The definitive hunt for the next voice of South African sport is officially on.
SuperSport is set to electrify your Sunday nights with the high-stakes reality show premiere of the SuperSport MVP Talent Search, debuting on Sunday 26 October at 21:00.
The groundbreaking series will air simultaneously on SuperSport Variety 4 (DStv 209) and Mzansi Magic (DStv 161), launching the journey of the country’s most passionate contenders.
Designed to inject diverse voices and fresh perspectives into the SuperSport talent pool, this show is an unparalleled opportunity for anyone with the voice, an undeniable passion for sport, and the vibrant energy to light up screens across South Africa.
The unscripted drama: High-stakes auditions and the Top 20 draft
After a rigorous nationwide search that generated thousands of entries, the drama will kick off in the first episode with judges sifting through the Top 30 to narrow the list down to just 20 contestants.
These elite hopefuls are flown to Johannesburg, only to be immediately thrust into intense, career-defining auditions. SuperSport broadcasting legend and main judge Neil Andrews says that the single biggest challenge the contestants face is simple: nerves. "The pure shock and horror of hearing a countdown in your earpiece and then the words 'and you're live' can crash and burn even those with the strongest constitution," Andrews says.
The show format ruthlessly tests knowledge, resilience, and authenticity, proving that raw talent alone isn’t enough. Andrews also provides insight into the unscripted nature of the industry: "A recurring theme is how many contestants and guest judges expected to see the safety-net of a teleprompter," he recalls. "It struck me how many SuperSport viewers assume we read off an autocue machine when in fact all live sport is completely unscripted."
Throughout the series, viewers will witness these contestants striving for the growth and refinement needed to survive the cuts and claim the ultimate MVP title.
Powerhouse panel and world-class mentorship
Guiding this high-stakes competition is a stellar line-up of industry veterans, tasked with identifying the intangible quality needed for superstardom.
The hosts
Commanding the MVP stage is the charismatic pairing of Tshego Koke, the award-winning VJ known for his infectious energy, and Hope Mbhele, an experienced SuperSport football host and celebrated actress known for her major roles in series such as Umkhokha: The Curse and Shaka iLembe.
The main judges
The destiny of the contenders is determined by two titans of South African sport broadcasting:
- Neil Andrews: Bringing more than 30 years of unparalleled experience, encyclopaedic sports' knowledge, and sharp wit.
- Motshidisi Mohono: The formidable 2018 SA Sport Awards Journalist of the Year, who anchors global events and provides critical insight into high-pressure live broadcasting.
Andrews praised the seamless dynamic of the panel. "Mots and I have often worked together ... the transition to co-judging the MVP Talent Search was seamless. Together we have a terrific rapport." He adds that he was surprised by the unanimity in their decisions. "Oddly enough I cannot think of a single occasion in which there wasn't something close to unanimous agreement."
Star guest judges
Viewers can look forward to appearances from a rotation of star guest judges, including:
- Radio and TV powerhouse Smash Afrika, focusing on on-screen charisma.
- The iconic Carol Tshabalala, the “First Lady of Sport” and anchor for Premier League Productions, providing a critical global perspective.
- Actress and radio presenter Nelisiwe Sibiya, lending expertise on the essential performance and composure required for screen success.
The mentors
Beyond the judges, MVP hopefuls will undergo rigorous training from expert mentors like the versatile voice of sport, Derek Alberts; as well as media personality Kriya Gangiah, who mentors on building X-factor and professional brand.
Contestants will be lucky enough to also be mentored by The Godfather of football, legendary commentator, and media personality Baba Mthethwa, and SuperSport’s Senior Manager of Digital Marketing, Nazli Hamilton, who will guide contenders on digital influence and social media instinct.
The legacy: A guaranteed game-changer
While the process is gruelling for contestants, Andrews confesses the production was "a blast" for the judges, though the responsibility weighed heavily. "Personally, I have had to balance being Mr Nice Guy, offering positive reassurance and encouragement, with playing the Simon Cowell-role on days when we were instructed to cull contestants.”
When asked about the intangible quality the judges seek, Andrews was crystal clear: authenticity. “I’ve been quoted as saying 'Authenticity is a cornerstone of creditable sportscasting,' and when you add knowledge, know-how, hard work, and a God-given talent then you’ve got the makings of a broadcaster,” he says.
The emotional investment in the hopefuls was immense. "There was one moment that brought me to tears. To witness rough diamonds polish their skills is truly rewarding. To see them celebrate their success can be deeply moving." Ultimately, Andrews believes the SuperSport MVP Talent Search is "a guaranteed game-changer".
"In addition to showcasing the role of a sportscaster and unearthing raw presenting and commentating talent," he says, "I believe the MVP Talent Search might very well launch multiple alternative careers in broadcasting. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Season 1 yield future directors, producers, and sports journalists."
Don’t miss the moment the next SuperSport star is discovered.
The SuperSport MVP Talent Search premieres on Sunday 26 October, airing every Sunday at 21:00, simultaneously on SuperSport Variety 4 (DStv 209) and Mzansi Magic (DStv 161).
Join the conversation on our social media platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok using #SSMVPTalentSearch.