UCT Cheerleading Club Soars to New Heights Without a Coach

Just over a year after the University of Cape Town (UCT) Cheerleading Club earned the title of “cheerleaders that rock” during the Varsity Cup rugby tournament, the team has proven their resilience and commitment by excelling in competitive cheerleading. This year, the club has continued to raise the bar, participating in several high-profile tournaments and achieving remarkable results.

In August, UCT competed at the Western Province Majorette and Cheerleading Association’s (WPMCA) third regional competition. The team showcased their skills in the tertiary-level co-ed large cheerleading category and performance cheer (hip-hop). UCT earned first place in the co-ed large cheerleading category and placed third in the hip-hop division. They also participated in the South African Majorettes and Cheerleading Association (SAMCA) competition held at UCT, where they finished seventh in the co-ed large cheerleading category and again placed third in the hip-hop division.

The achievements didn’t stop there. Four members of the UCT Cheerleading Club were awarded their provincial colours for the Western Cape in performance cheer, and they competed in a provincial category for the performance cheer division.

Team Resilience and Dedication

Co-captain Thokozani Mdluli, a final-year student at the Faculty of Humanities, expressed immense pride in the team’s accomplishments. “The team was incredibly resilient, showing dedication in preparing for the national competition. Practices became more intense, and I had to adopt a stricter approach as captain, which was a challenge. However, the team rose to the occasion and delivered outstanding routines at nationals. I was overwhelmed with pride when audience members praised our showmanship and how flawless our stunts were.”

What makes the team’s success even more impressive is that they achieved it all without a coach. Mdluli emphasized how this accomplishment speaks volumes about their talent and commitment. “We’ve come a long way without a coach, which still astonishes me. South Africa’s cheerleading industry is growing, and it’s exciting to see cheerleading recognized as a professional sport. I hope the UCT Cheerleading Club continues to build on this success and embrace both its growth and humble beginnings.”

Elevating Team Spirit

For Mdluli, cheerleading is more than just about performing routines—it’s about supporting UCT’s athletes across all sports. “Our role is to boost the morale of the players by offering cheers and performing routines that elevate their spirits,” Mdluli explained. “We’re there to bring energy, whether through dance, gymnastics, or chants, and to ensure the team feels the support of the crowd.”

Team choreographer Tuseka Zondo, a third-year Faculty of Law student, spoke about the challenges of her role. “Being surrounded by such talented and passionate dancers is intimidating, but I continuously seek inspiration from social media—whether it’s from American cheer teams, international dance troupes, or even K-pop choreography. I take inspiration from everything and adapt it to the UCT Cheerleading Club’s style, which has evolved over the years.”

Zondo added, “For anyone aspiring to be a choreographer, you need a love for music and dance, patience, and an understanding of the diverse learning styles within your team. Collaborative work and the ability to take criticism are essential.”

Trust and Team Bonding

Second-year student Canolia Hoofd, specializing in choreography, joined the UCT Cheerleading Club with a passion for dance. “Cheerleading combines everything I love—contemporary, ballet, African dance, and more,” Hoofd shared. “It was a dream come true to be part of the team, especially after having been a dancer for years.”

As a flyer, Hoofd emphasized the importance of trust within the team. “Being a flyer was my dream, but it requires a lot of trust. Cheerleading is all about trust, and every practice and competition is a chance to build that trust with your teammates. The bond we share has made us more than just a team; we’ve become a family.”

Looking to the Future

With impressive results in multiple competitions, the UCT Cheerleading Club has shown that even without a coach, their passion, commitment, and teamwork drive them to achieve excellence. As the team continues to grow and evolve, they are set to inspire others and elevate cheerleading as a professional sport in South Africa.

The UCT Cheerleading Club is undoubtedly on a remarkable journey, embracing their success while remaining humble, and they are excited to see how far their teamwork, trust, and determination will take them next.