The former Survivor star can now be seen on eTV and is currently the Sports Correspondent for the Durban Bureau. We paid Zayn a visit to find out more…

So, where will we find you on weekends?

If I’m not covering a soccer, rugby or cricket match then I’ll probably just be relaxing at home. If I do leave the house for a night out, you can catch me sipping whiskey at the Filler Bar in Florida Road. I often pop by to Casa Nostra after that, before ending the night at either Spiga D’oro (I love the Shaik ala linguine with extra bacon) or at Johnnies having a chip, cheese and mutton gravy Roti. On a Sunday, I go to church in the morning and I’m just as religious about having chocolate Frios at Vida e Café every Sunday afternoon.

Best advice you have ever received and who was it from?

The best advice I have ever received was from John Pilger, an award winning journalist. He once said “It’s not enough for journalists to see themselves as mere messengers without understanding the hidden agenda of the message and the myths that surround it.”

Tell us a bit about your Survivor experience?

I think I’ve put on all the weight I had lost after the show and that’s why I’ve been recognised a lot more these days! (Laughs.) But, casting my mind back, the whole experience was really tough. It’s physically and emotionally very draining. No food means no energy, so you really don’t think properly. And then through all of this you have to cohabitate with people constantly plotting against you, it’s definitely not for the faint hearted. Although overall, it was a great experience and I learnt that no matter what the obstacles or challenges are you face in life, never give up. Adapt. It’s that simple.

Future plans or projects in the works?

Well, for now my focus lies on being the best that I can be at eTV. I’m also looking at doing my Masters in journalism and I’ve started to think about getting into radio part time. I think I’ve got a face for radio, don’t you? (Laughs.)

So, what has been your favourite on-air experience so far?

Definitely being tackled by a drunken rugby fan while reporting at a Test match in Durban this year! It was really funny. This intoxicated lady appeared from nowhere and tried to knock me over just as I was signing off, after the Springboks had beaten the All Blacks. There was also the time I interviewed some drunken fans at the Currie Cup Final and they proceeded to pour beer onto my head and pull my coat off. This was all while trying to undress me live on air. Good times I tell ya!