KZN’s Voice Of The People

With just four months of racecalling experience to his name, the enormity of the honour and massive responsibility foist on his shoulders of calling a world-renowned Grade 1 race is not lost on Sanele Mchunu.

“I was nervous. I will readily admit that. But I will never forget the rush and the roar of the crowd as the gates opened!” enthuses Sanele as he reflects back on his personal contribution to Saturday 6 July 2024, the day that he, and a host of other champions, made history.

Sanele called the 3yo Oriental Charm home to win the R5 million Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July in just over 133 seconds that he will doubtless be telling his Grandchildren about in the years to come.

In a career defining moment of some proportions, the 39 year old set the standard as the first IsiZulu commentator of Africa’s greatest race, which was broadcast on Supersport, and included races 3 to 8 on the big day.

In a sport hungry for love and exposure across the diverse spectrum of the Rainbow Nation, the innovation and inspiration of the move to bring the big race closer to prospective fans in the language of their choice, is a ground-breaking feather in the cap for Gold Circle and Hollywoodbets.

Sanele commenced his early schooling at Mqhathi Primary School and St Lawrence Primary School, before going on to Khabazela High School. He completed a Video Technology Foundation Course at the Technikon Natal after matriculating.

The father of three daughters aged 16,14 and 12, grew up, and still lives with his partner, in Botha’s Hill, the gateway to the Valley Of A Thousand Hills.

“This has been quite a year for me! I joined Gold Circle nine years ago under the late Raymond Rogers, a special boss and a wonderful person. That was after stints as a Video Editor on SABC News and Supersport. I knew nothing about horseracing when I arrived at Hollywoodbets Greyville. But the sport has crept under my skin!” he explains enthusiastically, as he adds that he owes his current manager Sherwin Singh a debt of gratitude for encouraging him ‘to give it a go’.

Asked how he has adapted to identifying the colours and varied silks of the different owners, Sanele suggests that any punter worth his salt would almost be able to call a race at a push.

“I’m not simplifying it, but when one is a punter, the skin in the game runs deep. You get to know the horses carrying your hopes and dreams, and their silks become familiar. It’s like anything in life – one can be good at almost anything that you are invested in and that absorbs your passion and interest!”

Sanele and his GallopTV co-host Ndumiso Mngadi attended the Hollywoodbets Durban July pre-party and card call at the leading bookmaker’s Springfield branch on the Thursday prior to the big race.

Sanele was given the hot seat alongside seasoned KZN racecaller Craig Peters on the stage.

“That was my first time. What a vibe and what a turnout! And I enjoyed being given the opportunity to do a dummy call of the Hollywoodbets Durban July – even if I did name Barbaresco as the winner!” he laughs.

He told the Sporting Post that the Hollywoodbets Durban July was ‘a nerve wracking but massively rewarding day’.

“I looked at the 40 000 people on course, and thought of the untold numbers tuning in on Supersport. And the 18 horses lining up at the 2200m. But I just breathed deep and enjoyed it.”

We asked if he is being recognized now that he is more high profile than he used to be.

“I am no celebrity, but KZN is a racing-crazy province and I do have complete strangers greeting me. I travel by taxi from home to work and back every day, and people have gotten to know me,” he muses.

Does he believe that his role will be positive for horseracing? After all, there are close on 14 million IsiZulu speakers in South Africa.

“I think that anything that the sport can do to reach out to the unconverted, is a positive. Conveying an unknown but exciting concept to people in their home language, can only spark more interest and curiosity.”

As to his style, Sanele says he has taken a leaf out of soccer and rugby commentaries. We put it to him that even a runaway winner sounds exciting in IsiZulu.

“I have had a number of people say that – the language lends itself to creating a vibe and atmosphere. I am proud to say that!” he adds.

And looking ahead?

“I have lots to learn and Ndumiso Mngadi and I are truly honoured to have our slot on Gallop TV and are singularly determined to raise our standards as we go. Broadcasting is a skill and art that takes years to polish. We are willing to take all the advice, guidance and criticism that we can absorb.”

• We will catch up with Sanele’s good friend and Gallop TV co-host Ndumiso Mngadi in the next few weeks.