Durbanville resident and fitness junkie Liardus Nel (24) was chosen by Sria Reddy, the top-ranking consumer contestant, to be on a team together on the popular Tropika Island of Treasure reality game show.
This makes them the only consumer contestant pairing in the show – while the rest of the consumer contestants were partnered with the celebrity All-Stars.
Born in Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal, “But I see myself as a Capetonian,” as the 24-year-old now calls Cape Town home.
“I am very driven and enjoy doing things that challenge me. I am very family orientated and enjoy the outside and being active,” he adds.
Nel said he was walking in the mall when he saw the casting for Tropika Island Of Treasure when suddenly he was overwhelmed by the feeling of getting out of his comfort zone, and decided to give the casting a try.
“To be honest I did not expect anything, I just wanted to take a chance and challenge myself to do the casting.”
When he got the news that he was selected for the show he felt a combination of excitement and disbelief, Nel said.
“I was utterly surprised when I received the call. It took me a couple of minutes just to kick in and understand what is happening. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the producers saw something in you. Pure joy and the opportunity to experience something only a handful of people ever will.”
Nel thinks he has what it takes to get the grand prize because he is a very driven person, especially in a team dynamic.
“I will always give everything I have in all challenges. I think I can uplift others.”
He continued to say that he has a belief that “it is not over until it is over”, and that one should take all opportunities, keep fighting and do your best. This is a big one for him, he said.
According to Nel, he has this motto in his head that he keeps whispering to himself ‘you only have this moment.
And just like all the challenges in Tropika Island Of Treasure you have to take life in the same way.
Nel’s advice to others is to give everything you have but enjoy the journey and the moment you are in. Take risks. Get out of your comfort zone, either big or small because you have no idea what can happen.
“I think it is beautiful being able to test your capabilities.”
A message he wants to tell others is that wherever you are in life, take a step back and just appreciate how far you have come and what you have accomplished.
Appreciate this moment and then chase those dreams without fear.
Tropika Island of Treasure is a fun-filled All-Star season where 18 lucky consumer contestants will battle it out for a chance to compete with the celebrities for the grand prize of their share of R1 million.
Season 10 of this show started on the 17 September.
The show airs on Saturdays from 18:30 to 19:30 on SABC 3.
