The cheerleading team on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus turned a last-minute opportunity into a major achievement. They secured top honours in both the Pom and Hip-Hop categories at an intervarsity competition held on 1 May.

The team received an invitation to participate from the Central University of Technology (CUT) on 17 April, leaving them less than two weeks to prepare.

Despite the short turnaround time, the squad committed to structured rehearsals five days a week, focusing on stamina, precision and synchronisation across both performance styles.

“Consistency, practice and discipline played a major role in our success. We spent countless hours perfecting our routines, and the fitness training gave us the strength and confidence to perform at our best,” the team says.

Their double victory reflects a growing versatility and an ability to adapt to different styles while pushing beyond previous limits.

Teamwork proved central to their success, with each routine requiring precise timing, clean formations and strong visual impact. Through the demanding preparation process, the group developed a shared vision and strong cohesion.

The team says the role of teamwork is the same as in all sports - without a common goal, they cannot succeed.

Choreography was another defining factor, combining creativity with technical precision. The routines were designed to highlight the strengths of the team, while meeting and exceeding judges’ expectations.

Beyond the medals, the achievement carries broader significance for the sport. “This win shows that cheerleaders should be taken seriously as athletes. Cheerleading is often underrated, and we are proud to prove what we are capable of.”

Looking ahead, they plan to build on this momentum by increasing technical difficulty, introducing new elements into their routines and maintaining consistency in training. Their focus remains not only on winning, but on continuous growth and delivering even more dynamic performances.

The competition also provided valuable exposure to national-level standards, including those seen at SAMCA events. For a team that entered under pressure and with limited preparation time, the experience marks a significant step forward.