The Hollywood Syndicate is proud of naming our horses with different names that refer to our team members, business partners, brand ambassadors, and sports teams. Every name chosen by us has a unique meaning, which can be discovered here.

ASIYE PHAMBILI
Named by Wilson Khumalo – Hollywoodbets Branch Manager Pietermaritzburg
This name is isiZulu for “we are moving forward.” This name resonates with Hollywoodbets as a business in that we are progressive, and we continue to make a positive impact on our communities, team members, and customers.

HITHEMHARDSUNSHINE
Named by Shaheen Shaw – former Racing Presenter and Commentator
The name is made famous by Shaheen Shaw, who used to sign off his TV presenting with, LETS HIT THEM HARD SUNSHINES! Shaheen is renowned as the punters’ man, and someone the man on the street can resonate with. He is “sick for the game” and always looks to get the people punting on all HW’s offerings.

KUPHOLIWE
Named by Hollywoodbets KZN Regional Managers/Marketing – Xola Ntshiza and Amir Ramgoon.
It’s a Zulu slang term for the feeling of having things covered, whilst being calm and in full control. Also meaning it’s chilled/relaxed. It’s a term often used by the KZN Area Managers in any situation of pressure or stress to say “keep calm, we have it covered.”

IMILENZEYOKUDUDUMA
Named by Jerry Sikhosana – former Orlando Pirates/Bafana Bafana Striker and Hollywoodbets Brand Ambassador
This means LEGS OF THUNDER in isiZulu, and was the nickname for Jerry Sikhosana throughout his playing career. Jerry is famous for scoring the winning goal for Orlando Pirates in the 1996 CAF Champions League Final, where the Bucanners were crowned Champions of Africa!

IPHIKO
Named by Akona Ndungane – former Blue Bulls/Springbok Winger and Hollywoodbets Brand Ambassador
“iPhiko” is isiXhosa for wing, which is the position that Akona played throughout his career for the Blue Bulls and the Springboks, scoring 63 tries in the process. Akona, along with his twin brother Odwa, have gone onto become rugby presenters on SuperSport.

ISIVUNGUVUNGU
Named by Odwa Ndungane – former Sharks/Springbok Winger and Hollywoodbets Brand Ambassador
This name means “STORM” in isiXhosa. Odwa said this was the best description of how he took to the field in his playing days, looking to blow away the opposition.

MIGHTY MASHONA
Named by Mike Procter – former South African Test Cricketer and Hollywoodbets Brand Ambassador
Mike Procter is considered to be one of the greatest all-rounders to have ever played the game of cricket. He was a ferocious fast pace-bowler, but also incredibly talented with the bat. He still joint-holds the record for six consecutive first-class hundreds. He played cricket for Mashonaland (Zimbabwe), hence the name Mighty Mashona.

QUEEN OF SMOKE
Named by Stacey-Lee May – spinner / gusheshe driver and Hollywoodbets Brand Ambassador
Her crazy car tricks and spinning performances have seen her recognized as one of South Africa’s most well-known and popular car-spinners, and she has made appearances on shows like So You Think You Can Spin, Top Gear SA and The Grand Tour. Known as the Queen of Smoke, she featured in the Hollywoodbets Spina Zonke TV commercial.

SHAMPOMPO SHAMPIZI
Named by Kaunda Ntunja – rugby commentator and presenter / Hollywoodbets Brand Ambassador
Shampompo Shampizi is a phrase which was made popular by our late HW brand ambassador Kaunda Ntunja after he took isiXhosa Springbok rugby commentary to new heights at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. He referred to Makazole Mapimpi’s try against England in the final as “Liqashu! Yibubbly, shampompo shampizi!” It relates to the sound of popping sparkling wine. It’s time to celebrate! The commentary from that try where Shampompo got his name can be watched below. Still gives us goosebumps!

SPYDAS CORNER
Named by Brian Baloyi – former Kaizer Chiefs/Bafana Bafana Goalkeeper and Hollywoodbets Brand Ambassador
Known as ‘Spiderman’ throughout his career, Brian Baloyi was athletic and acrobatic between the posts, forging a cult following during his years as the Number 1 goalkeeper for Bafana Bafana.

UBUKHWEBEZANA
“ubu-khwe-beh-zana”
Named by Mbuso Dlamini (Hollywoodbets Customer Support Team).
This is named after a plant that bears purple fruit. It’s English name is Lantana Rugosa, but the Zulu name is UBUKHWEBEZANA. “The reason why I chose it is that we grew up in a rural area and we used to enjoy hunting those fruits during summer. The purple colour would draw our eyes from far away. The same as our Company does when it comes to customer service. We draw our clients attention with our purple colour and our excellent service.”

UMTHOMBO WOLWAZI
Named after the library at Ottawa Primary School
The name is isiZulu for “Well of Knowledge.” This was the name given to the brand new library opened at Ottawa Primary School as part of the Hollywood Foundation’s Back To School Campaign, and nominated by Hollywoodbets brand ambassador Mike Procter. As Mandela said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

VENGEANCE FOREVER
Named by Anthony Delpech – former Champion jockey and Hollywoodbets Brand Ambassador
“Vengeance of Rain was the best horse I ever rode in my career. We had an incredible career together in Hong Kong, where we still hold the record for most stakes won ever! Therefore it was an apt name for this horse – VENGEANCE FOREVER!” – Anthony