his time playing in Cape Town’s gangster leagues, his relationship with Jose Mourinho, and he also talks about the racist abuse he suffered while playing as a professional in Europe. SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: On The Whistle Podcast Instagram: @otw_podcast / @sportsguyzayn Twitter:...

Hi there and welcome along to our first edition of the On The Whistle Podcast. In in our inaugural episode we have our panellists provide their perspective on what it’s going to take for Egyptian and Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah to become the best player in the world. We will also play you our quick-fire interview with Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy where he offers countrymen Percy...

On The Whistle is a fortnightly podcast created by South African journalist Zayn Nabbi to celebrate African football, while also allowing our guests and analysts to tackle the biggest issues affecting the sport through debate and discussion. In our trailer you'll hear South African legend Benni McCarthy talk about racism in football, Bafana Bafana icon Lucas Radebe reflect on his relationship...