Mark Haskins: From Football to Analyst

Former Moroka Swallows and Bidvest Wits winger Mark Haskins is one of the most knowledgeable football analysts in South African. When you tune in to SABC and find Haskins on the panel you get the same qualities he delivered as a player. Athi Tsotsi had a talk with him about his time as an analyst for the SABC. Interview Below.

Athi Tsotsi: During your playing or towards the ending of it, were you always thinking about venturing to media work?

Mark Haskins: If I’m being honest no I did not purely because I didn’t plan on my career ending when it did. In my mind I figured I had at least three more years left to play. It was always my intention though to get into sports media but more specifically football analysis. I always wanted to be a football analyst post my playing career.

Athi Tsotsi: So how did the opportunity at SABC come about?

Mark Haskins: Just before the 2014 FIFA World Cup I was invited to do an interview about the run in of the 2013/14 PSL season For SABC News. Then Sports Editor Kendall Makgamathe hosted me and we developed a working relationship that led to me becoming the resident analyst for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. I guess that’s how I got my head in the door.

A.T: The transition from footballer to football analyst or pundit, how was it?

M.H: For me it was an easy transition because I always knew this is what I wanted to do once I was done. The hard part was excepting that my career on the field was over and that I now had to move to the sideline.

A.T:  In the start of the new role, what were some of the major challenges you encountered?

M.H: When it comes to analyzing games there weren’t many challenges, I have to give credit all the people I’ve worked with as they’ve always made it very easy for me. If I had to choose one thing it would have to be research, learning as much as possible about the teams and players in covering is the biggest challenge, especially if there isn’t much online.

A.T: During that time of adjusting, who was providing you with guidance?

M.H: There were different role players, we as analysts are the faces on the screen but so many people play a part in what we deliver. Apart from our own personal research there are a team of researchers who give you as much information as possible and you use it as you deem necessary. The hosts, directors, floor managers all play a role in making our lives easier and ensure we are comfortable to deliver.

A.T: Behind the scenes what kind of work do you do as an analyst, what goes into match day preparation?

M.H: I try to be a well read on the respective teams as I can be. We need to know what the latest information is regarding the teams. All the factors that could negatively or positively affect performance you want to know. My job is to give the viewer or listener as much accurate information as possible.

A.T: During the match, what is your process to analyzing the major points and how make sure your points don’t cross over to subjectivity?

M.H: Luckily for me I have always been a student of the game and I don’t have an allegiance to any club or brand so I’m always impartial. I love speaking about the intricate parts of the game the is not obvious to the untrained eye. My job is to tell the viewer more than he sees or else I’m no more than a fan.

A.T: So far, what are your major highlights as an analyst?

M.H: It may sound very airy fairy but I can’t tell you one moment has been better than the next. I’m passionate about football and I love every moment and opportunity I’m given to talk about football. I absolutely loved covering the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, and also the EPL and FA Cup on SABC. The PSL though is the biggest challenge because it’s so close to home. It much easier talking about people you don’t know personally, people who have been friends and colleagues is a different kettle of fish altogether.

A.T: There are many analysts out there, what do you think sets you apart from the rest and when you started, was there someone you were modelling yourself around?

M.H: I think everyone is different in their own right and would play according to their strengths. What might make me different is the I tap into my past and present. I’ve been a player, coached by and array of different personalities and now I am a coach. I put those hats on when analyzing to try get into the mindsets of all those involved. There was never one specific person I’ve modeled myself around, I guess I’ve just watched different people over the years and learnt from what I perceived to be the good and bad traits.

A.T: The Absa Premiership is about to return; how do you anticipate the season to unfold?

M.H: I was certainly for a tighter finish especially when it comes to the top of the table, but where we are right now the league is very much Chiefs’ to lose. I do believe that Mamelodi Sundowns will be disappointed by the showing they have put in since the resumption.

The relegation battle at this point is the toughest to call. Normally the 30-point mark means safety but the way this season has gone even Highlands Park and Golden Arrows in 8th and 9th respectively on 32 points are looking over their shoulders. That’s why we love the beautiful game, the unpredictable nature is what keeps us coming back for more. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, “Sport is the only real reality TV.”

A.T: Thank you for your time, Mark.