The court was set, the energy was exciting, and a milestone achieved as the first-ever Red Bull Half Court National Finals took place at Wits University in Johannesburg on 13 September 2025. After weeks of intense qualifiers in Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria, South Africa’s top men’s and women’s streetball teams battled it out for national glory and the chance to represent Mzansi on the global court in Dubai this November.
In the men’s division, the MBB Blue Soldiers (Nino Dim, Lebesa Selepe, Neo Mothiba, and Rabbi Belolo-Lou) claimed the crown, while the women’s title went to the Hoop Hustlers (Lauren Fredericks, Monicah Tlou, Khanyi Maphisa, and Liyabona Shannon Nondala). Both squads will now fly the South African flag in Dubai, where they’ll face some of the world’s most dynamic streetball teams.
Photos by: Red Bull Content Pool
True to Red Bull style, the tournament was fast, fierce, and unapologetically bold. The action wasn’t just about wins but also about the “Own the Court” rule—rewarding teams for scoring big and playing with flair. Spectators soaked up a festival-like atmosphere of basketball, music, and culture, celebrating the global heartbeat of streetball.
Men’s captain Lebesa Selepe summed it up: “We’ve just been crowned champions of Red Bull Half Court South Africa and booked our ticket to Dubai! You only get one shot at this thing called life, so keep firing!”
Women’s captain Lauren Fredericks echoed the excitement: “We’re so grateful for this opportunity and proud to represent SA. The journey has already been so much fun, and Dubai will be unforgettable.”
Photos by: Red Bull Content Pool
Backed by Fila and Spalding and amplified locally through media partner 5FM, the National Finals marked a new era for South African basketball. With champions crowned, all eyes now turn to Dubai—where Mzansi’s finest will battle for world dominance on the global court.