Andile Ncube enjoys interacting with audiences.
“Like many young boys growing up in the townships, I dreamt of becoming a soccer player,” he says. “But when that didn’t happen I decided to become a television presenter instead.”
Being part of the Ajax football academy didn’t just nurture his skills on the soccer field but also exposed him to the skills needed to tell others about the sport in an entertaining way. He later went on to present Soccerzone and Soccer 411.
Ncube is the co-host of SABC1’s Ke Yona: Making The Team, with Lebo Motsoeli. The reality-style TV series documents the journey of men hoping to make it as professional soccer players. The 18 best players will then be led by Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba and will get to compete against 2014 Nedbank Cup champions Orlando Pirates.
“The show is a great platform for dreamers,” says Ncube. “We aren’t only looking at developing young talent. If you are 30 years old and you believe you have what it takes to become a soccer star, then you should try out for the team.”
Ncube rose to fame when he hosted SABC1’s entertainment show Live, and earlier this year he was announced as the host of X Factor: South Africa.
“My role on the show is to encourage and support the contestants and make sure the judges aren’t too mean.”
Musicians Zonke Dikana, Arno Carstens and Oscar Oskido Mdlongwa will be judging the contestants.
Ncube, one of the country’s most successful television presenters, says presenting is an art.
“One of the biggest challenges in this industry is that there are so many people who think they can do it. Presenting a television show is not just about standing there and looking pretty. It’s mostly about communication. As a presenter, you are telling a story that’s unfolding right before the viewers’ eyes.”
On the secrets to his success, Ncube says he has just been very lucky. “I started presenting sports shows long before it became popular and this really set me apart. If you make good decisions and believe in your talent, you will achieve your goals.”
Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.
