It took guts for nearly 2 500 to either stand in queues and audition in front of a host of people, including other hopefuls, or send through a homemade clip for a once in a lifetime opportunity to join the World of Champions.
The SuperSport MVP Talent Search show hit our screens on Sunday and it had all that a reality television show needs to contain.
From nerves, to tears and heart-stopping moments, it was all on show as the thousands of hopefuls tried to get their feet into the door of sports broadcasting.
The show is dedicated to unearthing the next generation of broadcasting and commentary talent in South Africa. SuperSport’s Hope Mbhele and Tshego Koke are leading the charge for this competition as the hosts.
The live auditions held in five provinces at various university campuses brought in many excited and determined individuals who were not scared to dare to dream to join the elite SuperSport talent.
2500 to 100, to 30
Then the elimination process began. The 2500 entries were first reduced to the Top 100. Then a boardroom full of SuperSport and agency judges, which included Neil Andrews and Owen Nkumane, held intense but fair discussions.
With robust debates and differing opinions, they sifted through these entries to select the elite Top 30.
These contestants were then flown to Joburg to begin the SuperSport Draft Camp. The 30 confident and cheerful hopefuls made their way to Gauteng with hopes in their hearts for what lay ahead. Their families showed them support and wished them well for the next leg of the competition.
Sadly, as the participants arrived in their base camp one of the contestants had to pull out of the competition. Luckily, another participant was available to keep the number at 30. The top 30 group also contains individuals who are already experienced in the broadcasting world, from radio sports reporters, producers and radio presenters.
There is even a former Miss South Africa top 10 finalist!
As they began their journey, the entrants’ skills and knowledge were tested through yet another audition in front of four judges.
Neil Andrews, senior rugby anchor Motshidisi Mohono, and producers Nono Xaba and Arthur Khoza were the judges the hopefuls were trying to impress. Some were impressive while others didn’t meet the expectations of the judges – who in turn struggled to contain their disappointment!
HEARTBREAK
The tension and anxiety in the room when Hope shared the heartbreaking farewell news to of some of the contestants could be felt even offscreen.
The remaining 20 were left to celebrate - and celebrate they did!
But they will now be faced with new challenges to earn their stay in the search.
So, we are now left with the Top 20, and it’s time to pick and root for our favourites as they take on all that SuperSport has to throw at them.
There are another four episodes of challenges before the next elimination phase, so make sure you don’t miss any of the high-pressure, real-world, emotional trials in both the studio and out in the field until the lucky Top 10 are announced in early December.
Catch the show every Sunday at 9pm on Mzansi Magic and SuperSport Variety 4.