Season 1
Champions is a South African telenovela which revolves around the intrigues and adventures of the Modises, a soccer family who own and run a team called Soshanguve Giants FC.
In a world where the turf is tough and the stakes are high, Sne Modise (Jo-anne Reyneke) is a symbol of resilience and ambition in a male-dominated soccer empire.
Battling the storm caused by sudden changes in her father, Washington's (Sello Maake ka-Ncube) life, Sne is thrown into a series of challenges, love and betrayal.
While battling the intense drama, as the underdog, Sne stands at the top, determined to challenge the gender norms and lead the Soshanguve Giants FC to success.
But the question remains: Can she come out on top in an arena where the rules of the game are constantly changing?
The series stars Thembinkosi Mthembu as Ferrari, Kwenzo Ngcobo as Zipho, Kgomotso Christopher as Lucinda, Keitu Kasonkola as Nkele, Thato Dithebe as Lebogang, Minkie Malatji as Oratile, Rethabile Mohapi as Kgotso, Thabo Malema as Lesibana, Jo-anne Reyneke as Sne, Tumisho Masha as Philemon and Sello Maake ka-Ncube as Washington.
Champions is produced by Tshedza Pictures, created by Phathutshedzo Makwarela and Gwydion Beynon, who are also the executive producers.
Candice Tennant is also an executive producer, as well as the series producer.
The head writer is Thato Dipholo, with storyliners Shitshembiso Mabasa, Brigette Madiba and Florence Mashadi Rapeu.
The director is Krijay Govender and the composer of the original score is Brendan Jury.
The title sequence track is called Ke Nako Yaka, written by KB Motsilanyane and Bonga Percy Vilakazi, with music by S'phamandla "MarazA" Mhlongo. The song is performed by KB Motsilanyane.
Cast and Characters
Sello Maake ka-Ncube as Washington Modise
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 mix of ambition, challenge and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Kgomotso Christopher as Lucinda Modise
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.
Tumisho Masha as Philemon Modise
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.
Kwenzo Ngcobo as Zipho
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.
Thembinkosi Mthembu as Ferrari
Once the crown jewel of South African football, Ferrari now stands at a crossroads where his illustrious career faces the threat of dimming.
Thato Dithebe as Lebo Serite
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.
Season 1 Cast
(scroll to bottom for available actor bios)
Starring
Thembinkosi Mthembu ... Sanele "Ferrari" Zulu
Kwenzo Ngcobo ... Zipho Buthelezi
Kgomotso Christopher ... Lucinda Modise
Keitu Kasonkola ... Nkele Serite
Thato Dithebe ... Lebogang Serite
Minkie Malatji ... Oratile Rapoo
Rethabile Mohapi ... Kgotso Modise
Thabo Malema ... Lesibana Serite
Jo-anne Reyneke ... Sinesipho Modise
Tumisho Masha ... Philemon Modise
Sello Maake ka-Ncube ... Washington Modise
Recurring / Guests
Jose Domingos ... Coach Les
Brighton Mhlongo ... Nyiko Mabasa
Vikash Mathura ... Doctor Lindo
Vusimuzi Zungu ... Ferrari Soccer Double
Ntobeko Mathebula ... Rickie, Richard Ramosamo
Pholosho Kupa ... Thabang Maisa
Riaz Da Silva ... Jared Jefferson
Buhle Maseko ... Bonga, Journalist
Mpho Sewela ... In-House Sangoma Lester
Falakhe Makhubo ... Journalist 1
Lwazi Ziqubu ... Journalist 2
Thato Moeng ... SuperSport Presenter 1
Phumudzo Manenzhe ... SuperSport Analyst / Pundit
Sizwe Maseko ... Henderson "Jovis" Shobane
Knowledge Ngezana ... Nkosinathi "Lion" Nyathi
Thato Theledi ... Silver "Makgonatsotlhe" Maleka
Andile Makanya ... Abe Nkomati
Mbuso Tshabalala ... Mothusi "Sefofane" Phiri
Siphiwe Mthombeni ... Craig Hendricks
Mduduzi Sangweni ... Nkanyiso Mthembu
Siyabonga Ngcobo ... Percival "MaPercente" Mkhize
Amogelang Moatshe ... Vuyo Ndlovu
Nhlakanipho Duma ... Phineas Sibanyoni
Kgosi Magoboya ... James Masemola
Luthando Sibiya ... Conrad Ntuli
Itumeleng Mogotsi ... Modiri Sikwane
Tshidiso Monamodi ... Archibald Mthimkhulu
Lwandle Mthombeni ... Sthembiso Mhlongo
Nhlanhla Ramafikeng ... Set Piece 2nd Ass Coach, Giants
Timothy Mphehlo ... Kitman, Giants
Xolani Dambisa ... Lebo Soccer Double
Muntwangeza Sokhela ... Lester, Giants Supporter
Prince Dlamini ... Mr. Sibanda
Mogau Mogashoa ... Lebo's Friend 1 / Hammanskraal Team Mate
Mapensela ... Commentator
Obakeng Kgwedi ... Mathapelo
Simon Makama ... Coach Thabang
Babalwa Ngese ... Boitumelo
Mmathapelo Phale ... Dr Simelane
Siyanda Mpetwane ... Reserve Team Player
Samson Khumalo ... Molatlhegi Rapoo
Matome Setabole ... Mr Letlake - Sponsor
Tumelo Matlala ... Gugu
Tebogo Sema ... Washington's Lawyer
Elias Sono ... Neighbour 1
Fezile Mkhize ... Dr Mnisi
Thato Moteane ... Kerry
Zintle Matwa ... Beautiful Baddie / Kim
Mvunyelwa Keswa ... LottoStar Rep
Falakhe Makhubo ... Thabo - Journalist 1 (as Felahke Makhubo)
Oyama Sinyanya ... Zipho's PA
Palesa Shongwe ... Tiny
Sinathele Ntweni ... Female Fan 1
Cleopatra Mahoa ... Advocate Nkomo
William Moswetsi ... Sheriff of the Court
Reggie Ndlovu ... Commentator (as Mapensela)
Norah Machete ... Millicent
Lerato Hlala ... Bontle
Madibe Mahlatjie ... Cash the Giant
Mandla Nkomo ... Taxi Driver
Thabiso Mbhele ... Backseat Driver
Tumelo Mazibuko ... Bodyguard
Thato Letageng ... Irate Fan 1
Madiboke Ngake ... Irate Fan 2
David Mankge ... Rowdy Fan
Lebogang Tlokana ... Brenda
Serati Phaleng ... Molly
Keke Mphuthi ... Didintle
Palesa Moloi ... Mbali
Tebogo Maosheti ... Ace
Kgomotso Mathebula ... Sangoma
Jan Mokawane ... Pastor
Mandla Gaduka ... Lovers
Werner Botes ... Dr Walters
Siphosethu Mabaso ... Mr Ngidi
Sipho Mbele ... Jonas
Mmarona Motshegoa ... Lizzie
Levy Moswetsi ... Sheriff of the Court
Tsepo Desando ... Dr Mnisi (as Tshepo Desando)
Nomsa Ndlele ... Nurse
Lehlogonolo Mohlaba ... Policeman 1
Mfundo Mthembu ... Banele
Nigel Mpofu ... Menzi
Sthembiso Mkhize ... Nhlakanipho
Nash Magobane ... Skhu
Kagiso Kuypers ... Lunch Bar Director
Benjamin Tshepe ... Morolong Uncle
Kedibone Manyaka ... Nthabeleng
Nomsa Ndlela ... Nurse
Audrey Selemela ... Audrey
Moroma Kgomotso Ledwaba ... Journalist 1
Nomangezi Thandeka Kuili... Physiotherapist
Lucia Xosana ... Baddie 1
Zweli Msezane ... Lethu
Potso Mokhosi ... Themba
Rivo Mabunda ... Brand Owner
Katlego Moshoana ... Emily
Nkanyiso Ngidi ... Journalist 3
Graeme Watkins ... Scout
Senzo Khoza ... Mxolisi
Tsebanang Motsapi ... Director (Emily's Crew)
Tebogo Sefora ... Thapelo
Siyamthanda Banda ... Lunga
Mmabophelo Sekhohola ... Neighbour
Victoria Dire ... Mme Moruti
Nkosikhona Khetha Mzimela.. Phenyo
Deliwe Mapeka ... Mrs Moloi
Julius Kgosimang Kgole ... Set Piece Coach
Kwanda Mchunu ... Trainer (as Kwanda Mcunu)
Francina Morongwa Masalesa. Client
Samke Chiliza ... Nelisiwe
Adelaide Chauke ... Mourner
Nala Kunene ... Bonolo
Moses Malefo ... Uniformed Officer 1
Aobakwe Montoedi ... Baddie 1
Lesego Mangena ... Baddie 2
Vusi Kunene ... Officer Ntuli
Lethabo Monareng ... SQ Editor
Sinethemba Ndwandwe ... Ayabonga
Sibusiso Dlamini ... Journalist 4
Nhlanhla Sibisi ... Detective Nkuna
Yithi Zulu ... Mrs Sediba
Hope Pikwa ... Young Woman
Phillip Mohlabeng ... Superfan
Busisiwe Mzandolo ... Courthouse Journalist
Sipho Shongwe ... Courthouse Journalist
Keneiloe Smaye ... Courthouse Journalist
Lerato Modisana ... Dr Ndlela
Masixole Kili ... Prison Guard
Albert Kiviet ... Jacob Cele
Thabiso Mbele ... Angry Fan
Pretty Nkutha ... Stunning Woman
Bontle Mahlangu ... Sponsor 1
Siphesihle Mdakane ... Sponsor 2
Thulani Madala ... Trending Trevor (as Thulani 'Tul'z Madala)
Asafika Ngcwekgaka ... Caller 1
Siyabonga Kubheka ... Fan
Eugine Banda ... Drug Dealer
Precious Maputle ... Reporter VO (voice)
Pumelela Tshazibana ... Witness VO (voice)
Pauline Solani ... Investigating Officer VO (voice)
Selebalo Karabo Phasa ... Pundit
Tankiso Sebabole ... Kamo
Tebogo Moshatsi ... Jomo
Josta Dladla ... SuperSport Presenter
Sophie Molao ... Palesa
Gabriel Mpepele ... Jeff Masaongo - Agent
Peter Motsepe ... Ta'Mighty
Thobeka Ndlele ... Celiwe
Thato Mokobori ... Classmate 1
Trevor Fellots ... Rich Fan
Nkosinathi Kheswa ... Donald
Stombi Hlombe ... Sarah
Emmanuel Matlakala ... Cousin 1
Zephonia Ngoepe ... Cousin 2
Sibongile Segobola ... Cousin 3
Nkululeko Mkubukeni ... Pastor
Nolu Malope ... Mpumi
Aphiwe Bonga ... Cougar
Patrick Matsheni ... Mahlangu
Ntombifuthi Simelane ... Sis Phindiwe
Nomasande Webu ... Property Agent
Nomazizi Princess Mbembe... Morishe
Thabiso Thobejane ... Maintenance Officer
Lihle Ngubo ... Zintle
Siyanda Semdyose ... Angry Customer
Nozuko Hlathikulu ... Maggie (as Precious Nozuko Hlathikulu)
Kholiwe Bikani ... Older Woman 1
Kagiso Njabulo Motlhabi ... Older Gent
Jabulani Eland ... Mr Khumalo
Sbusiso Ntuli ... Loan Shark
Elias Ngcongwane ... Mobster
Nthato Korolosi ... Blesser
Rodney Molalakgotle ... Leroy
Seitebaleng Dire ... Annikie (as Seitibaleng Dire)
Mvuyelwa Keswa ... Lotto Star Representative
Mpho Putini ... Therapist
Troy Thobela ... One Bullet
Mpho Mosoatsi ... Chief of Police
Aphelele Shezi ... Mthokozisi
Aubrey Ngcongca ... Jerry
Thuli Thabethe ... Nomvula
Nomonde Mbusi ... MaShezi
Thabo Gwadiso ... Pastor
Tlotlo Mosa Lekwene ... Marang
Collin Sepamatla ... Private Investigator
Mxolisi Mkhaliphi ... Guy 1
Bruce Motlala ... Sponsor
Amber Foko ... Woman 1
Dumisani Masondo ... Broke Agent
Owami Mtshweni ... Young Woman
Sphelele Duma ... IT Guy
Albion Shikwambana ... Sleazy Agent
Tumelo Lemeku ... Young Man
Welile Khanyile ... MaNdlovu
Noko Ratema ... Mandla
Maruwe Tekane ... Sepadi
Victor Mogale ... Friend 1
Excellent Mabitsi ... Drunk Guy
Nqubeko Mathenjwa ... Fan
Nkosikhona Kunene ... Journalist (as Nkoskhona Kunene)
Tidimalo Molome ... Interviewer
Taylor Morudu ... Intern
Oratile Tone ... Lerang Groupie
Lancelot Bongani Khumalo... Uncle Zakhele
Asavela Sofute ... Girl 1
Cirom Mavundla ... Journalist
Ndabuko Ntuli ... Sangoma
Tebogo Modisane ... George
Mahlogonolo Mahlo ... Journalist
Florence Mokgatsi ... Tsholo
Iviwe Ndonga ... Opposition Fan
Tshireletso Phasha ... Kgethang
Gcina Jamani ... Block Waiter
Mkhululi Zwane ... Bab'Dlodlo
Thabo Setati ... Doctor
Duduzile Tshabalala ... Nurse
Menzi Mahlangu ... Sjuko's Goon
Tiro John Mathlaga ... TV Anchor
Fanikie Mamba ... Sjuko's Goon
Makgobe Mamabolo ... Sebati Uncle
Kenneth Ngwenya ... Accountant
Paul Smith ... Mr Smith
Themba Maputla ... Buyer
Collen Modise ... Mzamo
Mbuso Simelane ... Mlungisi
Samuel Mathabatha ... Match Official
Simon Hadebe ... Inquiry Lawyer
Donald Thobela ... One Bullet
Bhekisisa Sithole ... Bishop's Assistant
Njabulo Nkomo ... Lucas
Thobani Mbhele ... Bishop Hadebe
Otlotleng Shoai ... Paramedic (as Otlotleng "Oros" Shoai)
Lesego Khoza ... Cat Phiri
Bongani Dlamini ... Jerry
Thabo Sithebe ... Police Officer 1
Siyabonga Mngadi ... Bonga's Lawyer
Peter Legodi ... Angry Mob Man
Ntombi Mvelase ... Angry Mob Woman
Naomi Mbamba ... Church Lady
Lucas Ramango ... Muzi
Makoto Phumodi ... Motlalepule
Lindiwe Dube ... Sports Journalist
Tsebanang Motsapi ... Director
Taylor Morudu ... Intern
Sibongile Sono ... Gertrude
Mandisa Maselela ... Random Chick
Calvin Mabasa ... Police Officer
Tsholo Tema ... Attractive Woman
Amukelani Ndleve ... Phil's Goon 1
Mpho Mudau ... Phil's Goon 2
Ashley Ndlovu ... Referee
Freddie Ngubane ... Nduku
Simphiwe Skhosana ... Phumla
Sihawu Dlamini ... Sbusiso
Sihle Nzuza ... Shezi
Karabo Magoro ... Puleng 'Garlic' Maseko
Neo Kubyane ... Charles "Light Skin Nikka" Dhlomo
Itumeleng Sebola ... Gondo Nkosi
Buhle Ngiba ... Ghandi "Jaros" Magagula
Sipha Lee Mthembu ... Zane "Kideo Kids" Zwane
Thabo Mamokwane ... Oratile's Uncle
Sphiwe Ngwenya ... Muzi's Uncle
Themba Malisha ... Delivery Man
Tay Flavour ... Celebrity DJ
Buddy Dzhivhuho ... Senior Police Officer
Mzwandile Shange ... Sangoma
Dzulani Muthapuli ... Crew Member
Jabulani Hlathi ... League Official
Patrick Matapane ... Match Referee