From 5 to 8 December, the Bo-Kaap Handball Club U20 Girls and U20 Boys teams travelled to Saldanha to compete in the 2025 National Club Championships, a national tournament that brought together clubs from across South Africa.
The tournament extended beyond match play. Over five days, the teams camped together, shared daily routines, and managed the physical and emotional demands of a multi-day competition. For many players, this was their first experience of a national event of this scale. Jahan, goalkeeper for the U20 Girls and later named Goalkeeper of the Tournament, described how the experience strengthened the group, explaining that the team bonded “not just on the handball courts, but also outside.”
On the court, both teams progressed consistently through the competition. The U20 Girls reached the final and secured a 17:13 win against Fameni (Eastern Cape), earning the title of 2025 National Club Champions. Their performance reflected sustained focus and teamwork across several demanding matches.
The U20 Boys advanced to the final unbeaten. Although the final ended in a 28:14 loss against a strong Eastern Cape side, the team finished as national runners-up. Reflecting on the experience, Uzair shared that the week was emotionally intense for the group, saying that “all the boys went through a very emotional burst” as they dealt with pressure, fatigue, and expectations.
Away from the main competition, players also took part in a beach handball activity, offering a brief change of pace and reinforcing the importance of shared experiences during the tournament.
Chairperson Gakeem Staggie emphasised the wider meaning of the week for the club, noting, “This tournament wasn’t just about winning or losing. It showed how much these young people have grown. They supported each other, stayed disciplined, and represented Bo-Kaap with pride, even when things were tough.”
Participation in the National Club Championships provided valuable exposure to national-level competition and reinforced the importance of creating consistent opportunities for youth to grow through sport. The experience in Saldanha will remain an important part of the U20 teams’ development moving forward.
