CELEB EDITION WITH THE BRAND
Meet sports presenter, Thabo Osekeng
40-year-old Thabo Osekeng is one of the most sought-after veteran celebrity sports presenters in the country.
As live local football continues to be in limbo, we speak to ‘The Brand’ in this week’s CELEB EDITION.
How did the name ‘The brand’ come about?
Dignash is the one who gave me that name when he mentored me many years ago. He really believed in me and my craft and thought I was one of the best guys on air and hence the name The brand and it has stuck on ever since.
Have you ever been a victim of cyberbullying, if yes, tells us what happened?
A lot of times, normally I just brush it off.
How would you say Covid-19 and its restrictions have affected you?
As a sports anchor, Covid-19 guidelines have affected my content because of cancellations of sporting events, live events at the stadiums, arenas and other venues. The electronic media house that I work for was also affected since it is a private radio station and it depends on advertising for revenue. Personally, I have lost family and friends to the virus. We even lost our Chief to Covid-19.
Do you miss the beautiful game of live football?
Not really, local football has bored me really with all that is happening and so I am a big customer at DSTV, I watch the beautiful game in the comfort of my home.
Which celebrity have you blocked on your social media?
Actually no one.
If you were the Minister of Sports for one day, what is the first thing you would do?
Remove all corrupt, self-serving thieves who are disguised as sports leaders.
What is your favourite song at the moment?
Mapetla ft Charma Gal - ‘Communication’.
What is the least amount of petrol you have ever bought?
P50 - times can get really tough!
Single, taken or it’s complicated? Taken.
Five things people don’t know about you?
1. I really like keeping to myself 2. I am short-tempered but I manage it well 3. I am really sensitive 4. I’m a simple guy 5. I’m a hopeless romantic
(21 March - 19 April)
You may be faced with a lot of choices this week, Aries. Ordinarily, that would not be a problem for you in the least. In fact, you kind of like the challenge of managing a lot of different tasks at once because it gets your blood flowing. But some of the things you will have to do this week might be complex, and they might involve dealing with personalities that you don’t have the patience for - or at least they may aggravate you. But if you treat this as an endurance session and work at being patient, you might surprise yourself, and you might be able to feel the sense of satisfaction that comes with dealing with difficult people successfully. An opportunity will become available this week, but is it yours for the taking? Only if you take it.
(20 April - 20 May)
You may have been feeling a bit emotionally shaky in recent days, dear Taurus, but this week, you will begin to regain your equilibrium. That’s because a lot of things in your life are starting to stabilize, and you should be feeling more grounded. Your burgeoning confidence is starting to show, and there is a glow about you that is drawing others toward your happiness. Use this time to embark on a few of the projects that make you smile - things you put off because you were feeling too stressed. This can be an exceptionally productive week if you focus. There may be a point in the middle of the week when you might feel like you are walking a tightrope. You may be trying to keep a lot of balls spinning, all while trying to make someone else happy. But if you do this with a joyful attitude, it will turn out just fine.
(21 May - 20 June)
You may be faced with a plethora of options this week for a big decision you have to make. For most people, Gemini, this would be a wonderful thing. But your energy is so frenetic at times, that bouncing back and forth between your choices might get maddening. If you can, ask a trusted friend to help you decide. If they know you well, they may have insight into what would be best for you. And even if you don’t care for their suggestions, you will at least be able to better whittle down what you want. You may receive an offer connected to work or to your business this week. Even though it may sound perfect, listen to your gut if you find you don’t feel right or don’t trust the bearer of this offer. Your instincts are finely tuned now, and you may want to check it out more thoroughly if you don’t feel comfortable.
(21 June - 22 July)
Happiness is on your mind this week, Moonchild - or at least you may be wondering why you have not reached the level of happiness you want in your life. If you haven’t, though, it is not because it isn’t possible. You are a very tenacious individual, and you are someone who never gives up on what you want. And you haven’t given up exactly - you just feel bewildered about how to achieve it. But if you approach the attainment of happiness in the same way you reach for other goals, you can do it. First, figure out what will make you happy, then come up with a methodical strategy to get it. This week could give you a glimpse of an idealized vision of something you started working toward a long time ago. This brief opening is a gift and can give you hope for the future.
(23 July - 22 August)
Although the pace may not be fast for you this week, Leo, it will be action-packed. You will be able to fit a lot of accomplishments into these seven days, and although that may sound like it could be exhausting, it should actually be quite energizing. There may be projects that are close to your heart to engage in, interests to indulge in, and special people to meet up with and spend time with. You may also have the chance to catch up with a plan you laid out some time ago, and that will feel like tying a loose end as well. You may find yourself on the same vibe with someone on the periphery of your life, which may come as a big surprise. Perhaps you thought you had nothing in common with this person, or that you were simply very different, but something that is said or done will open up a whole new possible dimension to your relationship.
(23 August - 22 September)
A conversation with a friend or a co-worker that is a bit unusual for your relationship could take place this week, and it could initiate some very creative thinking on your part, Virgo. This could be the start of a rather informal alliance that could bring about some new endeavors. Communication with an authority figure could be stunted this week when a topic comes up that is difficult to discuss. Someone may shut down because figuring out what to say could be awkward. However, if you don’t take it too seriously, it will soon be forgotten, and things will get back to normal very quickly. A long-running coldness between you and a family member - perhaps a sibling - could be talked about this week. This person may have some jealousy of you, and that may be the source of the widening gap between you.
(23 September - 22 October)
A conflict or a dispute that has gone on for a long time may resurface in the spotlight this week. This is something you would rather not have to deal with, especially right now, but you may have no choice. Even if you are tempted to sweep it all under the rug, you need to confront the problem without animosity and deal with it. By hashing it out, you will get to the deeper truths about it, and it should be easier to overcome. Your mood may become inexplicably lighter as you approach the middle of the week. You may be sensing something good coming your way that you just can’t put your finger on, but don’t start to doubt or question why you feel this way. The tide is turning for you now and bringing greater abundance with it. Someone may demonstrate their affection and admiration for you in a way that is a bit unusual - perhaps through a heartfelt message delivered in a creative way.
(23 October- 21 November)
You may experience some good fortune this week that comes with a feeling of serendipity. Most Scorpios are spiritual people - someone who understands that there are mysteries in life that are part of the big design. Regardless of whether you consider yourself a spiritual person or not, acknowledge this fortuitous experience as it occurs, dear Scorpio, and recognize that it is a sign that you are on the right track with your current mission. Someone you work for or some kind of authority figure may give you direction to handle an assignment in a way you don’t agree with this week, but arguing will only stir up trouble. You can certainly voice your opinion as a suggestion, but don’t push it. Sometimes it is better to show someone you are right in an understated way.
(22 November- 21 December)
Your fantasy life may be rich and vivid this week, Sagittarius. Lately, you have been dreaming about how life could be if only (fill in the blank with your wildest dream). You may be thinking a lot about the path you have taken and wondering if something could have been different. And in the days ahead, Sagittarius, you may get a glimpse of how life could have been - and still could be. Don’t limit yourself or these fantasies - but treat them as real possibilities - because that’s what they are. A loan or a financial agreement may come up this week. Either you owe someone money, or vice versa, and a practical plan could be formed that will take the pressure off everyone. Just be sure to think this over thoroughly, for at least a day or two, before finalizing anything.
(22 December- 19 January)
You could wind up in a leadership role you didn’t ask for or even want this week, Capricorn. You may turn out to be the only one who can handle a problem at work or in your personal life. Even though you may not want to get involved, doing so could help you straighten out a related problem that does affect you. If you do your best and proceed without resentment, you will be happy you did take on this role. Things should begin to improve this week in a venture that has been stalled numerous times. You have been waiting for some bit of information or for permission for some aspect of this process, and it should arrive very soon.
(20 January - 18 February)
At the start of the week, someone may be peppering you with questions for which you have no answers. If this is a workrelated matter, just be honest about it. Your candor on this will be appreciated, and the answers you need should appear in a day or two. Don’t sweat it. By the middle of the week, you may find yourself in the role of mediator among two or more people who just don’t get along. You may spot the reason for this right away. It is likely that someone is instigating trouble just to be noticed. If you handle this objectively and calmly, you should be able to get everyone on the same page and eliminate any resentments. This may be a good time to make a big purchase you have been thinking about.
(19 February - 20 March)
You may be asked, or you may simply want to step up and take a risk for someone this week, Pisces, but before you do, you must consider all of the facts. You often have blind faith in people, assuming the best no matter what, but that isn’t always wise. Before you take on someone else’s problems, be sure you know what you’re getting into. It might not be what it seems. You may not understand what someone wants from you in a close relationship, but it isn’t because you aren’t paying attention. Some people just don’t communicate well. Don’t blame yourself. But you should have the chance this week to ask direct questions about anything you are unsure of, and that way, you can figure out how to patch up a misunderstanding.