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ACTOR Sphamandla Ngcobo’s resilience has finally paid off after ditching his extra tag for a permanent role in the e.tv soapie

Ngcobo is elated with the elevation of his character Hloni which comes barely a year after his maiden acting appearance on the small screen since moving to Joburg in 2012, seeking fame and fortune.

It’s my first TV gig. I went for auditions early in 2014 when the producers were looking for a mature male character. Unfortunately I was too young to play that person, so I was dropped.

But Ngcobo (24) was not deterred and lived with the hope that his turn would come.

The time for his star to shine bright came two weeks later when he received news informing him that he would be playing Hloni.

I believe I made a good impression during the auditions, it seems the producers liked me.

I started as an extra but I’m now growing with the character into being a permanent feature.”

The former University of KwaZulu-Natal student said his theatre background gave him the edge to clinch the role.

Ngcobo, who hails from Umgungundlovu, in KZN, dropped out of his theatre studies after only two years.

I didn’t like what I was doing. It was like they were wasting my time. I’m a very impatient person. I did odd jobs,” he said.

But a new window of opportunity opened for Ngcobo when he moved to Joburg four years ago and enlisted with a casting agency. Then a friend told him about the auditions.

I want to work hard by concentrating on my character to grow and enjoy the role. Thereafter I may do feature films and ultimately go into directing,” he said.

His character gradually gained popularity when Hloni was involved in a nasty love triangle involving the woman in the middle, Gontse and rival boyfriend Ndumiso.

I’m making the most of the storyline. This baby mama (Gontse) keeps throwing herself at me what can a man do when put in such an awkward situation?

It’s been great working with Khanyisile (Zwane) and Andile (Sithole), the love triangle storyline is challenging but I’ve taken everything in my stride,” Ngcobo said.

The Varsity College film directing graduate says he owes it to the producers for his big break.

They re an awesome bunch of people to work with, they encouraged me. In reality, it’s not been easy but I’ve stuck in there because of my love for the arts.”