After an exhilarating first episode of Pulse of a Nation, which told us about the beginnings of South African football, the transformation of Orlando Pirates into African champions features in the second episode.
“Pulse of a Nation — A South African Football Story” is a four-part documentary that puts a lens on a critical pillar of South Africa’s most popular sport. A story rich in drama, controversy, heroes, pathos, and celebration, which airs on SuperSport and Mzansi Magic this September.
After learning about the beginnings of South African football and hearing about “The Father of Soweto”, the creation of Orlando Boys Club in 1934, which led to the formation of Orlando Pirates in 1937, the beginnings of Moroka Swallows in 1944 and the foundation of Kaizer Chiefs in 1970, episode two of Pulse of a Nation will dive into 1970s.
In those years the South African government opened up multicultural sport and a South African team thrashed soon-to-be world champions Argentina. But football is still not integrated until the National Professional Soccer League is formed.
We learn how this league rose and fell, and how a bloody split led to what would become the Premier Soccer League. Then, as South Africa transitions to democracy, a new football leader takes on the task of leading a former giant to glory, as Orlando Pirates are transformed into continental champions in 1995.
If episode one of Pulse of a Nation is anything to go by, episode two promises to be just as breathtaking with never-seen footage about some of South Africa’s most important stories about the beautiful game, which gave many fans hope during times of struggle.
As an African story, the timeless tradition of oral storytelling became an element that had to be included. The storyteller thus had to have lived experience with the world of football. Prominent actor Sello Maake KaNcube is no stranger to this world – his father Joseph “Skehla” Ncube was an Orlando Pirates goalkeeper, and his finely-honed dramatic craft meant he was a natural fit. KaNcube narrates the series and gives it the gravitas it deserves.
Pulse of a Nation, episode two airs at 8 pm on SuperSport (SS2) as well as on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) at 9:30 pm on Sunday, 17 September.
