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.

AMANDLA NGAWETHU
Named by Phindile Monica Kubeka from iBranch (HUTS).
Translated to “Power. It’s Ours.” Said by Nelson Mandela after being released from Prison.
Together we can do more as a purple team if we all put in effort we can achieve more.

ASINANTANGA
Named by Nomthetho Lucia Ndulo from Hollywoodbets Bellville (WCP).
The name means “we have no peers” in isiXhosa.

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.

AYUWI YUWI
Ayuwi Yuwi are lyrics from the chorus for the song Mapurisa by Andy Brown & The Storm. Listen to the song here.

BENNI IN THE AREA
Named by Benni McCarthy – South African football legend.
This name was chosen by Benni McCarthy, referring to one of the famous lyrics in the TKZee song “Shibobo / The Final Countdown”. “Benni in the 18 area!” It is a famous South African song, which featured around the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Benni features and raps in the music video. Watch the video here.

BEYONDTHEBOUNDARY
Named by the Hollywoodbets Dolphins cricket franchise.
This is named after a value held by the Hollywoodbets Dolphins, where they aim to go “Beyond the Boundary”, and make a positive impact in their communities.

BLACKWHITEDYNAMITE
Named by the Sharks Rugby franchise, which is proudly sponsored by Hollywoodbets.
This is named after the famous Sharks Rugby song which was produced during the early 90s. The chorus repeats the lines “We are black. We are white. We are, we are, we are dynamite!”

ELIZABEDI GOLD
Elizabedi Gold is named after Hollywoodbets Sharks and Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth. Etzebeth received the nickname “Elizabedi” after a video went viral on social media of a young Springbok fan Siya Dlamini celebrating Eben’s try against France in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final. The “Gold” part of the name relates to the sire being Gold Standard, but also to signify the two Rugby World Cup titles Etzebeth won with the Springboks in 2019 and 2023.

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.

HUGSANDHIGHFIVES
Named by James Parkinson at Brentford Football Club.
Referring to the great relationship between Brentford and their title sponsors Hollywoodbets.

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!

INGQWELE
Named by horse racing photographer Chase Liebenberg.
This name means “Champion” in isiZulu.

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.

IQEMBULABESIFAZANE
Named by the Hollywoodbets Compliance Team
The name translates to “Women’s team” or “Group of Women” in isiZulu and is named after our Hollywoodbets compliance team. They are a powerful team of women who have been incredible in making sure HW is always on top of our compliance requirements. Pronounced: I–qem-bu La-be-si-fa-zane.

ISIKWISHIKWISHI
Named by Sindi Mbhele from the Ibranch Team.
The name means “Always busy. Seen everywhere. Always involved and full of energy.” Used often in football commentary when a player is busy and always involved. This name defines being hungry for success, regardless of any circumstances in life.

ISIVIVANE
Named by the Hollywoodbets Sharks Rugby Team.
Name Meaning: In isiZulu, isivivane literally means pile of stones, which acts as a monument. Travellers add a stone out of respect for the past, for protection on their journey, and for good fortune in the future. At the Sharks, whenever someone joins the Sharks Rugby Union, they add their stone to the pile (which is located at the Legacy Wall at the entrance of Hollywoodbets Kings Park). It brings together a diverse group of players and administrators, and demonstrates a respect to those who have gone before, and a solidarity in intertwined journeys and a motivating vision for the future. This concept promotes the spirit of togetherness among people in society, especially in the concept of Ubuntu. It emphasizes the motto of “what we create collectively is better than what we can create individually.”

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.

ITHEMBALINGAMANDLA
isiZulu for “Hope Is Power”. Hope Is Power is one of the mottos for the Hollywood Foundation. Named by Clinton Binda.

IZIBULO
Named by Nokwazi Ndimande from the Customer Service (Digital) team.
Defined as the “first born” or the original.

KAAPSE KLOPSE
Named after the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association. Hollywoodbets is the proud sponsor of the event in the Western Cape which takes place in the week following the New Year celebrations.
Kaapse Klopse is the name of the Cape Minstrel Troops. The society not only celebrates the culture and heritage of the coloured people in the Western Cape but has played a significant role in addressing social challenges like crime, drug abuse, and aids.

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.”

LETONA
This is Sotho for “the General”, and was the nickname for Hollywoodbets Brand Ambassador Teko Modise during his playing days for Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns.

LIZWILE ILALI
Named by Thulisile Promise Mntungwa from iBranch (HUTS).
Lizwile ilali is isiXhosa for “the village has listened.” This is basically about being proud by someone who was born and bred in the village, but who has gone onto achieve and be successful in life.

LUHAMBA PHAMBILI
The name means “move forward”. It is a phrase of encouragement, urging someone to take bold steps, be innovative, and push forward, even in the face of obstacles. It’s a call to action, inspiring individuals to be trailblazers and make a positive impact.

MAPHAKA
Maphaka is named after the young South African cricketer Kwena Maphaka. He is a left-arm fast bowler who looks to be a future Protea star in the making.

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.

MIKE’S MAZARIN
Named by horse racing journalist David Thiselton. The horse is named after his late brother Mike, and the first Durban July winner David backed called Mazarin in 1971.

MVELELO
Mvelelo is a Tshivenda name that means “continuous growth”. It symbolizes the growth of the Hollywood group.

NAKANJANI
This is the Comrades Marathon slogan for 2024, NAKANJANI – NO DOUBT. The Zulu dictionary also defines it as “really, certainly, quite, definitely, altogether.”

QHAWE LAMI
Named by Lwazi Phakathi – Hollywoodbets Product Marketing Specialist (VAS).
The name means “my hero.” Lwazi named the horse after her late father Xolani Bheka Phakathi, who was her hero.
Xolani was born and bread from KZN , from a township called Lamontville. He did not came from much but was able to over come his circumstances and live out his dream of becoming a Professional Soccer Player. He started his soccer career with Golden Arrows , then went to Orlando Pirates which lead to him earning a cap to play for our national team. My father along side Mr Barlett lead Golden Arrows team into the PSL. This was a life time achievement for him to help the club he started off with get promoted back into the PSL. My father has always been my hero, however growing up watching him live out his dream and learning about all the sacrifices he made for our family he gave the name QHAWE LAMI a Literally meaning. Growing up having a father who was considered a legend but yet so humble and always lending a helping hand to those who needed it , whether it was boys who needed transport money to training or school or taking his team to and from training cause he knew some of them could not afford it. When I first started working , one of the requirements were that I needed a car, he gave me his car so that I can get to work and he would take a taxi, uber or catch a lift with his colleagues, for me that’s the true definition of iQhawe.

QHAWEKAZI
Named by Mphathi Nxumalo – Hollywoodbets PR Officer.
Qhawekazi means heroine – a female hero. The Hollywood Foundation proudly sponsored the iQhawe Week, which is an U15 development rugby tournament, where rugby’s future heroes are discovered. 2022 was the first year we had a female section of the tournament, and this is an appropriate name to celebrate the growth of our future female rugby stars.

QONDANEKUKHANYENI
Named by Pride Nomali Sithole from Hollywoodbets Kenilworth branch.
It means “walk towards the light” in isiZulu.

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.

STROOPSOET
Named by Heinrich Danfred Pieterse from Hollywoodbets Worcester branch.
“I have a saying in Afrikaans that I normally use to try and get new punters that reads as “Hollywood maak jou lewe soet.” Translated to English it reads as “Hollywood makes your life sweet.” Stroopsoet is an Afrikaans word that means as sweet as syrup, i.e. very sweet and can be applied to either food or behavior.

TROIS TROIS QUATRE
Named by Anthony Delpech, former Champion Jockey and Hollywoodbets Brand Ambassador.
Trois Trois Quatre is French for Three Three Four, which represents the number 334, the record number of winners in a South African racing season achieved by Anthony Delpech back in the 1998/99 season. The words have been translated to French, going back to Anthony’s roots from his birth and upbringing in the Seychelles.

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

VERNON THE SURGEON
This was the nickname given to Hollywoodbets Brand Ambassador Vernon Philander during his cricket playing days for the Proteas and Western Province. This was due to his accuracy and prowess with the ball.

VOORLOOPERTJIE
Named after the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association.
The name of the dancers and entertainers at the front of the Kaapse Klopse troupes. They paint their faces in bright colours and glitter and embody the energy of the event. Hollywoodbets is the proud sponsor of the Kaapse Klopse event in the Western Cape, which takes place in the week following the New Year celebrations.

WOZA NAWE
Named after the Cricket South Africa campaign Woza Nawe.
The name means “come with us / be a part of it” in isiZulu.

ZIYASHA
Named by the Comrades Marathon.
This is the 2023 Comrades Marathon slogan meaning “This Is It!”