By Lavinia Shapumba
Cheerleading at Stellenbosch University (SU) is a sport viewed through multiple lenses – from being a performance at Varsity Cup to competing nationally. Maties Cheerleading has grown from a performance-focused team in 2020 into a competitive force in South African cheerleading by 2023.
Tiffany van Wyk, the current captain and flyer, explains that a typical training week during the season involves three to four sessions, each around two hours long. “Off-season, it’s mostly outreach programs and skill maintenance,” she says. Dylan Adams, former captain and current cheerleader, adds, “To be honest, cheerleaders have no off-season. We have busy seasons and slightly less busy seasons, but typically around Varsity Cup and competition times, there are a bit more practices.”
Preparation varies depending on the type of event, whether participating in competitions or cheering at sports games. Varsity Cup routines are crowd-focused, designed to hype up spectators and energise the stadium. Competitions, however, demand technical precision across multiple divisions – co-ed, all-girl, hip-hop, pom, and stunt groups. Adams explains, “For competitions, the practice and preparations are a lot more diverse and structured. We have to split our training to make sure each division is competition ready.”. Van Wyk says, “Certain skills, like aerial twists and stunting, are particularly challenging to perfect,” emphasising the athleticism involved in cheerleading.
The team’s support structure has grown over the years. While SU provides venues and managerial assistance through the Recreation and Lifestyle Unit (RALU), much of the logistics and access to facilities are secured by the Cheerleading Committee. Tiffany says, “We are competitive athletes. Our athletes are in the gym, training, stretching, and building stunting skills while balancing academics.” The team also plays a crucial role in match day energy. Last year the cheerleaders were absent at a rugby game and Van Wyk recalls, “You could feel it in the audience – the energy was noticeably lower.”
Maties Cheerleaders compete nationally and internationally under the Western Province Majorettes and Cheerleading Association (WPMCA) and the South African Majorettes and Cheerleading Association (SAMCA). With multiple Western Province and South African colours across stunting, hip-hop, and pom, the team continues to redefine what it means to cheer – balancing skill, artistry and team spirit while supporting SU’s wider sporting community.
