Warriors Arise: New Tug of War club launched in Kimberley
The Warriors Tug of War Club in Kimberley has officially launched, and recently showed off their new sponsored team clothing from Safire. The club aims to grow the sport locally while involving youth and the community through training at Elizabeth Conradie School. Seen are all the members from the Warriors Club.
Image: Danie van der Lith
Kimberley's newly-established Warriors Tug of War Club has officially received their sponsored team clothing, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for the local athletes.
With Safire Insurance stepping in as the main sponsor, the Warriors proudly showcased their new kits this week at Elizabeth Conradie School, where the club is based. The club hopes to create opportunities for the school’s learners to get involved in tug of war, offering them a platform to discover the sport, build confidence, and enjoy being part of a competitive but family-like team environment.
Sankie Scholtz from Safire Insurance said that they are very exited and proud to be on board as the main sponsor for the Warriors Club, and she believes that they will form a strong partnership with each other.
Image: Danie van der Lith
The club was formed to grow the sport of tug of war in the Northern Cape and provide equal opportunities for all athletes.
Head coach Kobus Louw, an international trainer, says the vision is to build a united club where passion and discipline drive success. “We wanted to create a space where everyone has equal opportunities and strong cooperation between pullers and parents,” Louw explained. “We are fortunate to have five international pullers in our team who have already represented the country, and they are motivated to keep working toward their dream of one day wearing the Springbok jersey.”
Currently, the Warriors boast 33 members ranging from as young as four years old to the age of 60. Training sessions are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6pm to 7.30pm. The programme combines fitness, technical drills, and live rope practice.
“Tug of war is not just a farm sport,” Louw added. “It teaches teamwork, endurance, and discipline. It also builds friendships and strength of character.”
The Warriors' focus is on growing across all divisions including barefoot, junior, and senior teams, while also encouraging schools in the Northern Cape to get involved. Their long-term goal is to become one of the top clubs in the province and to inspire a new generation of athletes.
With their new sponsorship from Safire, the Warriors are preparing for a busy competition season. They will compete at the Orania Carnival on October 18, followed by the prestigious GENSB Under-18 competition in Mossel Bay on October 25.
Several club competitions are already lined up for early 2026, culminating in the South African Junior Championships in Robertson in March.
SAFIRE Insurance sponsored the Warriors Club with their new kit.
Image: Danie van der Lith
Beyond competition, the Warriors also want to play a vital role in community upliftment. The club plans to host more open days to encourage Kimberley’s youth to take part and to promote tug of war as a sport for all.
“We want to give the community and especially the children opportunities to be part of a positive and disciplined environment,” said Louw. “This sport is for everyone, and we want to grow it into something that Kimberley and the Northern Cape can be proud of.”
For more information or to join the Warriors Tug of War Club, interested individuals can contact coach Kobus Louw at 071 604 6498.