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.

Jean-marc Johannes goes through his paces at the Freestyle Tour Open by FISE world series Tignes, in France. Picture: www_fise_2024

Youngsters from Cape Town City and Stellenbosch showcasing their skill and heart at the Engen Knockout Championship at Erica Park in Belhar. Emile Witbooi from Cape Town City recently got a call-up to the Absa Prem side. The future of football is in safe boots. Picture: Fuad Esack

Primrose’s Tauriq Isaacs, the number 14, lived up to his reputation as a speedster with magic in his hands this season. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

Magic Ladies FC in celebratory mood following a hard-fought win against Cape Town Roses to lift the Dream Cup trophy in February. Picture: Fuad Esack

Asekho Nocele won the WBF Africa Bantamweight title at the Sunningdale sports complex in August. Picture: Buntu Gotywa

Michal Lord of Cape Town Cricket Club celebrates after taking the first wicket during the Western Province Cricket Association’s opening round of the Community Cup T20 competition against Ottoman. Picture: Fuad Esack

UCT’s women’s team celebrate gaining promotion to the Hollywoodbets Super League following a week of drama on and off the field, at the play-offs in Knysna. Picture: Supplied

Former Proteas all-rounder Jacques Kallis in action for Claremont Cricket Club’s veterans’ side. Picture: Mark Ward.

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