Star-studded hosts, judges and mentors for MVP Talent Search

From thousands of hopefuls to the elite Top 30: The hunt for Mzansi’s next broadcasting superstar is about to hit your screens.

SuperSport is ready to electrify your Sunday nights with the premiere of the SuperSport MVP Talent Search, the groundbreaking reality show dedicated to unearthing the next generation of broadcasting and commentary talent.

After sifting through thousands of entries from across the country, the search has been dramatically narrowed down to the Top 30 Draft, and their intense journey will kick off soon on screens across South Africa.

The fate of these elite contenders will be determined by a powerhouse panel of industry legends.

Leading the charge for this high-stakes competition are the hosts: the charismatic pair of Tshego Koke and Hope Mbhele.

Tshego Koke is the award-winning MTV Base VJ, musician, and fitness enthusiast who gained popularity after winning the MTV Base VJ Search in 2017.

Known for his infectious energy and personal branding—including being named GQ Best Dressed Man—Tshego transitioned to Channel O to present SuperCulture, making him the ideal host to command the MVP stage.

He is partnered by Hope Mbhele, an actress and experienced sports broadcaster.

Hope is best known as a formidable SuperSport football host, presenting shows like The Line Up and Versus, and for her major acting roles in series such as Umkhokha: The Curse and Shaka iLembe.

Her unique blend of performance skills and deep sports knowledge makes her the perfect guide for the contestants.

POWERHOUSE JUDGING PANEL

The destiny of the elite contenders will be determined by a powerhouse panel of industry legends.

Taking their seats as the mainstay judges are two titans of South African sport broadcasting: Neil Andrews and Motshidisi Mohono.

With over 30 years of unparalleled experience in television and radio, the legendary Neil Andrews, known for hosting major football and rugby events, brings his encyclopaedic sports knowledge and sharp wit to the panel.

Beside him is the formidable Motshidisi Mohono, the 2018 SA Sport Awards Journalist of the Year.

Her stellar career includes anchoring the British and Irish Lions Tour and the Rugby World Cup Final, providing the critical insight into high-pressure live broadcasting needed to identify true talent.

The drama begins in the first episode, where a nationwide talent search narrows down to 30 hopefuls, flown to Johannesburg with dreams and excitement running high, to face their final auditions, exposing raw edges and hidden shortcomings, reminding them that talent alone isn’t enough.

Each contestant stands as a diamond in the rough — full of potential but in need of polish.

The journey ahead demands growth, resilience, and refinement if they want to stay in the competition and claim the title of the ultimate MVP.

Joining the panel as a guest judge for one of the episodes is radio and TV powerhouse Smash Afrika (Afrika Mdutyulwa).

Known for his infectious energy and dominance on shows like Big Brother Mzansi Season 5, Umlilo, Smash brings the heat to the MVP Talent Search and his sharp eye for on-screen charisma.

Another star guest judge to grace the MVP Talent Search is the iconic Carol Tshabalala, affectionately known as the “First Lady of Sport.”

Carol has a two-decade-spanning career defined by breaking barriers, having served as the first African to host the Fifa Ballon d’Or in Zurich.

As an anchor for SuperSport International and Premier League Productions in the UK, Carol brings a global perspective and a testament to success in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Actress and radio presenter Nelisiwe Sibiya, who plays Zama Hlobo on Mzansi Magic’s hit telenovela iThonga, will also star as a guest judge.

Sibiya lends her expertise, focusing on the essential performance and composure required to succeed on screen.

MENTORS WITH GLOBAL EXPERIENCE

Beyond the judges, the MVP hopefuls will undergo rigorous training with expert mentors.

They will be guided by several mentors including the likes of  Derek Alberts, the versatile voice of sport.

A well-known broadcaster on both radio and television, Derek's career is built on a genuine foundation in sport, having played rugby up to provincial level.

At SuperSport, he has been the face of shows like All Out Rugby and a key personality during the 2011 Rugby World Cup and London Olympics coverage.

Derek's global experience—which includes covering two Cricket World Cups and the Proteas tour to India—means he brings a complete media skillset to mentor the hopefuls on everything from sports analysis to high-profile event MCing.

They will also learn from Kriya Gangiah, one of South Africa’s most diverse media personalities.

The vivacious presenter, actress, MC, and businesswoman, who came to prominence presenting Craz-E on eTV and has since been a 947 rotating presenter and a SuperSport Variety presenter covering everything from GTH Racing to her own 'F1: Track This' podcast, will mentor contenders on building their unique X-factor and professional brand across multiple platforms.

Providing a crucial modern perspective is  Nazli Hamilton, SuperSport’s Senior Manager of Digital Marketing, who will mentor contestants on digital influence, social media instinct, and building a powerful personal brand in the contemporary media landscape.

The  SuperSport MVP Talent Search premieres on Sunday, 26 October 2025, airing every Sunday at 21:00 SAST simultaneously on SuperSport Variety 4 (DStv 209) and Mzansi Magic (DStv 161).

Don’t miss the moment the next SuperSport star is discovered.