EPISODE 2 REVIEW - contestants challenged in high stake studio test

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 just more than friendships that are being built.

The battle to becoming the new generation of sports broadcasters continues.

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 challenge for the day.

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. Anyhoo, a 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 right place and opportunity for the rising star in broadcasting, but why did some of of them crash?

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. While 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 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.