M-Net cancels Tshedza Pictures' low-rated Champions telenovela on Mzansi Magic that has ended production after a single season.

by Thinus Ferreira

M-Net has cancelled the low-rated Tshedza-produced Champions telenovela on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) after a single season with the last episode which will be broadcast on 31 January.

Tshedza Pictures filmed the last episode in June and was told that M-Net doesn't want another season.

Champions, set inside a football club, had an extremely disappointing debut on MultiChoice's DStv on 5 February with underwhelming viewership.

The weekday telenovela in a 19:00 timeslot also suffered because of a lack of marketing, as well as barely any publicity to bring the show and its cast and crew under the attention of the media.

In June, Champions - starring Jo-anne Reynecke, Sello Maake ka-Ncube, Tumisho Masha and Kgomotso Christopher - failed to make the list of even MultiChoice's Top 30 programmes on DStv for the month.

This is what the case has been for every month since Champions started on Mzansi Magic: It never once made DStv's Top 30 most-watched shows list since February and MultiChoice did nothing to try and boost the show's buzz and viewership with no media interaction like virtual press junkets, roundtables or interview blitzes.

Over the past six months, DStv subscribers have continued to complain, as they have since the start, that they don't like and don't relate to the story and setting, and struggle to understand and feel anything for the main characters.

M-Net's Mzansi Magic division is developing new show concepts as it looks at toning down the volume of telenovelas.

Shirley Adonisi, M-Net director for local entertainment channels, says "First to our cast, Tshedza Pictures, sponsors and advertisers, thank you for your ongoing support for Champions, and your efforts in entertaining our Mzansi Magic viewers".

"Mzansi Magic plays a pivotal role in entertaining viewers during prime time, and we continue to keep up with the latest television trends."

"We are currently in the development of several new show concepts not limited to telenovelas and fine-tuning our key returning shows to ensure that Mzansi Magic's prime time 2025 slots are well received."

Mzansi Magic Champions new Tshedza Pictures produced telenovela starting 5 February following a woman-run football empire.

by Thinus Ferreira

A new M-Net telenovela entitled Champions, also produced by Tshedza Pictures, is replacing The River on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) from 5 February and will follow the story of a woman who runs the male-dominated soccer empire of the Soshanguve Giants football club.

Champions, also produced by Tshedza Pictures which made The River and described as a "story of passion, power and perseverance", will kick off on 5 February on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) at 19:00 with new episodes on weekdays in the timeslot.

"Champions uniquely embodies the spirit of South Africa, aiming to inspire and excite our audience. It's a celebration of ambition, positivity, and the resilience of our people,' says Phathushedzo Makwarela, executive producer.

"Tshedza Pictures is thrilled to collaborate again with Mzansi Magic and we eagerly anticipate the moment our viewers will join us on this incredible journey."

The Champions cast includes veteran talent like Sello Maake ka-Ncube, Tumisho Masha, Kgomotso Christopher and Jo-anne Reyneke along with newcomers Rethabile Mohapi and Minkie Malatji.

In the male-dominated world of football, Sne Modise, portrayed by Jo-anne Reyneke, has to show resilience when she has to battle the storm caused by sudden changes in her father Washington's life.

Sne is thrown into a series of series of challenges, love, and betrayal while battling the intense drama as the underdog. Yet she's determined to challenge the gender norms and lead the Soshanguve Giants FC to success. Can Sne come out on top in an arena where the rules of the game are constantly changing?

Here are the character bios of the main characters in Champions:

Washington Modise (Sello Maake ka-Ncube)

A former player-turned-entrepreneur, Washington breathed life into his own football team Soshanguve Giants FC, steering it with a mix of shrewd business sense and a deep love for the game. His story is a compelling mix of ambition, challenge, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Lucinda Modise (Kgomotso Christopher)

Wife to Washington, her story is one of quiet strength, enduring support, and the influential role of a partner in the whirlwind world of success and power.

Philemon Modise (Tumisho Masha)

Long overshadowed by his brother Washington, he feels the world has yet to acknowledge his true worth. His narrative is one of greed, sibling rivalry, and the relentless pursuit of personal acclaim.

Zipho (Kwenzo Ngcobo)

Stands as a titan in the space of talent management. Zipho's story is about navigating the intricate web of professional success and personal integrity in a world where both are constantly tested.

Ferrari (Thembinkosi Mthembu)

Once the crown jewel of South African football, Ferrari now stands at a crossroads where his illustrious career faces the threat of dimming.

Lebo Serite (Thato Dithebe)

His aspirations to conquer the grand football stadiums and lift his family out of poverty are fuelled by a potent mix of talent, charisma, and determination.