2024: A year of triumph on the sports front

From electrifying finals in Newlands to fierce boxing matches by the beach, 2024 reminded us that this city isn’t just about mountain views and ocean vibes – it’s where sporting dreams come alive.

Across fields, courts, and rings, our local legends gave us countless reasons to cheer, proving once again that Cape Town is the heart of South African sport. Let’s take a look back and relive the highlights.

The year began with the Klopse kicking us into competition mode with the Tweede Nuwe Jaar Street Parade attracting visitors from across the country and abroad to the Cape Town city centre. This was followed by the Hollywoodbets KKKA Kaapse Klopse Competition at Athlone Stadium.

Rondebosch-based Magic Ladies FC walked away winners of the Dream Cup following a 1-0 win against Gugulethu’s Cape Town Roses, in Wynberg, in February.

Athletes from schools and clubs in the False Bay and Southern Zone school districts competed at the Western Province High Schools and Western Province Athletics Junior championships, at Vygieskraal, and at the nationals in Paarl, in March.

Rondebosch clinched the Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) Premier League title in their final fixture of the season in April.

Attention shifted to the Coke Cup finals. Antalyaspor JPM Cape Town's under-18 team secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Hanover Park FC in Athlone.

Vasco da Gama and the Dangerous Heroes also claimed their respective trophies in front of nearly 9 000 enthusiastic fans. These matches were more than competitions; they brought communities together and celebrated local talent.

UCT women’s football team triumphed in the Western Cape Sasol League.

Cape Town’s boxers delivered outstanding performances this year. Cristiano Ndombassy made a powerful comeback with a first-round TKO at Fight Island, while Western Cape champion Kaya Mlata continued his unbeaten streak, defeating a former world champion with a composed and strategic display.

These victories, perhaps, demonstrated the skill and determination of local boxers, proving their potential on the global stage.

Rugby had a strong year, with Uni-Mil Rugby Club highlighting how sport can promote transformation and inclusion.

At Rosmead, Primrose RFC were crowned the Super League C champions of 2024, in an electrifying display of sheer heart and passion.

Meanwhile, Rondebosch’s Hamilton RFC claimed the Super League A title, further solidifying their reputation as one of the province’s top clubs.

Rondebosch Boys’ collected maximum points (31-16) when they visited Bishops Diocesan College for a schools rugby thriller, in Rondebosch, in June.

Up town, SACS edged a one-point win (30-29) against Wynberg Boys’ at the Hawthornden sports field, in Wynberg.

In basketball, the Montana Vikings and Eagles Basketball Club showed great promise, inspiring younger players to aim higher and work together. These teams demonstrated how sport builds not only skill but also a sense of belonging.

Teenager Nuha Shah made a successful debut in Muay Thai, showing exceptional talent and determination.

Cape Town Spurs are busking in celebratory mood following April’s 4-1 win against FN Rangers St Agnes in this year’s Premier Cup final at Athlone Stadium.

Aerial acrobatics, executed with pin-point accuracy by some of the country’s finest “aerobats”, was the order of the day, as master pilots took to the skies above the Ysterplaat Air Force Base, in Brooklyn and beyond, in October. The airborne spectacular formed part of the South African 4×4 and Outdoor Show.

SACS showed dominance in the school’s provincial knockout championship, beating Bishops in the boys under-19 final, in Rondebosch, while Victoria Girls Hub won over Gugulethu’s Girls Hub in the girls’ under-18 final, in Newlands, in November.

If 2024 taught us anything, it’s that sport has the power to unite and uplift. From rugby teams breaking barriers to boxers chasing their dreams, Cape Town’s athletes have shown what is possible through hard work and passion.

As we step into 2025, let’s continue to support our local talent, celebrate their successes, and build on the incredible spirit of 2024.