In Conversation with Lesley Musina: Media Personality and Sundowns Devotee

IN CONVERSATION WITH LESLEY MUSINA:

MEDIA PERSONALITY AND SUNDOWNS DEVOTEE

Author: NJ Hove

Lesley Musina is a man who needs no introduction. A South African media powerhouse who has made a lasting impact in the entertainment industry. With a career spanning over a decade, Lesley has worn many hats - actor, TV presenter, voice-over artist, boxing commentator, DJ and MC.

From iconic roles in Muvhango and Scandal to captivating audiences with his talent and versatility in educational shows like Mind the Gap and consumer awareness programs like Speak Out, Lesley’s career has been a whirlwind of success.

Beyond the glitz and glamour, Lesley remains a down-to-earth fan, united with millions of Masandawana faithful by a shared passion: their love for Mamelodi Sundowns. As a die-hard supporter, Lesley’s infectious enthusiasm and impressive knowledge of the team showcase his genuine connection to the club.

The Digital Magazine Team had the privilege of snagging Lesley away from his busy schedule to chat about his journey as a Sundowns supporter. Sitting down with Lesley Musina, a man whose career and accomplishments could fill an entire book (a project for Lesley to consider, perhaps), our initial focus was on his love for Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club.

However, the conversation expanded to explore not only his passion for Sundowns but also his impressive career milestones and future plans.

For some, the love affair begins at a tender age, sparked by a parent's passion or a childhood hero. For others, it's a later discovery, born from a moment of magic on the pitch or a sense of community in the stands. But no matter when or how it happens, the love for Sundowns is a bond that runs deep and true in all of us. Lesley's own love story began with a spark at Loftus Stadium, watching his beloved team take on Orlando Pirates.

"Growing up, I'd always admired Sundowns' brand of football, Shoe Shine and Piano- the skill, the flair, the never-say-die attitude. But it wasn't until I attended my first live match at Loftus Stadium, watching them take on Orlando Pirates, that I knew I was hooked for life. The energy in the stadium was electric, the crowd's passion infectious. I was sold; my heart belonged to Sundowns from that moment on."

As we delved deeper into the story of the Man, VhaMusanda, the Legend, we learned more about Lesley.

DM: Digital Magazine
LM: Lesley Musina

DM: What was the first Sundowns match you attended, and what was that experience like?

LM: It was the game against Orlando Pirates in 2017, the one where we crushed them 6-0! The atmosphere was incredible and electrifying. I absolutely loved the game.

DM: Which current or past Mamelodi Sundowns player do you admire the most, and why?

LM: That’s a tough one! From the past, I gotta go with Zane Moosa. His dribbling skills were pure magic, just impossible to tackle sometimes and his passing was always on point. Currently, it's my homeboy from Musina, Khuliso ‘Sailor’ Mudau, he's so hardworking and persistent. On both defense and attack, he's solid.

DM: What aspect of training or coaching has helped you improve as a Sundowns player?

LM: This has a lot to do with the winning mentality. This is a club that has a winning culture with an excellent technical team and players. When I arrived at Chloorkop, I knew I had to change my mindset and think like a winner. When you play with talented players and train under elite coaches, you will improve as a player.

DM: How do you think the team's playing style has evolved over the years?

LM: The playing style, characterised by our Shoe Shine and Piano approach, has certainly evolved. We now play with quicker passes, relying on a very quick ball-playing backline, complemented by gifted midfielders and potent strikers. This translates into more goals for and fewer conceded.

DM: What has been your most memorable moment as a Sundowns Supporter?

LM: There’s no contest! Seeing Mamelodi Sundowns face Barcelona at FNB Stadium in 2018 was mind-blowing. Especially when Lionel Messi himself came on in the second half. The whole stadium erupted – it was electric! An unforgettable experience for any Sundowns fan.

DM: How do you balance your acting schedule with your passion for football?

LM: It's definitely a juggling act! Luckily, my acting career allows for some flexibility in scheduling. Whenever I have a break from filming, I prioritise attending games and participating in outreach programs with the team and the Motsepe Foundation.

DM: What are some of your goals for the future, both in your acting career and as a football enthusiast?

LM: As a die-hard Mamelodi Sundowns supporter, there are two big goals on my wishlist. First, seeing the team lift a second CAF Champions League trophy would be electric! Second, I'd love to use my platform to bridge the gap between the entertainment world and football. Imagine recruiting more film stars and artists to join the Masandawana family – that would be incredible for the team and South African sports in general! I'd also like to do my films to showcase African culture, mythology and wildlife narrated from an African perspective.

DM: How do you think sports and arts can contribute to social change in South Africa?

LM: Sport, as we've seen time and time again with Bafana Bafana winning AFCON in 1996 and the Springboks winning the Rugby World Cup four times, has galvanised us as a nation. The arts are a mirror of society; we always portray daily lives to teach, inform, and entertain.

DM: What inspired you to pursue a career in acting?

LM: Acting has been my passion for as long as I can remember! Growing up, I was glued to the screen whenever there was a drama series on. But it wasn't just watching – I was always reenacting scenes and putting on plays at church and school. Mimicking my favorite actors and presenters, even impersonating famous people, just brought me so much joy.

DM: Can you tell us about your journey from your first acting gig to where you are now?

LM: It’s been an incredible journey! I started young, landing gigs as an extra on set. From there, I worked my way up to featured extra roles, which gave me valuable experience in front of the camera. Then, I had the amazing opportunity to transition into presenting, which helped me develop my on-screen presence. And finally, the dream came true – landing lead roles in soapies and dramas! It's been a lot of hard work and dedication, but seeing it all come together has been incredibly rewarding. This experience has opened up so many doors for me, and I'm excited to see what the future holds!

LESLEY’S QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS

Favourite Match: Mamelodi Sundowns against Barcelona in 2018.

Most Memorable Goal: Teboho Mokoena's long-range goal in the 5-2 win against Al Ahly in the 2022–23 CAF Champions League on March 11, 2023.

Most Impressive Save: John Tlale’s saves in the Rothmans Cup finals against Kaizer Chiefs in 1998.

Proudest Moment: Winning the PSL for a record-setting 14th time and 7 times in a row.

Celebration Style: Attending afterparties with friends and fans in and around Pretoria.

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