The Big Brother Mzansi house is not just a physical game, but more of a game of the mind. A plethora of housemates walk through the doors with a game plan and set out to fulfil their strategies daily. While there are a multitude of ways to play the game, two strategies are emerging as the most popular this season: the social players and the arena players.
Social players
The social game refers to housemates whose main focus is to gain favour with their fellow housemates with the aim that their relationships, these being positive of course, will see them to the finish line. This season, however, the social game is synonymous with ships.
Sinaye has been playing a gentle social game regarding his pursuit of Zee. The on-and-off ship has been plagued with tribulations at the hands of Young Pappi, who holds Zee's affection in the darkness of the night. Their ups and downs ended in a King and Queen of Valentine's title.
Jareed and Liema actioned this strategy from the jump and it was not long until Mpumi wanted in on the fun. Els couldn't sbwl any longer and reeled herself into the throuple.
While some may be caught up in the rapture of kisses, some housemates have picked from a different branch of the social tree. Chuenzaaa and Meelay have exhibited a wholesomeness that sets their social game apart from the rest. The two have barely caught themselves at the centre of conflicts, but rather opt for peace, a trait that has seen their names slipping the housemates' minds when rounds of nominations come up.
Arena players
HoH McJunior's winning streak places him in a league of his own. McJunior, who is in his second HoH reign, added R5 000 to his name following his back-to-back HoH title. McJunior has spoken to Liema about his winning strategy being a calm mind going into the arena for any of the games. "There are arena players and social players," he said, acknowledging himself as the former. Although he had a momentary situationship in the era of disruptors, McJunior's mind has never focused solely on the human connection, but his best interests, leading him to a two-week streak of wins.
Mich's game has been one of a solo rider, who manages to get his mind in the game when it matters most, a focus that saw him be one of the two housemates who completed the Friday Night Games tonight, losing to McJunior.
Big Brother Mzansi season 4 is broadcast live 24/7 on DStv Channel 198, which you can stream here. Sunday eviction shows are at 18:00 on Mzansi Magic. To join the conversation on social media platforms, use the hashtag #BBMzansi and connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.