Competing for love
ASA athletes Benina and Mbazo have more on their minds than just their sports careers.
The gym girls all take an interest in Mbazo… Mon-Tue SABC2 (*192) 21:30
Mbazo (Unathi Platyi) swings fists when he’s fighting and roses when he’s romancing. And the lucky lady is his fellow athlete Benina (Mila Guy). “He doesn’t have a problem being violent in the ring – it’s his job. But she changes him outside – and he’s smitten.” So smitten in fact that Mbazo uses the oldest trick in the book to profess his love: a song on Tuesday 2 January. But it’s more than just lyrics that hooks Benina.
THE HORSE-WHISPERER
On Monday 8 January, they go on a horse ride and Benina’s horse gets out of hand, explains Mila. “I was nervous because this is an animal. Actors learn lines and take direction; animals don’t!” But everything was under control while filming and onscreen, Mbazo rushes in to save the day. “He comes in like this Superman and rescues her and their bond is strengthened,” explains Unathi. And that shows on Tuesday 9 January when Mbazo stands behind his lady love when she’s under attack.
A FRIEND IN ME
On Tuesday 9 January, Benina is confronted by ASA trainers Alex (Andile …but he only has eyes for Benina. Nebulane) and Jin (Cleo Rinkwest) who accuse her of stealing Alex’s Olympic medal. Benina is from a troubled background and when she joined the gym in September 2017, she already had a bad reputation. “It’s easy to blame Benina,” says Unathi. “Mbazo has her back and the two trainers are forced to apologise after searching her room and finding nothing.”
Later on Tuesday 9 January, Benina returns the support favour when her love interest stumbles through another song. “She calms him and he is able to finish the lyrics,” laughs Unathi. “They care about each other,” adds Mila. “But that could hinder their careers because it’s a difficult, involved relationship.” And trouble is brewing from Monday 15 January when they’re split up ahead of their next events and start sneaking around to see each other…
THAT’S ME!
Unathi jokes that playing Mbazo is easy. “It’s like playing myself! He is a prince from the Eastern Cape and argues with his father. I am a royal from East London and my father and I… well, yeah. Mbazo is a boxer who is dating a white girl. I trained with [late SA boxing legend] Nick du Randt and I’ve dated white girls. This is a piece of cake. [Laughs]”