Three girls from the Bo-Kaap Handball Club were included in the latest Western Province Squad to have come home with gold.
When the Bo-Kaap Handball Club opened its doors almost three years ago, little did they know that they would soon be producing stars. Three of their players, Jehaan Staggie, Yusrah Samuels and Almaz Moses travelled to Rustenburg for the Youth Handball National Championships last month.
The U19 team emerged as tournament champions, with Bo-Kaap Handball Club’s very own Yusra Samuels playing a key role in their victory. Club president, Gakeem Staggie, proudly said: “This is a huge milestone for Bo-Kaap Handball Club. Yusra has been selected for the SA National Youth Team, becoming the first national player in our club‘s young history.”
The club is a non-profit organisation that was started with support from German handball player Philipp Böhm after he visited South Africa. “We are beyond proud of all three girls who embraced this incredible experience far from home. Grateful for this opportunity and excited to see more talent rise,” Mr Staggie said.
A few months ago, the Bo-Kaap Handball Club told the Atlantic Sun that they would like to grow the sport and give children from the area new opportunities (“Handing kids a new opportunity”, September 2024). In their final encounter before the month of Ramadaan, the club took on the Spartans Handball Club and Soneike High School in a day of mixed emotions − managing one win, one draw and one loss. Mr Staggie said: “We couldn’t be prouder of our teams.”
“Now, all eyes are set on finishing the league strong after Ramadan, with our boys still in the title race − pure tension ahead,” he said. The proud president of the club was excited for the future, hoping to produce more that would put the club on the map. “They are ready to take on the best in the country. We’re so proud of them and can’t wait to see them shine,” Mr Staggie said.
Originally published by Atlantic Sun: https://atlanticsun.co.za/sport/2025-03-11-bo-kaap-handball-player-selected-for-sa-team/