A bold new voice in SA sports storytelling is in the spotlight with the launch of The Legends Kraal with Zola Yeye, a new podcast series dedicated to sharing untold and forgotten stories straight from the icons themselves.
Launched by Mpuma Kapa TV, the podcast brings together sporting legends who have shaped and continue to influence sport in the country.
The first episode features rugby commentator and analyst Makhaya Jack, whose contributions to transformation and inclusivity in SA rugby are significant.
According to Yeye, the podcast will be compelling, riveting and inspiring.
He described the format as different and factual, with an entertaining factor that will appeal to younger audiences too.
“Too many of our stories are being lost. There are so many stories that are lying dormant.
“Through this podcast, we are awakening the giant in us as the rugby and sporting fraternity,” Yeye said.
“It’s not only going to be rugby. We will cover a whole range of different sports to make it more interesting than anything else.
“We will unearth the wealth of experience, that heritage and rich history of the Eastern Cape.
“We will make sure that people understand exactly where we come from.”
Yeye’s history as the Springboks team manager during the 2007 World Cup and his many years working for the national broadcaster have made him the ideal host for the podcast.
With his wealth of knowledge and experience, he is set to have riveting conversations with a list of high-profile guests including Charles Kleinbooi, Peter Slabbert, Themba Ledwaba and Nomsebenzi Ntsotsobe.
The name of the podcast carries deep cultural meaning for Yeye, as it reflects the traditional space where wisdom is shared between the young and the old.
“The name Legends Kraal is very important because it also speaks to our African traditions.
“The people who sit in the kraal are always the wisest people in the village. They are respected and when they speak, everyone listens and takes note.
“That is what we are doing here. We want to share our knowledge and stories with the young ones so that they know where we come from,” Yeye said.
The podcast studio has been transformed into a fitting stage for the host and his guests.
It includes elements of sports pride, cultural heritage and images that celebrate SA rugby.
Clad in their rugby shirts, Yeye and Jack look like two legends in a kraal.
In the first episode, they discuss Jack’s journey in his career, from his humble beginnings in Walmer township.
He was first introduced to rugby as a youngster at John Masiza Primary School. He went on join the Kwazakhele Rugby Union and the SA Rugby Union.
“I am happy to be the first guest. It is very important to start with a strong foundation. First impressions always last.
“There are no better people to start this foundation other than Zola and I. We are both Springboks.
“It’s about time that people know their history, particularly in sport. Cricket, rugby, boxing, even music — it all comes from this side of the world.
“Last week, legendary musician Feya Faku passed away. He produced in music, and he has now taken those great stories with him to the grave.
“As Africans, we are storytellers and this will be the catalyst to change the face of the Eastern Cape,” Jack said.
Mpuma Kapa TV is contributing to the infrastructure, resources and the budget to kick-start the podcast.
The podcast will, however, have its own brand and identity, outside Mpuma Kapa TV.
Yeye will have full discretion regarding the content, guests and format of the show.
The podcast has its own YouTube channel where all the episodes will go live.
Mpuma Kapa board chair Motse Mfuleni credited The Herald for the birth of the idea for the podcast, saying it was the interview that Yeye did with Springbok captain Siya Kolisi at the newspaper’s 180th celebration gala dinner that prompted him to work on the concept of the podcast.
“I was sitting there with the editor, and I mentioned how bhut’ Zola has got a lot of juice in him.
“This deal was struck in that gala dinner. A few days after the event, we started calling him and working on the podcast.
“I felt that many podcasts are the same; most of them are about interviewing someone and it’s all very general.
“There are many rugby legends across the demographics of the Eastern Cape, but their stories are not being told.
“They are in their 60s and 80s and a podcast would then give them the opportunity to talk freely for an hour-and-a-half,” Mfuleni said.
The episode is available on YouTube and freevision play.
The Herald
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