The Blue Soldiers and Hoop Hustlers claimed victory at the first-ever Half Court National Finals, earning the right to represent South Africa at the World Championships.
Johannesburg, South Africa (15 September 2025) – Wits University courts were buzzing with an electric crowd, and history was made as the first-ever Red Bull Half Court National Finals took place in Johannesburg. After weeks of qualifiers in multiple cities across South Africa, Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria, South Africa’s best streetball teams finally clashed for national glory and the chance to represent the country at the world finals in Dubai this November.
By the end of a thrilling day, it was the MBB Blue Soldiers, made up of Nino Dim, Lebesa Selepe, Neo Mothiba, and Rabbi Belolo-Lou, who claimed the men’s crown. On the women’s side, the Hoop Hustlers, namely Lauren Fredericks, Monicah Tlou, Khanyi Maphisa, and Liyabona Sahnnon Nondala, rose to the occasion to secure their ticket to the global stage. Both teams will now carry Mzansi’s pride when they test their skills against some of the sharpest streetball squads from around the world.
This tournament showed off how the game is supposed to be played. Streetball is all about flair, creativity, and pace, and the national finals delivered on every front. Adding a unique twist was the “Own the Court” rule, where teams advance not only by winning but also by outscoring everyone else in their group. It is a format that it meant to keep the intensity alive right up until the last basket.
The men’s captain, Lebesa Selepe, mentioned this was a massive occasion for the team.
“We have just been crowned champions of the South Africa Half Court and booked our ticket to Dubai! You only get one shot at this thing called life, so keep firing!”
Women’s captain Lauren Fredericks was just as excited.
“We’re so excited to head to Dubai! I’m grateful to share this journey with such an amazing group of ladies; we’ve had so much fun already, and I know the experience will be incredible.”
The national finals marked a milestone moment for South African basketball. Now, all eyes turn to Dubai, where the Blue Soldiers and Hoop Hustlers will showcase their game on the world stage.
Sources: Supplied
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 