Gleeson, 53, has been involved in African and South African football since 1984 as a journalist and commentator, where he is most regularly heard as one of the ‘super voices of Super Diski’ on SuperSport TV.
Also a correspondent for Reuters, World Soccer, BBC and several other outlets in Britain, France, Germany, Japan, Portugal, Switzerland and the USA, his influence is unparalleled.
He holds what is surely some kind of record having attended and reported on 14 consecutive African Nations Cup tournaments since 1992.
The former Arcadia Shepherds supporter came back to serve as Acting Editor for KICK OFF for a few months last year and still contributes regularly to Soccer At Its Best.
“I am grateful for this recognition,” Gleeson tells snl24.com/kickoff from the CAF General Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
“It’s a shiny gold medal just like that of Pirates in 1995 and Sundowns last year. Many people have kindly helped me in my career over the years and I remember all that kindness and support at this time.”
Awards
Cadet Journalist of Year award 1984
SA Soccer Journalist of the Year 1988
SA Television Commentator of the Year 2002, 2003
SA Television Personality of the Year 2002
SA Television Broadcaster of the Year 2008
CAF Award of Merit 50th anniversary 2008
CAF Gold Order of Merit 2017
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Read Part 3 of Gleeson’s history of Orlando Pirates in the current edition of KICK OFF as we continue to celebrate the club’s 80th anniversary. Then look out for Part 4 in the April issue!