NWU CHEERLEADERS: BEHIND THE SCENES

Miné Fourie 

@mine.fouriee

 

The NWU cheerleaders are a familiar sight on the sidelines during Varsity Cup matches, bringing energy and excitement to every performance. However, behind the polished routines and bright smiles lies a team built on discipline, commitment, and strong friendships. For many members, joining the squad is about more than simply performing at rugby games. It is an opportunity to challenge themselves, grow as dancers and become part of a close-knit community.

 

Cheerleader Joanique Horn shared that joining the team had always been a personal goal. “I’ve always had a passion for dance and knew I wanted to try out for the cheerleading squad,” she said. “I wanted a new challenge, to grow as a dancer while still having fun. Joining the team also gave me the opportunity to build friendships with women who share the same resilience and discipline.”

 

Jordan Karsten shared a similar experience, explaining that what started as curiosity quickly became something much bigger. “I loved dancing in high school and would always see videos of the cheerleaders on TikTok, but I never thought I would become one,” she said. She wanted to challenge herself by trying something new. It became a dream I never knew I had. From the moment she attended the try-outs, everything changed. The team became her family, and cheerleading became her home.

 

Although spectators often only see the performances on game day, there is far more to the team than meets the eye. According to Karsten, one of the biggest misconceptions is that cheerleading is highly competitive within the team. “Being a cheerleader means being part of a sisterhood,” she explained. “We all come from different backgrounds, cultures, and personalities, but we support and respect one another. Many people assume there is jealousy or competition, but in reality, we celebrate each other’s successes and genuinely care for one another.”

 

Horn added that the squad is continuing to grow beyond the field. This year marked the team’s first participation in the Varsity Cup Cheerleaders ‘That Rock’ competition, an experience she described as both exciting and rewarding. She also encouraged students to follow the team’s growing Instagram page to stay updated with their journey.

 

Preparing for every performance requires significant dedication. During the Varsity Cup season, the squad trains up to six times a week, with weekday practices typically taking place from 18:00 to 21:00 in the Alumni Hall. Weekend sessions are held on Minjonet’s grass and at the Fanie du Toit Stadium, where the team completes full practice runs alongside the other Varsity Cup entertainment groups.

 

Depending on the competition schedule and home fixtures, practice sessions usually last around three hours, ensuring every routine is polished before the team steps onto the field.

 

While the performances may only last a few minutes, they are the result of countless hours of training, teamwork and determination. Show your support by following the girls on Instagram at @nwu_varsity_cup_cheerleaders and keep a look out for future performances. 

 

NWU cheerleaders posing in the amphitheatre (Source: Jordan Karsten).

 

NWU cheerleaders at the Fanie Stadium with Eagi (Source: Jordan Karsten).

NWU cheerleaders posing for a photo during a Varsity Cup game (Source: Joanique Horn).

 

Edited by Antoinette Tshikota