A look back at the year in sport

Lonwabo Marele|Published 2 months ago

Dangerous Heroes’ goalkeeper Inathi Bonkolo and her teammates celebrate winning their second consecutive Coke Cup title, beating a shell-shocked UCT 4-2 to lift the trophy, at Athlone Stadium.

From the running streets of Khayelitsha to the hockey turf in Langa, 2024 has been nothing short of remarkable.

Our athletes have gone on to represent the country at the Paris Olympics and being crowned World Boxing Federation champions on home soil.

Last month, the 21st Axxess Landmark Half Marathon in Rondebosch began 2024 with energy and determination. While no records were broken, the TymeBank Langa Athletic Club showcased their dominance. Edward Jack took first place in the men’s 21km race, with teammates Duane Fortuin and William Kaptein completing the podium. It was a powerful end to a year of sporting milestones.

Asekho Nocele, Lwando Mgabi and Ntombokuqala Tolashe captivated the boxing stage in fine style this year.

Nocele captured the WBF International, Mgabi won the WBF and SA Men’s titles and Tolashe made history as the SA Women’s first champion from Cape Town at the Queen of Africa fight night, boosting Cape Town’s boxing message to the world.

Western Cape Super Bantamweight champ Kaya Mlata from Khayelitsha won via unanimous decision at the Waterfront over former world champion Siboniso Gonya.

On the other side of the street, in Khayelitsha, two promising boxers in Asavela Peter and Simamkele Finini fought twice with Peter walking away as the provincial champion.

The journey of ring announcer Asemahle Sentile was explored, shining light on the unsung heroes behind the scenes.

Kickboxing also took centre stage at Junxion, bringing together local fighters and uniting the community.

In Philippi, Dangerous Heroes clinched the Coke Cup women’s title for the second consecutive year, overcoming UCT in a thrilling 4-2 victory in Athlone. This triumph was a testament to their dedication and teamwork.

Schools also took the spotlight with Hlengisa and Litha primary schools winning the Cape Flats Schools Sports and Lifeskills Tournament in Gugulethu. This community-driven initiative, hosted by Siyavuselela, provided a platform for young talent and life skills development.

Manyano High School’s girls’ under-18 squad celebrated winning the Gavin Manuel Memorial Schools Legacy Cup over the winter period.

Rugby in Cape Town also had its share of highs and lows. Busy Bees RFC's women’s team concluded an impressive season despite falling short in the WPRFU semi-finals against Brackenfell.

On the basketball courts, Montana Vikings dominated the Western Cape Provincial Club Championships and the national championships. Their senior men’s and women’s teams triumphed over Mbekweni Shaq Squad in resounding victories, cementing their place as provincial champions.

Langa Hockey Club’s captain, Zenani Kraai, carried Cape Town’s hopes to the Olympic stage in Paris, living out a lifelong dream fueled by his community’s support.

In soccer, the Salties Soccer Clinic brought excitement to Philippi with a dynamic five-a-side tournament, highlighting the potential of youth development programs. Similarly, Rootz's community initiatives provided a platform for young talent to shine.

The tragic loss of referee Akho Ndzingo cast a shadow over the football community, reminding everyone of the fragility of life and the enduring impact of mentorship and leadership in sports.

From cricket celebrations in Gugulethu to Red Bull Dance Your Style national finals in Gqeberha, Cape Town’s athletes, teams, and communities demonstrated resilience, passion and unity throughout 2024.

The year reflected the city’s spirit, where sports continue to inspire hope, bring people together, and celebrate excellence in all its forms.

Hlengisa’s attack was illustrious throughout the programme’s tournament. On their quest to glory, they beat Lwazi 6-2 in the semi-finals, followed by a 6-4 victory against Vukukhanye in the final.

Siboniso Gonya stumbles back to the corner as Kaya Mlata walks towards him after a punch.

Members of the Crossroads branch of the Orlando Pirates Supporters Club gather for a group photo at the 11th anniversary celebrations held at the Crossroads multi-purpose centre.

Manyano High School’s girls’ under-18 squad celebrate winning the Gavin Manuel Memorial Schools Legacy Cup.

The new SA Junior Bantamweight and WBF champion Lwando Mgabi.

Asekho Nocele working the body of Ayanda Gangqa in the main supporting bout of the night before being crowned the new WBF Inetrnational champ in August.

Esam Ngubu of Busy Bees slips through the gap during her side’s WPRFU women’s league championship semi-final against Brackenfell, at City Park.

Khayelitsha’s Cwenga Tasana woos the crowd at the Red Bull Dance Your Style national finals, in Gqeberha.

Ntombokuqala Tolashe made history on August 30 by being crowned the first SA Women’s featherweight champion from the Western Cape.

Ashere Mila Sobantu breaks away for a Western Kings try against Young Ideas.

Runners representing clubs from across the city make their way to the finish line at Mandela Park Stadium, as a worshipper makes her way to a nearby church, during a 10km run in Khayelitsha.

Safa Official, Sisonke Holideyi remembering her former colleague, Akho Ndzingo, during the friendly tournament in support of the late referee. He was shot and killed in Khayelitsha. Down memory lane, in 2016, at the age of 22, the whistleman was named the Safa Cape Town referee of the year. He had started initiatives in his community to mentor children using football and refereeing.

Montana Vikings girls’ team in celebratory mood after defeating Hot Shots Basketball Club 29-20 in the third Junior NBA cup final match, played at UCT.

Langa Hockey Club captain Zenani Kraai in action for his side against Stellenbosch shortly before joining the SA squad for the Olympics.