DNK International By Our Correspondent,Kwale
Veteran broadcaster Ali Salim Manga who hails from Kwale County, remains one of Kenya’s most celebrated radio personalities and arguably one of East Africa’s greatest football commentators.
Although now retired from active broadcasting, his unmistakable Kiswahili commentary, rich vocabulary and unmatched passion for football continue to inspire broadcasters and football lovers across the region.
Born in the early 1950’s in Kenya’s Coast region, Manga joined the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) in 1977 and went on to enjoy a distinguished broadcasting career spanning more than three decades.
His eloquent delivery, calm yet exciting narration and deep understanding of football transformed live radio commentary into an unforgettable experience for millions of listeners in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and beyond.
Manga’s voice became synonymous with major football tournaments, including the 1987 All Africa Games in Nairobi,Kenya, the Africa Cup of Nations and the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Besides sports, Manga also showcased his versatility by hosting the popular Kiswahili music programme Ulimwengu wa Muziki, further cementing his place among KBC’s finest broadcasters and working as a continuity announcer.
Throughout his career, Manga worked alongside legendary broadcasters such as the late Leonard Mambo Mbotela,Khadijah Ali,the late Bill Omalla and earned immense respect from fellow East African commentators, including Tanzania’s renowned Salim Mbonde.
His ability to paint vivid pictures through words made listeners feel as though they were inside the stadium even when watching television was beyond their reach.
Often described as a master of Kiswahili by his fans who talked to DNK-International, Manga consistently encouraged young broadcasters to value language, professionalism and thorough preparation.
One of his memorable beliefs was that a commentator must “see the match before describing it to listeners,” stressing that accuracy should always come before excitement.
He also maintained that football commentary was not about shouting but about informing, educating and entertaining the audience.
Over the years, his work has inspired and influenced numerous Kenyan sports broadcasters, among them Fred Arocho, Hassan Mwana wa Ali, Carol Radull, Mohammed Juma and many younger radio commentators who have acknowledged the impact of his style, diction and professionalism.
While not all trained directly under him, many have cited Manga as one of the pioneers who shaped their approach to sports broadcasting.
Even after retirement, Manga remains a respected elder in Kenya’s media industry.
His contribution extends beyond football commentary to nurturing a culture of excellence in radio journalism.
Manga’s legacy lives on through the generations of broadcasters he inspired and the millions of listeners whose love for football was enriched by his unforgettable voice.
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🗓️ [DNK-International@July 21,2026]
