Etv’s new local soccer drama, Shooting Stars, kicks off on Monday, 3 September at 21:00. the series is set in the competitive world of soccer in South Africa. It will concentrate on the challenges that players, managers and all parties involved in the sport experience. Bra Vic (Timmy Kwebulana) is the owner of Shooting Stars. His arch rival is Neo Moloto (Vatiswa Ndara), the owner of the Black Dragons. The two were once lovers, but now cannot stand each other. Neo is blamed for the industry that brought Bra’s career to an end, and Neo is seeking revenge because he left her for another woman. Bra’s team has been relegated from the PSL to the first division league, and he desperately needs to save his team. The day’s saviour comes in the form of Wandile Dhlomo (Motlatsi Mafatshe) who leaves his rural home in Kwazulu-Natal to play for his country. Wandile ends up playing for Shooting Stars along with Nigerian, Duke Opara (Anthony Oaseyemi) and together they make a formidable pair. However, Sechaba Makayi (Dumisane Mbebe) becomes extremely jealous when Wandile enters the squad. He feels that his position in the team is being threatened. Another problem is Clinton Arendse (Keenan Arrison), who has a fiery temper and a lethal tongue. Ronnie Cohen Jr (Luke Viver) a reluctant player, who is not committed to playing soccer but is there on his father’s wishes. The series will follow the team as it tries to return to its former glory. The series is produced by Penguin Films, who also worked on Madam & Eve. According to the producer/creative director of the show, Roberta Durrant, “The most exciting aspect of Shooting Stars was working with new, young and energetic talent, both in front and behind the camera. The challenge was to find soccer players who could act, or actors who could play soccer. Mostly we cast actors who could play soccer who then had to embark on a vigorous four month training programme before we started shooting”.