SA’s U/23 Tug of War team are double world champs, now they’re self-funding their way to defend the title in England this September.
South Africa (01 July 2025) – They’ve already made history twice. South Africa’s U/23 600kg Tug of War team stormed the 2024 World Championships in Mannheim, Germany, and walked away with not one, but two gold medals. Champions of both the Open and Closed divisions, they were the only team in the tournament to pull off the double. But now, with another championship on the horizon, these remarkable athletes are facing their biggest challenge yet: getting there.
In September 2025, the team will once again represent South Africa on the global stage, this time in Nottingham, England. Their goal? To defend their world titles. Their plan? Train harder than ever. But the reality? They’ll need to self-fund their entire trip unless support steps in.
Without a sponsor, this world-class team is pulling together more than just ropes; they’re pulling together resources, community, and the spirit of South African resilience. In 2024, they reached Germany without major backing. This time, they’re hoping to raise R550,000 to cover flights, visas, gear, accommodation, transport, and team accreditation. That’s everything it takes to get these champions from rural fields and schoolyards to the international stage.
It’s not about perks or prestige, it’s about pride, perseverance, and passion. And it’s about what happens when you back a team that has already proven they can go the distance, against the odds.
Because this isn’t just a tug of war, it’s a tug of hope. These athletes are carrying the flag, not because they were handed the opportunity, but because they earned it.
Their story is the stuff of legends: a team forged in grit, bonded in brotherhood, and united by a single mission, to raise the South African flag high on the world stage. Now, as they prepare to do it all over again, they’re asking South Africans to back them, one contribution at a time.
Whether you’re an individual moved by their story or a business that wants to stand behind excellence, your support could make all the difference. This is your chance to help a group of champions write their next chapter and to be a part of the moment they make history once again.
The team launched a BackaBuddy fund to rally support from the country. But you can also reach out to Leezelle Cronje, who manages the team’s funding campaigns, via email here to discuss various ways to collaborate with the team.
Let’s rally behind the rope. Let’s pull together. And let’s help Team South Africa bring the gold home again.
Remember these names: Lourens Brand, Kershin Cloete, Jean Cronjé, Thys Lourens, Gawie Marais, Henk Meyer, Casey Pietersen, Divan Sprong, Vian Steenkamp and Stefanus Van Zyl. They are joined by Coach Piet Lourens and Team Manager Kurt Cloete.
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