EPISODE 7 PREVIEW: The MVP Search nears its climax

The road to joining SuperSport International is not as easy as many would think, the SuperSport MVP Talent Search contenders have experienced weeks of gruelling tests and experiences as they hope to come out on the other side.

Following last week’s first elimination round, the MVPs are on the edge of their seats awaiting their next challenge.

This week a familiar face, Neil Andrews, takes the contestants through the master class as a mentor plus the resident judge. He always brings twists to the competition, are the MVPs ready? All 15 competitors will take part in both challenges, but first, they have a sit down with Neil to learn about the team work in sports broadcasting.

Motshidisi Mohono is back in her seat and they are joined by rapper and television presenter, Nomuzi Mabena.

SuperSport’s Hope Mbhele and Tshego Koke lead the SuperSport MVP Talent Search Show, as host, that aims to find South Africa’s next generation of sports broadcasters.

The SuperSport MVP Talent Search had over 2500 entries from hopefuls in five provinces on-ground auditions held at five universities and online video submissions. After weeks of challenges and tasks at the SuperSport MVP Talent Search camp 20 hopefuls have now been cut to the final 15. Remember though, only 10 of the MVPs will join the World of Champions at the end of this season. Do you think your faves will make it into the last 10? Be prepared to search for some tissues while watching.

Relebogile Mabawa

Rebogile’s experience of sports broadcasting shone in the show. He handled live challenges with so much ease and confidence. His first gold medal win is one of the most notable. He was comfortable with the microphone and wowed the strict judges. The YFM sports presenter came back every week looking and sounding polished. It’s no wonder he made it to the podium three times out of the four times he was in the weekly top 10.

Ayanda Nyuswa

Ayanda’s comeback at the Lucas Moripe Stadium after identifying the wrong set of fans, assuming it was Mamelodi Sundowns supporters is one of his memorable performances. Instead of apologising and feeling embarrassed, he was able to continue the conversation with the said fans. He was able to think on his feet, that is where his experience in sports radio broadcasting came through. He has been one of the consistent MVPs.

Yvette Mhlauli

Yvette can simply be described as a sponge. After the pointers she received from Carol Tshabalala following a post-match interview challenge, she used those to become better. It does help that she is on radio but it becomes a bit different when one goes in front of the camera. The tips assisted her in earning two medals, including a gold after her impressive stadium performance during one of the challenges.

Angel Thekiso

Angel will not only be remembered for her bright coloured hair, that’s for sure. She has been one of the consistent MVPs in the competition, making it into the top 10 two times. Although football is her strong suit, Angel did well at Loftus Versfeld Stadium during the United Rugby Championship match.

Rebone Chobane

The petite radio sports producer’s ace is her confidence. She hardly ever shows her nerves when she is on the mic. This helped and placed her into the two of the four top 10 challenges. She has been consistent and seems to take well when it comes to criticism and notes from the judges. This helped her earn the silver medal in the second episode of the competition.

Lennox Wasara

Although Lennox has a relaxed demeanour he has been working his way silently to the top in the competition. His performance saw him make the top 10 twice and he survived Baba Mthethwa’s test in the first elimination round. His post-match interview following the University of the Free State’s historic Varsity Football title was his most rememberable performance. He led the conversation with so much confidence.

Anelisa Jaxa

Being a commentator is Anelisa's life purpose. Whenever he gets behind the microphone he transforms into a storyteller and takes off the timid cloak that he seems to bear on his shoulders. He became this consummate narrator during the Varsity Football final challenge in Bloemfontein, this won him his first monetary prize in the competition. His comments after winning the prize money was heartwarming, it was enough to evoke a yearning to dream and chase one’s dreams.

Bongi Mgoqi

They truly bonded. Bongi’s memorable performance has to be his commentary over the spinning clip during the elimination challenge in episode six. He loosened up, his kasiness came out and he delivered a smooth piece of commentary. His brotherhood with Anelisa grew over the weeks the MVPs were in camp, it was something to behold.

Moleboheng Tsoane

There was no happier MVP at the camp more than Moleboheng when her idol Baba Mthethwa was the mentor in the last episode. She was besides herself and really worked hard to impress the person that inspired her to do commentary in SeSotho. This must have been her highlight after getting into the top 20 of the competition.

Atang Swartbooi

Multilingualism will go a long way for Atang. He showcased his fluency in three different languages throughout the competition. This will come in handy in the future as language break barriers between athletes, viewers and supporters. He’s quite energetic with the mic and become too animated which could direct him from sports presenting.

Christopher Tarr

When Christopher took on the challenge at Lucas Moripe Stadium it looked like a baptism of fire. He initially struggled to secure a post-match interviews but staying calm and continuously asking paid off. That will be his big virtue as he continues to navigate sports media.

Delucia Daniels

Being a rugby fan came in handy for Delucia in episode five, it provided some ease for her to perform. Her sheer glee while interviewing Bull’s David Kriel looked like she was living her dream. It was a no brainer that she secured a bronze medal following that challenge.

Abongile Baleni

Abongile’s improvement after getting a “tongue lashing” from Smash Afrika (Afrika Mdutyulwa) about sounding like an already existing sports media personality. This helped him find his voice and he was able to get into the top three and win the bronze after the stadium challenge during the Betway Premiership match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Richards Bay. Although he is a commentator at heart, but presenting might be where he is destined to shine.

Kebalepile Ramafoko

Kebalepile has been consistently managing to find herself in the top 10 since the challenges began. She has some stage presence and confidence whenever she rolls onto the SuperSport Arena stage. Her energetic personality was enough to make fans comfortable with interacting with her at the Betway Premiership match in Pretoria.

Delano Moodley

The MMA fighter’s performance in the last episode’s challenge may have been the most important for him in the competition. Not only did the lip gloss eating dog save him from the first elimination round, it gave him a chance to polish up his skills for the remaining show.

Catch the show every Sunday on SuperSport Variety 4 and Mzansi Magic at 9pm.