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.

e.tv wins 4 Golden Horn trophies at the NFVF's 13th Saftas, including Best actress and Best actor in the TV soap category for Kgomotso Christopher and Jamie Bartlett.

The free-to-air commercial broadcaster e.tv on Saturday won 4 Golden Horn trophies at the National Film and Video Foundation's (NFVF) 13th South African Film and Television Awards, including wins for Best actress in a TV soap (Kgomotso Christopher) for Scandal! and Best actor in a TV soap (Jamie Bartlett) for Rhythm City.

The other two awards for e.tv at the 13th Saftas were both for Broken Vows in the telenovela category where it won for Best achievement in wardrobe and Best achievement in art direction.

"We are proud of these awards and humbled by this recognition," says Ziyanda Mngomezulu, head of local content, at e.tv.

"It's an honour to all our e.tv talent, production teams and partners who put in the hours and work tirelessly to deliver the best local entertainment in the country. e.tv is ecstatic to be home to some of the best local television shows in South Africa".

Scandal! is produced for e.tv by Ochre Moving Pictures, with Rhythm City that is filmed by Quizzical Pictures. 

Broken Vows was a Clive Morris Productions show with Clive Morris Productions that was also responsible for the badly-produced and mutilated production of the 13th Saftas broadcast on Saturday on SABC2.

Shake-up at SABC3's Isidingo in front of and behind the scenes as Kgomotso Christopher exits; head writer Rohan Dickson now the new show runner.

There's yet another shake-up in front of, and behind, the scenes at SABC3's ratings challenged local soap Isidingo with Kgomotso Christopher who've exited the soap and head writer Rohan Dickson taking over as new show runner.

Viewers will see Kgomotso Christopher as Katlego Sibeko for the last time on 13 April, a role she's portrayed for half a decade that's abruptly coming to an end. 

Production company Endemol Shine who've kept the actress' departure under wraps isn't saying why Kgomotso Christopher is leaving. The actress says she wants to explore new acting roles.

"We will miss and thank her for the pivotal and positive part she's played," says Sivan Pillay, Endemol Shine CEO. "Kgomotso's talent, grace, charm and absolute professionalism will be missed by cast, crew and fans alike".

The soap that will turn 18 in August struggles in the ratings race, overshadowed by the American soap The Bold and the Beautiful that lures more viewers than the expensive local production on SABC3, and paling in viewership comparison and buzz to other soaps of the public broadcaster like Uzalo, Muvhango, 7de Laan and Mzansi Magic's (DStv 161) isiBaya.

Behind the scenes Rohan Dickson who has been Isidingo's head writer for two years and had to rebuild the gutted writing team is now taking over from Pumla Hopa as executive producer of Isidingo, while Leo Phiri has been promoted to the producer on the soap. 

Pumla Hopa who had steered the soap for many years will now help with new scripted programming projects at Endemol Shine in the production company's scripted entertainment division headed up by Sam Shale.

"The combined strengths of Rohan Dickson and Leo Phiri will lead Isidingo into a new era," says Sivan Pillay. "It's an exciting time for cast and crew alike".

Rohan Dickson says "our talented team at Isidingo is passionately committed to this new adventure. Horizon Deep has many twists and turns, shocks and scandals in the pipeline".