#Newsmaker: 5FM's Wesley Gabriels bags SuperSport presenting gig

Wesley Gabriels

Gabriels moved to Johannesburg in 2019, after a radio career in Cape Town. Since relocating, Gabriels has built a strong broadcasting rapport across multiple broadcast disciplines. In April this year, the sports lover joined 5FM’s popular weekend breakfast show, 5 Xtra Loud Mornings which is broadcast nationally on Saturdays and Sundays between 7-10am.

At the start of November, the 25-year-old presenter joined PSL Now on SuperSport as one of their newest hosts. We find out more...

Congratulations on getting this new gig! How are you feeling about it?

I could not be happier with the new gig! It has been something I’ve been working towards ever since I was about 16 years old, so honestly, it feels like a dream come true to be in front of the camera at SuperSport.

What will your new role entail?

I am one of six presenters on the show, so it’s a 30-minute football show on everything local football. My role as the main presenter is just to give out the latest local football news, it includes previews, reviews and interviews with the experts and players.

You started earlier in November, what has the experience been like?

It has been incredible so far. I’m working with a bunch of talented people in the background - I learn something every time I step in front of the camera. I am still getting used to the fact that it is a live show and I am actually doing it. The support from all involved has allowed me to just express myself on the show.

How and when did this come about?

It’s crazy actually because earlier in the month I went for a screen test because the producer of the show wanted to see how I was in front of the camera as I’ve had no previous experience. They were impressed and said afterwards that they will be in touch, little did I know that it meant they would call me the very next day needing a presenter. The producer trusted me after just one screen test to be able to hold my own on live TV.

Everything happened so quickly and I think that's a good thing because I did not have a lot of time to think about it. Everything on the day was just pure instinct and natural which was great because it led to me being a regular on the show now.

Tell us about your journey into the industry.

I’m only 25, but man it has been a long journey so far! I started straight out of high school where I worked at MFM as a radio presenter and then just built my way up, working at Smile FM and also being a Varsity Cup MC.

Then SuperSport came knocking and it was the one job I always wanted and to get back into radio with 5FM has just been a bonus because radio became a real love of mine after 2016 when I sat behind the mic for the first time.

It has been a crazy ride so far because this industry keeps you on your toes. You have to have that little voice in the back of your head reminding you that there are a lot of talented people just waiting for the opportunity you have and you have to make the most of it while you have it.

For those wanting to get into TV presenting, what advice do you have for them?

Hustle and hustle hard. No matter what it is - if it’s a low paying internship at a broadcast company do it or even graveyard at a community radio station - do it. Put the hard work in early and just keep working on your craft. You cannot deny the talent in this industry because people will take note of you if you put yourself in the right spaces.

In terms of standing in front of that camera, just be who you are. There is no point in trying to imitate someone else because that’s what makes them unique. Don’t be afraid! Make sure you always keep a smile on your face and speak with confidence because the viewer loves a person camera that speaks with confidence and who just looks confident. Believe in yourself every time you step in front of the camera.

As a presenter on PSL Now, what can viewers expect to see from you?

I think I bring a lot of energy to the show because I’m not someone that will just stand in front of the camera saying everything you want to hear. I like to have fun on set, whether it be doing a little wiggle or wink - I like making the viewer feel part of the show because in radio I always enjoyed entertaining the listener and it is the same with TV if you get off your couch after watching the show feeling informed and with a smile on your face. I know then that I’ve done my job - so that is what I strive for each time I am set do the show.