After the judges were left less than impressed with the contestants' all-round sports knowledge last week, this week they faced off in a quickfire quiz for a chance to take part in the main challenge of the day.

Below is just a little sample of the test of terror they faced - and failed!

Think you could have done better? Check it out, but remember, you're not in front of the cameras, a camera crew, and your rivals for that spot in the MWP Talent Search Top 10!

Don't forget to catch new episodes every Sunday at 9pm on SuperSport Variety 4, and Mzansi Magic.

It was beautiful to see the camaraderie that was displayed by the SuperSport MVP Talent Search contestants.

Spending a lot of time with new people does often create relationships but in this case, there’s more than friendships that are being built.

MINI GAME SHOW

After last week’s dissatisfaction from judges about the MVPs sports knowledge, they needed to come back and show that they can do better. That’s where the mini game show, ran by Hope Mbhele and Tshego Koke, came in. The fastest hand to the buzzer, plus correct answers, guaranteed the contestants’ place in the main challenge for the day.

An oh boy, the excitement was something so great to see! The contestants seemed to come out of their shells and had a good time even though they were being tested in their sports knowledge. They seemed more relaxed than usual, loved that for them. But man, can we get the sports knowledge up a notch?

This should have been an opportunity for the players to show what they know about the sporting world. Half of the MVPs got a chance to live a once in a lifetime chance for many.

The 10 winning participants got an opportunity to be mentored by one of SuperSport’s long-running reporters and presenters Derek Alberts. This experience with Derek proved to be fruitful, a lot of the MVPs that proceeded to the SuperSport headquarters looked more confident that we had seen them before.

STUDIO BOMBSHELL

To be honest though, I was not ready for the bombshell that awaited the MVPs at Studio 6. After spending time with Derek most would have thought it would have been more sailing for the contestants. Studio 6 doesn’t offer any second chances, it is live television and there are no do-overs.

But hey, that is not what the judges experienced.

This week, Neil Andrews and Motshidisi Mohono were joined by guest judge, radio and TV presenter, Smash Afrika (Afrika Mdutyulwa) and who would have blamed them for expecting just a tad more?

Was it nerves, really? Or did it have anything more to do with the challengers' ability and knowledge of sports? Being in studio and doing that closing link for the judges seemed like the right place and opportunity for the rising star in broadcasting - but many crashed and burned.

Although Atang Swartbooi gave an amazing link and did his best, his energy didn’t fit that of a sports presenter. He would have definitely killed it if he was on a music or a lifestyle show. He has to tone it down a bit.

The likes of Abongile Baleni need to find their voice. It is crucial to be you and have your own voice in the sports broadcasting to be seen as credible. And most importantly, know your sports.

THE TOP THREE

But the sports broadcasting experience that Relebogile Mabawa, Ayanda Nyuswa and Rebone Chobane have shone through. They impressed the judges and claimed the top three respectively. Kudos to them.

But the work does not stop. They need to be on top of their game throughout. How did your faves do? Do you think they will survive the next challenge?

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

After last week's nailbiter when the Top 30 was reduced to 20, the next few weeks will feature challenges involving all contestants. After Challenge 1 earlier in the day, the best then go on to partake in the Top 10 showdown for that week.

Then each week we will feature the best 10 right here, giving the top half the extra exposure ahead of your voting in the final week.

So check out the Top 10 from Episode 2 below, and join the conversation on the social platforms.

EPISODE 2 - TOP 10

GOLD - Relebogile Mabawa

SILVER - Rebone Chobane

BRONZE - Ayanda Nyuswa

TOP 10 - Rethabile Moshounyane

TOP 10 - Atang Swartbooi

TOP 10 - Angel Thekiso

TOP 10 - Lucky Mofokeng

TOP 10 - Delano Moodley

TOP 10 - Sibonelo Zulu

TOP 10 - Abongile Baleni

The SuperSport MVP Talent Search show has hit our screens, and oh boy, this is one show you don’t want to miss.

Now that the top 20 contestants have been chosen, the hard work begins!

In true reality style, the aspirant contenders build friendships and relationships that will keep them going during the intensive SuperSport Draft Camp.

Not only do the contenders have to assert themselves among their peers, they still have to impress the tough-as-nails judges.

SMASH IT

This week Neil Andrews and Motshidisi Mohono are joined by guest judge, radio and TV presenter, Smash Afrika (Afrika Mdutyulwa).

During the first round of auditions at the OB City, the judges were not too pleased with the contestants’ sports knowledge, and this continues to trouble Neil, Motshidisi and Smash.

The SuperSport MVPs will be tested on their knowledge, their people skills and delivery through a number of challenges that are set for them. Being a multisport broadcaster and fan is one of the important attributes to join the elite World of Champions talent.

ALL-ROUNDERS OR ONE-TRICK PONIES?

The 20 participants will go head-to-head for a chance to be mentored by SuperSport’s Derek Alberts. Their sports knowledge will come in handy in becoming only the ten that get to enjoy this honour.

This mini game show will have you screaming at the top of your lungs trying to get your fave to get the correct answers. The fastest hand on the buzzer with the correct answers takes the players to the next round while the others will miss out on the challenge of the day.

The winning players will get first-hand experience of the famous Studio 6 where they will get to present. Will they break? Will nerves take over or will this opportunity see the cream of the crop rise? Can you guess who will make the first 10 that will have their skills challenged?

NO SECOND CHANCES

The trip to the SuperSport headquarters doesn’t offer any second chances. It is live and they have to give their best performances. The MVPs go to the studio and get to present various sporting events. This is a chance to impress the judges and this is also for a chance to go up the log. Up for grabs is the gold, silver and bronze medals.

Their sporting knowledge, presenting skills and composure will separate those that are ready for the challenge to becoming the next generation of sports broadcasters. Their previous and current experience will go a long way in aiding them to ace this contest.

HOW WILL YOUR FAVES FARE THIS WEEK?

The show, hosted by SuperSport’s Hope Mbhele and Tshego Koke, aims to find South Africa’s next generation of sports broadcasters. are leading the charge for this competition as the hosts.

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

The 2026 Ultra Triathlon Series is set to be the most electrifying season yet, with three epic events across South Africa – in Durban, Sun City, and Joburg; and next year, the stakes have never been higher, as both the Durban Ultra and Sun City Ultra will serve as official qualifying events for the prestigious T100 World Championships, taking place in London in July 2026.

For the first time ever, South African athletes will have the incredible opportunity to qualify for the T100 World Tour right here at home. Competitors racing in the Durban Ultra and Sun City Ultra Triathlon will have the chance to earn their spot on the South African T100 Team, based on their finishing time and position within their age group and gender.

Triathlon South Africa will carefully review the results from both events to select the nation’s best long-distance triathletes to fly the South African flag on the world stage in London.

Each event in the Ultra Series already features the same iconic distances as the T100 World Tour – a 2km Swim, 80km Cycle, and 18km Run. These challenging yet balanced distances demand speed, endurance, and strategy, perfectly mirroring the elite international standard. Athletes will need to bring their absolute best to the water, road, and run course if they want to join the global triathlon elite.

The Durban Ultra, set for the 15th of March, along the spectacular KZN coastline, will open the series with fast, scenic racing and a festive atmosphere that has become legendary. Next up, the Sun City Ultra, on the 9th of May, with its unique combination of heat, hills, and breathtaking surroundings, will push every T100 athlete to their limits as the final qualifier for the 2026 T100 World Championships.

Finally, the season concludes with the Joburg Ultra in December 2026, an exciting grand finale event that will double as the first qualifying race for the 2027 T100 World Championships.

With international dreams on the line and the world’s eyes turning toward South Africa’s triathlon talent, the 2026 Ultra Triathlon Series promises to deliver heart-pounding racing, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments of triumph.

The journey to London starts here – and for many, it could be the race of a lifetime!

 

HONOR South Africa put the spotlight on the country’s rising football stars at a dynamic launch event in Johannesburg, where the brand celebrated its partnership with the SuperSport MVP Talent Search and unveiled its latest innovation, the HONOR X7d 5G.

The event brought together a mix of established football icons and emerging talent, underscoring HONOR’s commitment to empowering the next generation of athletes through technology.

Participants in the MVP Talent Search were gifted brand-new HONOR X7d 5G smartphones, a gesture that symbolised the brand’s investment in local potential.

In a special moment, SuperSport Head of Production Simo Nalane was presented with the flagship device, further cementing the collaboration between HONOR and SuperSport.

“Sport and technology share a common DNA - precision, endurance and innovation. The HONOR X7d 5G embodies these qualities, giving South Africans a device that’s as reliable and high-performing as their favourite athletes” said Fred Zhou, CEO of HONOR South Africa.

FOOTBALL ROYALTY IN ATTENDANCE

The launch was attended by Bafana Bafana stars Themba Zwane, Ronwen Williams, and Vincent Pule, alongside Amajita players Thabang Mahlangu, Neo Rapoo, Siviwe Magidigidi, and Lazola Maku.

Their presence added star power to an event focused on celebrating youth, performance, and progress.

BUILT FOR THE DEMANDS OF GAME

The HONOR X7d 5G is designed with athletes and active users in mind. It features SGS-certified Premium Drop Protection and IP65 Water Resistance, making it tough enough for life on and off the pitch.

POWER AND PERFORMANCE THAT LASTS

With a 6500mAh dual-cell battery, 35W HONOR SuperCharge, and enhanced temperature tolerance, the device is built to go the distance — whether during long training sessions or match-day marathons.

FAST, SMART AND ALWAYS CONNECTED

Powered by the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset and MagicOS 9.0, the X7d 5G delivers a seamless experience for streaming, social media, and staying connected, perfect for today’s digital-savvy footballers and fans.

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.

Click here to check the Top 20

So you saw the first enthralling episode of SuperSport's MWP Talent Search - well played! Now it is time to get to know your finalists just a little bit better.

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

The show is dedicated to unearthing the next generation of broadcasting and commentary talent in South Africa, with SuperSport’s Hope Mbhele and Tshego Koke leading the charge for this competition as the hosts.

GET TO KNOW YOUR CONTESTANTS

Click on the image to go through to the profile...

Atang Swaartbooi: The LLB Masters student, from Kromrivier, North West, is confident that his journey within sport over the years will stand him in good stead.

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Relebogile Mabawa: The YFM anchor is chasing his SuperSport dream.

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Abongile Baleni: Watching his father cry in disappointment, then express absolute delight in a space of one football match pushed him towards to the wonderful and fascinating world of sport.

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Moleboheng Tsoane: Hearing her home language on football commentary was enough to convince her that she too will be able to tell stories through the microphone.

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Sibonelo Zulu: of all the places for the commentator bug to bite - over a couple of PlayStation games at church with his friends?!!

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Rebone Chobane: After years of watching her favourite sports presenters on television, Rebone knew that this was the way she wanted to go.

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Lennox Wasara: the award-winning radio reporter is ready for a new challenge, and SuperSport is where he hopes it will happen

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Kebalepile Ramafoko: certainly not the only one, Kebalepile's passion for sport on television was sent sky high by being able to watch the 2010 FIFA World Cup matches on multiple SuperSport channels.

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Angel Thekiso: Watching a woman take command of a studio during a football match made Angel believe that she too can live her SuperSport dream.

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Ayanda Nyuswa: no rookie in the world of sports broadcasting, Ayanda is looking to take his profile to the next level with a plumb SuperSport role

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Thembelihle Mguni: the former beauty queen and self-confessed Daddy's girl is hoping to light up your SuperSport screens.

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Christopher Tarr: back in SA after studying abroad, the Talent Search show came at a perfect time for the man who wants to tell inspirational SA stories.

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Yvette Mhlauli: hoping to bring the same passion her Dad has for Orlando Pirates to SuperSport broadcasts.

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Rethabile Moshounyane: having never escaped the overwhelming joy and excitement of a football game, she didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to expand her pitch-side career to television.

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Anelisa Jaxa: He fell in in love with commentary in his formative years, and has been dreaming of the big stage ever since.

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Lucky Mofokeng: The sweet taste of a biscuit ultimately led Lucky to the mic - find out more!

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Delano Moodley: When a rugby dream ended, a broadcasting one was born.

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Delucia Daniels: her love for Formula 1 runs so deep, she even based her honours thesis on the sport and politics that affect it.

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Dikeledi Chabedi: a seasoned freelancer with over a decade of experience in sports journalism and broadcasting. Can she take her career to the next level?

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Bongi Mgoqi: A long walk to the SuperSport dream - can the former sheep herder become a herder of sports fans to his broadcasts?

Name: Delucia Daniels

Age: 25

Hometown: Uitsig- Ravensmead, Western Cape

Delucia Daniels’ love for Formula 1 runs so deep, she even based her honours thesis on the sport and politics that affect it.

Her work in radio as a producer at Good Hope FM has always nudged her to pursue a career in sports broadcasting but she just didn’t know how.

After being a regular voice for the sport on a breakfast television show, Delucia finally found her courage to bite the bullet to explore.

The SuperSport MVP Talent Search has given her the opportunity to make a go at it.

“The big thing for me was that I didn’t feel like I belonged in sports for a long time because I couldn’t find what exactly suited me. It is very difficult to go from being a fan of sport to talking about it. The transition is what drew me into it.

F1 TRUE LOVE

"Formula 1 has always been something that is my one true love, it happened very unexpectedly. When I got into the Formula 1 world and I started presenting it on radio made me realise that this is actually what I want to do for the rest of my life,” says Delucia.

The Masters in International Politics student at Unisa says she felt the competition came at the right time for her next move in her career.

“Entering the competition aligned with where I was. I had done some TV work with Expresso doing F1, so when the competition showed up it was an 'a-ha' moment. It was like someone saying I am doing the right thing.

"There is still a massive gap for Formula 1 at SuperSport and I thought this is the opportunity for me. Entering the competition felt like the perfect thing at the time for my career,” she says.

Name: Delano Moodley

Age: 21

Hometown: Bedfordview, Gauteng

A rugby injury may have ended Delano Moodley’s dreams of being a big deal on the pitch in the sports world.

However, the love of sport in him didn’t die when he injured his shoulder in a game of rugby, instead he found ways of staying in the exhilarating world of sport.

Delano had been planning to start his own online sports show when he learnt of the SuperSport MVP Talent Search auditions that would take place at his campus at the University of Pretoria. He says he didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity when he saw the activation in his school.

“I didn’t know what the SuperSport MVP Talent Search was. I just saw it on campus one day as I was walking past and I decided I should go and audition. I waited in line, and I did my audition and then I found myself in the top 30.

STARS ALIGNING

"A week before I did my audition, I was thinking of starting my own little sports broadcasting show for myself. When I saw that SuperSport were basically doing the same thing, but obviously on a bigger scale, I thought that the stars are aligning perfectly,” explains Delano.

Delano has been training at South Africa’s former UFC Middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis’ gym in Pretoria. He says he hopes to share his love more mixed martial arts (MMA) and draw in new supporters for the sport.

“I played all kind of sports from primary right up until high school. I really enjoyed playing rugby. I played regularly at the University of Pretoria.

"Unfortunately, in my second year I injured, my shoulder. So, then I pivoted into the combat sports space and have been doing MMA up until I left for the SuperSport camp. I enjoy watching it and commentating on it whether it’s on my TV or on a live stream,” he says.

Name: Dikeledi Chabedi

Age: 33

Hometown: Soweto, Gauteng

Dikeledi is a seasoned freelancer with over a decade of experience in sports journalism and broadcasting.

She began her career in 2012 at UJ FM and went on to work at YFM, Power FM, as a sports anchor and journalist. On television, she started in 2016 with Soweto TV covering regional sports and later joined VisionView TV.

As a sports presenter, she has covered major events including the SA Spring Open, Region 5 Games (Malawi & Lesotho), COSAFA football, Basketball Africa Qualifiers (Johannesburg), and the Ngonyama Cup (Eswatini, 2024). She has also freelanced with SuperSport as a netball commentator.

Versatile across radio, TV, and live commentary, Dikeledi brings a proven track record in covering diverse sporting codes and tournaments. Her experience positions her as a strong candidate ready to transition fully into sports presenting.

Name: Lucky Mofokeng

Age: 27

Hometown: Soshanguve, Gauteng

Having your father as your first sporting hero is the easiest way to nudge you towards following a career in sports.

Although Lucky Mofokeng wasn’t able to reach the pinnacle in the sports he grew up playing, he knew that working in sports was his destiny. His sport of choice when he was younger was football and then it was quickly replaced by cricket during the days Baker’s Mini Cricket days.

BISCUITS!

“I started playing cricket because of the free biscuits then I stopped playing football because we would get biscuits. That is how my sports career started,” says Lucky.

Although the taste of sweet baked goods was the start of his sporting journey, the euphoria and hype of the FIFA World Cup made him realise that his journey would not only be on the field as he wanted to explore a career having conversation about sporting events.

“Besides playing sports, the main reason I fell in love with sports broadcasting was the 2010 World Cup.

"After watching the first match and seeing how much joy and unity sports brought to South Africa I thought I also want to make people happy like that. If it was through sports conversation, I want to do that. That is how I saw myself, as a sportscaster,” he says.

Cricket opened doors for him and also secured him a scholarship to study at the University of Johannesburg.

“Unfortunately I came to the realisation that I am not going to be a professional player, that is when I went into varsity radio. I like a bit of attention and since I couldn’t do it on the sports field I got it through radio.

"I am a massive sports fanatic, I love being behind the mic. I love bringing joy to people,” he says.

Becoming the MC of the Varsity Sports competitions on campus offered him the perfect training ground.

Name: Rethabile Moshounyane

Age: 22

Hometown: Bloemfontein, Free State

Bloemfontein Celtic are responsible for spreading so much love and happiness, not only to the people in the province but throughout the country too.

Siwelele planted the seed of the sport in a young Rethabile Moshounyane and she has never escaped the overwhelming joy and excitement of a football game. After being an integral part of the University of Free State sports, she didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to expand her pitch side career to television.

The SuperSport MVP Talent Search gave her an opportunity to test how far she can go.

“I was trying out my luck but after being a Varsity Football emcee for four consecutive years I really grew to love football. I thought, ‘let me nurture my talent, venture into sports doing what I like which is presenting.’

I thought this is the perfect platform for me to still find myself within the presenting or corporate emceeing, try it out and see how far I can go,” she says.

Rethabile hopes to grace fields and television screens to engage and interact with fans and viewers to spread the joy that football can bring.

SA v NIGERIA EXPOSURE

She believes being part of the team that entertained fans at the Free State Stadium in the 2025 FIFA World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Nigeria is an assurance that she’s on the right path.

“When Kovsies were looking for a presenter, I didn’t know what to expect, I just went for it because I was talent driven. That pushed me to upskill myself and my knowledge of football.

The ‘national call up’ to emcee the Bafana Bafana World Cup qualifier against Nigeria has to be the most memorable sporting event for me. That was such a big match, that was a push for me that I have to go for it. It was a reassurance for me. It was a huge responsibility that I was trusted with,” she explains.

Name: Yvette Mhlauli

Age: 33

Hometown: Alberton, Gauteng

The Soweto derby is one of the most emotional football games on the South African calendar. Some people have lost relationships with family, neighbours and friends because of the difference of opinion the game causes.

In Yvette Mhlauli’s home, derby days meant early dinners and quiet evenings when her beloved dad’s club, Orlando Pirates lost. However, that is how the love for football got planted in her.

“On derby days my mom would cook dinner really early. Dinner would be served at 3pm already so that if Pirates lost, my dad would have already eaten. Then everything would turn into gloom. There was no laughter allowed in the house because what was funny when Pirates lost? My love for sport started there,” she remembers.

The YFM presenter says the opportunity to enter the SuperSport MVP Talent Search came at the right time.

The Lunch League host says she had been dreaming of moving towards sports broadcasting for a couple of years but had never actively taken the time to grab past opportunities. She believes this competition was the one she had been waiting for.

FOOTBALL GURU

“I had always said that one day I’d love to move into sportscasting but I never did anything about it. On my show on Fridays we play a game called Football Face Of, it has been a year and three months of us playing the game and so far no one has beaten me.

"My love for sport kind of echoed through the people from there and I realise that I am pretty good at football knowledge. I should probably start taking this seriously. When the Search came out, something said this could be my big break,” she says.

Yvette says she hopes getting an opportunity to work at SuperSport will showcase to viewers that women can be exceptional in the world of sports.

“They can expect a lot of laughter, a lot of shocks. I am expecting a lot of meme-able moments but also a lot of positivity,” she adds.

Name: Christopher Tarr

Age: 22

Hometown: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

While studying Communication and Media Studies at the Centenary College of Louisiana in the United States, Christopher Tarr proactively started working towards his dream job.

By the time he graduated, he had gathered experience in four different positions, working his way to becoming a sports journalist.

The SuperSport MVP Talent Search came at the right time for him as he was settling back into his South African life.

“I always wanted to be a sports journalist. I have wanted to work in sports my whole life. Being able to get an opportunity to work in a place like SuperSport is a dream come true.

"The 2019 Rugby World Cup final was a big one for me. I saw what that event did for South Africa and the people of South Africa, and I wanted to be part of that.

TELL SA STORIES

"I wanted to tell South African athletes' stories because of that. Seeing the story of Siya Kolisi and his captaincy of the Springboks side, those are kind of stories that made me want to tell stories. I wanted to tell meaningful stories that inspire people,” he explains.

The hard-working Christopher dazzled not only in class but also on the field for his university. He says having been a footballer will help him offer the audience better insights from an athlete’s perspective.

“I played football for 15 years, and my favourite player was Fernando Torres. He inspired me to play football. There wasn’t a particular person that got me into sports, it was just from watching it.

"I played a variety of sports growing up. I played for four years in the United States (college football).

"My experience as a footballer will help with my presence on screen because it gives me confidence in knowing that I know what I am talking about. I see the game from a different perspective because I have played the game,” he explains.

Name: Anelisa Jaxa

Age: 25

Hometown: Lady Frere, Eastern Cape

Anelisa Jaxa fell in in love with commentary in his formative years, and has been dreaming of the big stage ever since.

The announcement of the SuperSport MVP Talent Search indicated a path for him to test himself and move to a platform that would allow most of South Africa experience his talent on television.

“I wanted to showcase my talent on a different platform. I had been commentating around the Eastern Cape for a while. I wanted to showcase my skills on a bigger platform,” says Anelisa.

SIGNATURE SAYING

He reckons he has something different to offer South African football fans. He believes viewers are ready for a fresh new voice.

“I have a signature saying that I know will keep the audience glued to their screens. I am very informative and passionate about the game. I believe that I am you and I am the new blood that people might need to listen to,” he says.

The Soweto derby, like for many South Africans, has had a huge impact on Anelisa’s life. A packed FNB Stadium with sounds of the vuvuzela and singing bring happy memories to him.

“We used to watch the derby. The Soweto one, between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs during the days of Siphiwe Tshabalala, Oupa Manyisa and Andile Jali. Those were the matches that I started watching with full concentration.

"The commentary on SuperSport made those matches incredible, there was so much information to get and the skills on the field kept us entertained. Those are definitely some of my most memorable times watching football,” he says.

Name: Thembelihle Mnguni

Age: 26

Hometown: Boksburg, Gauteng

A father’s influence on their daughter can be one of the most vital things in their life. That is the story of Thembelihle Mnguni and her father.

From a young age her father instilled in her the love of football in her but that didn’t end there.

Thembelihle is also following her father’s professional footsteps as well. She is currently studying for a Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Electrical Engineering at the University of Johannesburg, her father is also a qualified electrical engineer.

“My father would make it a habit to take us to the Orlando Stadium and watch Orlando Pirates play. He would take us as a family. He is the biggest Pirates fan that I know. You know when you are so exposed to something that it becomes your daily routine.

DADDY'S GIRL

"Growing up was my father and I watching games together. I am currently studying electrical engineering and I’m in my second year. That is also an influence from my father. He is, without a doubt my biggest role model. I am truly a daddy’s girl,” says Thembelihle.

The 2024 Miss World South Africa finalist felt she should challenge herself on a different platform, entering the SuperSport MVP Talent search competition with the hope that she can do well in.

“I thought to myself ‘I don’t have any experience in broadcasting whatsoever but I am familiar with beauty pageants and modelling.’ But that is a different kind of camera where you just stand and pose whereas in broadcasting it’s live and every word you say matters.

"I thought ‘maybe we should venture into this. Maybe this will be our next challenge.’ The only time I had been a ‘presenter’ was in front of the mirror in my bathroom. I entered on the last day of entries. I have no experience but I took the leap of faith,” she says.

Name: Ayanda Nyuswa

Age: 29

Hometown: Umzinto, KwaZulu-Natal

Ayanda Nyuswa is no rookie in the world of sports broadcasting. He is currently a sports presenter, reporter and content producer for Gagasi FM.

The KwaZulu Natal native began his journey at RadioDUT while he was studying Sports Management at the Durban University of Technology. His undeniable talent took him from campus radio to an even bigger platform when he joined Durban Youth Radio, a community radio station, in 2020.

He only spent a year and a half before Gagasi FM snatched him up.

“I auditioned on campus radio in 2016 and they took me. I worked as a sports presenter, doing bulletins and a bit of content production as well. I did campus radio for four years,” he says.

Throughout the years Ayanda has covered some of the big sporting stories in the country recently, including Bafana Bafana’s 1-1 draw against Nigeria in the FIFA World Cup African qualifier in Bloemfontein.

LIFELONG DREAM

Progression to television broadcasting is an inevitable step for Ayanda. The opportunity to enter the SuperSport MVP Talent Search was a no brainer for him.

“I decided to enter because joining SuperSport has been a lifelong dream for me since I started my career. I have always seen it as the ultimate goal and dream. As much as I have done radio for as long as I have, television has always been a dream.

"Getting into SuperSport is not easy, especially if you have no experience in TV. I have never done any TV (work) apart from podcasts. I saw this opportunity as the best one, I felt it’s a once-in-a lifetime one time opportunity that I cannot miss,” explains Ayanda.

The multifaceted journalist hopes that he will be part of the team that will bring updates either from the touchline of rugby, cricket or football matches or as part of the SuperSport Blitz team with news updates while working towards being in studio as an anchor one day.

Name: Bongi Mgoqi

Age: 32

Hometown: Ngcobo, Eastern Cape

Although Bongi Mgoqi had to walk about 7km to a different village to watch sport on his aunt’s DStv, that planted the seed of a the love of sport in him.

“Since I am from a village, television is not something I came across early on in my life. I think I only came across a DStv, which provided a clear picture, in 2009. Before that the TV channels we had access to were quite blurry because of connection issues.

HERD SHEEP, WATCH THE GAME

"I would come from school on a Friday, herd the sheep back into the kraal and then go to KwaQithi to my aunt’s to be able to catch the game on the Saturday. I was so sport crazy that I would walk back home at night if the moonlight was bright enough,” explains Bongi.

Although telling a story on the pitch was not much of a struggle, Bongi felt much more at home telling the story of other players through commentary. When the SuperSport MVP Talent Search came, he knew that he had to try his luck to reach a wider audience.

“I played football in school but I felt more comfortable on the sidelines as a commentator. I was a good player but I was more comfortable when I was doing commentary. I thought that this was my opportunity, this is my time to shine and do something that I always loved.

CHIEFS FAMILY

"I grew up in a football loving family. My dad is a Kaizer Chiefs supporter, almost my whole family supports the club. This is how I fell in love with the game. I will make sure that I educate viewers, give them the knowledge that I have on sports.

"I will be entertaining and let my confidence shine through. I will make sure to bring my A game,” he says.

Name: Angel Thekiso

Age: 22

Hometown: Bethlehem, Free State

Watching a woman take command of a studio during a football match made Angel Thekiso believe that she too can reach her dreams. This gave birth to the dream of being a sports broadcaster.

The SuperSport MVP Talent Search felt like the right opportunity for her to pursue this dream.

“I’ve always wanted to be a broadcaster for SuperSport and specifically for football because after moving to Bloemfontein I started attending more games at the stadium. That is where I started falling in love with the sport itself.

"It has always been a dream for me to be a broadcaster. I will definitely bring more colour to the SuperSport screen, and I have plenty to offer.

CLASS OF CAROL

"My love for sport started on the broadcasting side, I came across a woman on my screen, Carol Tshabalala. She made me fall in love with the world of broadcasting, you can see that she loves what she does and knows what she is talking about. She is my personal hero,” she says.

The Angel of the Free State believes that her bubbly personality will bring colour to the SuperSport viewers’ screens. She is in awe of how people from the City of Roses embrace all teams that play in her home town.

“My first sporting memory has to be Bloemfontein Celtic supporters and how they were always there supporting each and every team that played their matches in Bloemfontein. Any team that came to play got a warm welcome,” she explains.