The 2026 South African Overwatch World Cup Committee: The Heart of a Hopeful Country
A couple of weeks ago, Blizzard began notifying the committees of their participation in the Overwatch World Cup. One of the countries that got accepted is South Africa. It is the second time in the country’s history that South Africa will participate in official Overwatch World Cup matches. As a South African citizen, I want to spotlight the committee and players in the upcoming months.
The South African Overwatch World Cup Committee
Helette “Smiley” Steenkamp – General Manager
Favorite Hero(es)
Mercy
Give a short description of yourself for readers to get to know you.
“I’ve been deeply involved in the South African Overwatch community for years. I serve on the COWZA management team, working across tournament organisation, team management, community operations, and outreach. Most notably, I helped initiate and lead the outreach that made The Ethereal Crown LAN at ATK Arena possible in 2024. I’m passionate about building structured, transparent, and community-driven competitive spaces in South Africa.”
What excites you the most about representing South Africa in the OWCC?
“What excites me most is the opportunity to advocate for South African players on an international stage. Our community competes under uniquely difficult conditions, from high ping to limited infrastructure, yet continues to grow and improve. Representing ZA in the OWCC is about building a unified, credible presence that reflects our resilience, ambition, and competitive potential on the world stage.”
Peter “VisionPB” Bradley – Head Coach
VisionPB was not available to fill in information for these questions. The South African Overwatch World Cup committee supplied his answers for the application to Blizzard.
Favorite Hero(es)
Ramattra
Give a short description of yourself for readers to get to know you.
“I am a longtime Overwatch fan with 6 years experience coaching gm-contenders level teams, I have competed in several contenders tournaments with other community cup and lan appearances with teams I have helped curate, condition and maintain most notable being Mind Goblin, Shu’s Money Crew and Ex Oblivione. I have been playing Overwatch since closed beta 2016 after falling in love with the game almost immediately, whilst my relationship with the game has been turbulent I always find my way back to teaching to passionate players.”
What excites you the most about representing South Africa in the OWCC?
“I have always wanted to compete in the world cup representing a country I feel a connection to being either the UK, Sweden or South Africa, the tournament serves as one of the most memorable throughout Overwatch’s history and being able to join that history would be a great honour whether I win the tournament or just participate it’d be a significant milestone in my career to represent more than just a team I’ve built but a community, carrying their pride through the building process and tournament I believe it is entirely possible to build a competitively viable South Africa team.”
Ossi – Assistant Coach
Favorite Hero(es)
Winston, Ramattra, Sigma
Give a short description of yourself for readers to get to know you.
“22 years old. Over 6 years of experience in coaching, ranging from all competitive ranks and roles. Previously a competitor, I also played at a tier 2 level with G4mbit, but I am now a full-time coach. I’m an import on this team, living in Finland.”
What excites you the most about representing South Africa in the OWCC?
“The possibility of giving these players the best chance to play in front of thousands of people, and represent their country while doing it.”
Meaghan “Nevvie” – Social Lead
Favorite Hero(es)
Juno
Give a short description of yourself for readers to get to know you.
“I’ve been in the competitive ZA Overwatch scene since 2022 – both as a player and as a manager. I’m an admin representing COWZA, the Overwatch representative on the ZA Esports Hub, and I’m overall very enthusiastic for all things regarding South African Overwatch. And, I love Juno a totally normal and reasonable amount.”
What excites you the most about representing South Africa in the OWCC?
“To start building our country’s reputation as an active and real contender for international competitive Overwatch.”
Team South Africa Versus Team Iceland
The first showmatch for Team South Africa will take place on March 1st against Team Iceland. It is a first-to-seven series that will include hero bans. The local South African stream will start at 10:15 AM PST (7:15 PM CET). It is unknown when other streams will start. The match will begin at 11:00 AM PST (8:00 PM CET). The South African broadcast will go live on the ZAOverwatch and AfricanEsports.
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