As the year comes to an end, we look back at some of the sports stories we shared on our pages this year.
Our flag flew high at the IMMAF Youth World Championships in Dubai when a South African took the gold medal for the first time in the history of the event.
Nuha Shah, 14, a mixed martial artist, won her finals match via an armbar.
Her coach at the time, Eddie Lallo called the achievement a big deal in South Africa which would do wonders for South African mixed martial arts.
“Maybe she doesn’t understand it yet but eventually she will understand how big of a deal it is to get a gold medal at such a high level.
“Not only for her but for our communities and other girls, she has broken a lot of barriers,” said Lallo.
The youngster is now a member of Garden-based Pride Fighting Academy where she continues to master her martial arts skills in her professional pursuit.
Still in contact sports, boxer Mzuvukile “Old Bones” Magwaca has fully made his comeback in the ring. With two fights under his belt this year, he had said he was ready to hear his name mentioned for the SA title contention, a far more familiar role as he once was an undefeated champion.
Green Point-based Hamilton RFC would be satisfied with how their Super League A (SLA) season went as they were in the top six when the round robin was concluded.
After a tough start to the season they managed to turn it around and will be looking to use that momentum in the new season in 2023.
However, things didn’t turn out the way it was supposed to for their neighbours, SK Walmer. The Bo-Kaap-based side finished at the bottom of the SLA division and will now be joining the lower league when the rugby season kicks off in the new year.
Cricket fans did not miss out on action as well as the introduction of the Cape Premier League offers amateur cricketers more opportunities to showcase their abilities.
The T20 format has in recent years proven to be a very exciting format and Capetonians have their own version of the famed IPL in the CPL.
It is good news for upcoming cricketers as the format also gives them the opportunity to run shoulders with former international players.
