New South African Indoor Tug-of-War Team Officially Capped After More Than ADecade
The South African Tug-of-War Federation’s Indoor Tug-of-War Team, the President’s Team,
was officially capped on Saturday, 21 February 2026, at a ceremony held in Cape Town.
The capping ceremony formally recognized the pullers selected while also acknowledging the collective efforts of coaches, partners, and communities who have contributed to rebuilding the indoor code in South Africa.
Speaking at the ceremony, Federation President Luther Anton Botha described the occasion
as a significant milestone in the restoration of indoor tug-of-war in the country, “This is how our national team should truly represent South Africa, the rainbow nation; from every race,
culture, and background. All together with one goal – to represent our country and to excel
on the world stage.”
Several pullers on the new national squad were part of a tug-of-war team established by
their church, New Heaven New Earth Church of Jesus, highlighting the role community structures continue to play in supporting sporting development.
“It’s a big responsibility to represent the country and carry the nation. Fortunately, we have
the support of our country,” said 24-year-old puller, Yolanda Tsele. “I’m excited to not only
see South Africa on the international stage, but also bring back other types of sports forms that have perhaps died or disappeared into the background of bigger, global sports.”
Proud mother, Fundiswa Tsele expressed the excitement of seeing her daughter being capped, “I’m very happy. I know she’s going places. She had to divide herself between school, church, and practice, but she managed to put that together and make it work. I’m
very proud.”
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Sport, Youth, and Culture in the Stellenbosch Municipality, Councillor Ndiphiwe Olayi, congratulated the team and reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to both grassroots participation and high-performance sport, “South Africa is behind you. The flag is behind you. And never forget, we have a whole generation looking forward and looking up to this national team. So good luck, we know you will bring back the gold.