Two can play that game!

Picture this: you walk into a houseparty and there stands the biggest rugby star in the country bending over so that people can throw balls at the target painted on his butt. In the corner, a couple of celebrity siblings are waiting to see who’ll get the confetti cannon to go off in their faces. There’s a whole group of people you recognise yelling at each other and leaping about because 1 just answered the simplest trivia question you ever heard. Everywhere you look, someone’s going loco.

Welcome to Celebrity Game Night SA Season 3 at Anele Mdoda’s house!

In each hour-long episode, host and TV and radio personality Anele Mdoda invites 2 teams of 3 celebs to her new house in Cape Town (which is actually a set) to compete in a series of challenges that range from pop-culture quizzes to a next-level potato sack race.

The 2 celeb crews are led by team captains: actress and TV personality Ayanda Thabethe and comedian Jason Goliath. They put their best foot forward to win against each other while entertaining their celeb guests. “Some games are more difficult than others, but they’re designed to allow the celebs to shine,” says Ayanda.

We caught up with Ayanda and Jason to tell us about their winning strategies for season 3, what’s new and who’s playing the game.

 

May the best team captain win!

Did you have a strategy to win Season 3?

Jason: “My strategy is always clear: it’s to be Anele’s wingman and to have as much fun as possible. Of all the shows that I’m involved in, Celebrity Game Night is my favourite by far because it ticks all the boxes. We get to work at a reasonable time, we have a bar on set, we hang out with pleasant people, and we’re encouraged to have a blast.”

Ayanda: “They don’t call me the winning team captain for no reason. Because I am competitive, I can get into my head a lot. This year, I’m calmer and I try to enjoy myself as much as I can.”

What makes Season 3 of Celebrity Game Night different?

Jason: “We have a bigger and better set, which allows us to play bigger games and by that, I mean physically – we move around. If you enjoyed the past 2 seasons, where we didn’t have a lovely patio, you’re in for a treat.”

Ayanda: “Of course, the outdoor area adds a beautiful element to our already fantastic set. There are lush plants and beautiful furniture where we could relax. Celebrity Game Night is about bringing people together and the outdoor area does exactly that.”

You’ve been competing against each other for 2 seasons. What have you learnt about each other?

Jason: “Ayanda’s angelic smile can be deceiving, and I’ve learnt not to trust it. Behind her smile lies a competitive person who wants to win at any cost.”

Ayanda: “Jason is all bark and no bite [Laughs]. When it’s time to participate in the challenges, my teams perform better. I have learnt to ignore his chatter and focus on maintaining my winning streak.”

What can you tell us about the guests that are visiting in Season 3?

Jason: “We have a variety of the country’s best celebs. What we’ve managed to do, which has been the objective since Season 1, is to create an environment in which the celebrities let their guards down and reveal their true selves. You’ll see how competitive, intelligent and calculated the celebs can be. There’s plenty of smack talk between the celebs, which is something we’ve been aiming for, but it has really peaked this season.”

Ayanda: “You’ll see the celebrities come out of their shells. In the finale, which is themed Girls versus Guys, we pit the 2 genders against each other and see who comes out on top.”

Do you have a favourite celeb guest in Season 3?

Jason: I” loved hanging out with all the celebs but my highlight in Season 3 is comedian and radio personality Skhumbuzo “Skhumba” Hlophe. He had everyone on set laughing. Imagine the funniest man in South Africa on the country’s funniest show, that combination alone stands out. “

Ayanda: “I’m going to agree with Jason on that. Skhumba was hilarious and he had everyone in stitches. If you don’t believe us, just tune into the episode.”

What has it been like working together, including Anele?

Ayanda: “We work well together. Jason is the funny guy, I bring my sweet and endearing nature, and Anele is the Mama Bear of the group. Between the takes, she brings us treats and she ensures that everyone on set is comfortable and enjoying themselves.”

Jason: “Anele and Ayanda are consummate professionals. We are always prepared and professional. Anele was sent from the future to teach us to host TV shows. She is witty, quick and she has a grasp of what the tone of the show should be.”

Watch Celebrity Game Night SA Season 3 from Sunday, 13 February at 20:00 on E! (DStv Channel 124)

E! (DStv Channel 124) is available on DStv Premium, Compact Plus, and Compact. To upgrade your existing package, click here. Or if you'd like to Get DStv, find a service that suits your needs here.