Team Illusion celebrates national victory built on unity and diversity

Team Illusion, the all-female mixed-age synchronised skating team from Gauteng North and 2025 South African champions, are coached by Konrad Giering and Lejeanne Hennessy. Captained by Mathilda du Plessis, Team Illusion describes itself as a family. In their words, they are “truly united as one, with strong bonds that ensure no one is ever left out”.

They put aside bad days and insecurities to skate for something bigger than themselves, bound by a shared love for a sport that’s still rare in South Africa. Joy at practice and competitions, a spirit of sportsmanship and a genuine embrace of diversity set them apart.

The win at Nationals, they say, felt surreal, “a ‘finally’ moment” and deeply satisfying after months of work. For veterans and first-time champions alike, it was “like putting the last piece into a 4 000-piece puzzle”. They’ve qualified for overseas events before but winning at home proved their progress to themselves and to their supporters.

Team Illusion currently has 15 skaters (plus the two coaches), with ages ranging from 14 to 21 years old. The roster is proudly diverse, with representatives from Taiwanese, Dutch, Flemish and Portuguese heritage, as well as Afrikaans and Zulu cultures. As a mixed-age synchronous team, they train to a common standard while accommodating different stages of development. Most skaters share similar skill sets, so structured sessions scale drills up or down as needed. Experienced skaters mentor newer ones; everyone is encouraged to put in individual work so the whole unit moves forward together.

From the bench, the coaches see synchro shaping people as much as athletes. Coach Lejeanne says, “Synchronised skating builds teamwork, friendship and trust, all wonderful qualities to take into life. Coaching means shaping not only athletes but well-rounded individuals who know how to work in a team and treat others with kindness and respect.”

Coach Konrad says, “Team Illusion represents the power of unity. It shows how individuals from different ages and cultures can come together as one family to create something greater than themselves.”

For Captain Du Plessis, the role is personal: “To me, Team Illusion represents sisterhood, and as captain, it’s an honour to lead a family that carries every weight together and embodies the true spirit of South African skating.”

The youngest team member puts it: “I enjoy that everyone makes me feel welcome. Even though we mostly have to be serious while we skate, I still have fun and I learn from the older teammates. Of course, I don’t like making mistakes but everyone is patient and still helps me.”

Mixed-age synchro teams require 12 to 16 skaters, which opens the door for broad participation. For new members, open try-outs or training sessions are available. However, skaters should meet mixed-age benchmarks (SAFSA Level 2 and working on Level 3). If spots are limited, selection considers attendance, skill, attitude, and commitment, with high value placed on teamwork and adaptability. To qualify for Team Illusion’s competitive lineup, skaters must have reached SAFSA Level 3 and achieved the National technical qualifying score before Nationals. Confidence with edges, turns and field moves, skating at speed in close formations, quick choreography pickup, precision, adaptability and musicality are all essential.

Their goals for the new season are clear. They want to defend the national title, raise the technical content and artistry, build team spirit, and remain competitive internationally so that every skater feels proud of their contribution.

Team Illusion’s next exhibition is on 5 October, 5pm-7pm at The Grove Ice Rink. Future events will be announced on Instagram at @team.illusionsa. International campaigns can be expensive, costing up to R500 000. The team relies on fundraising and community help: exhibitions, markets, a paddle tournament and sales of cookies, rusks and stroop waffles.

To order or get involved, contact 083 261 7033/082 927 7855 or DM them on Instagram. They also have a BackaBuddy page for contributions, and welcome sponsor enquiries to help cover ice time, travel, and costumes.

In their own words: never doubt what’s possible when people move as one. Team Illusion’s unity, diversity and purpose are why they win.