South Africa’s Kho Kho team featuring four talented players from the Eastern Cape clinched the bronze medal at the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025 held at New Delhi in India from 13th to 19th January 2025.
Malibongwe Tyatyeka, Emihle Funani, Sabelo Jobo and Soli Mayende all part of the Eastern Cape Indigenous Games played a crucial role in securing the third-place finish for the national team.
Funani and Mayende part of the women’s team had a remarkable run defeating New Zealand, Indonesia, Peru and Poland in the group stages.
Although they lost to India in the semifinals, they secured a thrilling 51-46 win against Kenya.
In addition, Tyatyeka and Jobo members of the men’s team contributed to three wins out of four games beating Ghana, Argentina and Netherlands.
Despite losing to India in the semifinals, they triumphed over England in the quarterfinals.
Eastern Cape Department of Sport Recreation, Arts and Culture(EC DSRAC) Sibulele Ngongo congratulated the SA team and the four provincial players on their bronze medal achievement. “This experience has been an unforgettable one for our players and we look forward to welcoming them back. We’re happy by their sterling performance,” Ngongo said.
The success of the Eastern Cape quartet and the national team marks a significant milestone for Kho Kho in South Africa, paving the way for future growth and development of the sport.
Photograph: Malibongwe Tyatyeka, Emihle Funani, Sabelo Jobo and Soli Mayende celebrate their bronze medal win at the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup
Photograph: supplied
