A Big Loss to South Africa’s Sporting Fraternity, National Editors’ Forum Mourns the Passing of Dumile Mateza

• Legendary South African sports broadcaster Dumile Mateza passed away after a battle with cancer
• The South African National Editors' Forum has paid tribute to the iconic Dumile Mateza following news of his death
• Dumile Mateza's tragic passing has been described as a great loss to South Africa's sporting fraternity

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has paid tribute to the late sports commentator Dumile Mateza.

Mateza passed away peacefully after a battle with cancer, his family confirmed.

SANEF released a statement following the veteran broadcasters death, highlighting some of his lesser know achievements.

Mateza had been in the broadcasting industry for over thirty years and was well known for covering soccer, rugby, and boxing on various SABC radio and television channels. Mateza also hosted news actuality and magazine shows.

“Besides sports commentary, Mateza was passionate about writing and the entire journalism fraternity. Those who worked closely with him knew how he was never shy to express his views on the state of journalism,” the statement from SANEF read.

Fascinating details about Equatorial Guinea national football team

Football

Born in the Eastern Cape, Mateza was a school teacher before he got into broadcasting. Not only did he commentate on sports, but Mateza was also a board member of Boxing South Africa at one stage was the acting CEO for the South African National Boxing Control Commission (SANBCC).

Mateza’s death was described as a great loss to the sporting fraternity by the Eastern Cape Chairperson of Boxing South Africa, Phakamile Jacobs, the SABC reported.

“Dumile was an entertainer. He was outspoken so we lost a man and Dumile was a real model to many of our current TV and radio presenters,” Jacobs said.

The Premier Soccer League will observe a moment of silence for Mateza and the Nedbank Cup and DSTV Diski Challenge fixtures will do the same.

Dumile Mateza passes on: South Africans pay tribute to legendary rugby, boxing and soccer commentator

Yesterday South Africans woke up to tragic news that legendary sports commentator Dumile Mateza has passed away. The 62-year-old was an icon in the rugby, soccer and boxing sporting fields and one who will be missed by fans and sporting stars alike, Sports Brief reported.

The rise of Cape Verde's national football team, what is their FIFA ranking?

Football

According to Mateza’s family, he passed away after a battle with cancer, TimesLIVE reported. Mateza’s unmistakable voice could really hook listeners, plus by commentating in English, Afrikaans and IsiXhosa, he was able to reach a wider audience.

He was part of the SABC team that commentated on the 1995 Rugby World Cup, which South Africa won, and Mateza provided the Afrikaans commentary, eNCA confirmed. He also provided commentary for the 1996 African Cup of Nations, which Bafana Bafana won.