2024 - a year of triumphs and growth

As we bid farewell to another exhilarating year in sports, Tabletalk’s dedication to providing in-depth coverage within our catchment area remains unwavering.

Looking back on an action-packed year in the world of sports, it's clear that 2024 has been a solid one for combat sports. From thrilling boxing matches to the rise of Thai boxing, the year was filled with standout performances that showcased local talent and their growth.

This year saw two Cape Town-based fighters capture South African boxing crowns in what can only be described as a monumental achievement. Lwando Mgabi claimed the title of SA Super Flyweight champion after a dominant win over Sihle Jelwana in September 28 at the Sunningdale Sports Complex. He will undoubtedly look to defend his crown in 2025, continuing his rise on the national boxing scene.

Meanwhile, Ntombokuqala Tolashe also earned her SA Featherweight title, making it third time lucky after two previous attempts fell short.

Sunningdale Sports Complex once again proved to be a happy hunting ground for Cape Town's combatants, hosting several key events.

But boxing wasn’t the only combat sport on display this year. The Thaiholics promotions continued to push the boundaries of Thai boxing in South Africa, crowning multiple champions on August 8 and drawing a crowd of talented fighters from across the country.

Under the guidance of Nic Radley, the Montague Gardens-based promotion has become a key fixture on the local combat scene and it's clear that Thai boxing is gaining serious traction in Cape Town and beyond.

For MMA fans, Barebones MMA Championships, led by Lyndall Sandenbergh, made its debut this year in July 20, providing a much-needed platform for amateur fighters to hone their skills before transitioning to the professional ranks. This new venture is a game-changer, addressing the long-standing issue of limited competition for aspiring MMA fighters in Cape Town. With a fresh, professional approach to the sport, the future of MMA in Cape Town looks promising, and we can only hope more promoters follow suit in nurturing local talent.

One of the biggest highlights of the year was August 10 with PFC’s stunning comeback after the Covid-19 pandemic, with a spectacular 24-bout card that included both boxing and K1 action. The event marked a triumphant return for the promotion, showing that Cape Town’s combat sports scene is more alive than ever.

Moving from the fighting rings to the BMX tracks, Zone 7 proved to be a standout venue this year, with significant upgrades to their facilities that allowed them to host national events. These improvements helped elevate the club's status and brought in BMX riders from across the country on September 8 when they hosted SA champs. With continued development, Zone 7 is well on its way to becoming the go-to destination for BMX talent in South Africa.

The riders themselves also made waves, with several from the club securing victories in both national and provincial championships. Their successes have placed Zone 7 on the map as a hub for BMX excellence and as more young riders come through the ranks, we expect the club to continue thriving in the years ahead.

How about this for a comeback - Darren Thomas, a Blouberg man who is wheelchair-bound after being shot in a house robbery, brought home a bronze medal from the Wodapalooza Fitness Festival in Miami, in the United States of America in January 19.

He had been an active sportsman before incident but showed that nothing was going to stop him from making a name for himself on the world stage.

CrossFit became more than just a means of physical rehabilitation for Thomas, it became a lifeline; a lifeline taking him to his purpose.

As we close the chapter on this year, we acknowledge that every achievement, no matter the size, is worth celebrating. The new year brings with it even greater promise and we can’t wait to see how our sporting heroes and heroines continue to raise the bar and inspire others.

Here’s to a bright future for Cape Town’s sports community, and to many more thrilling events in the year ahead.