Texpand’s Sixth National Title Signals Growth Beyond Their Own Success

The reigning FIRST Tech Challenge champions secured another South African title, while teams from their IGNITE programme rose through the ranks.

Cape Town, South Africa (04 March 2026) – Winning once is an achievement. Winning six consecutive South African National Championships in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is something else entirely.

Texpand secured their sixth straight national title, along with the coveted 1st Place Inspire Award. Yet while the celebration marked another milestone for the team.

It wasn’t just success for Texpand, the first two-year teams, Nguzo Sabres from Khayelitsha and C.O.D.E. Bot Crew from Thandokhulo High, outperformed some veteran teams in their debut season. Autonova claimed the Innovate Award and qualified for the World Championship alongside Texpand.

“When our team members shared their highlights after winning Nationals, most talked about the performance of the IGNITE teams,” explains co-captain Ben. “Our goal has been to raise the level of competition in South Africa. Seeing Texpand and two IGNITE teams among the top ranked teams at Nationals showed us we’re succeeding.”

Texpand’s own competitive journey included winning the Western Cape Regional Championship and delivering one of the highest-scoring autonomous rounds globally. Innovations such as custom-moulded silicon intake wheels and a v-groove bearing turret system have since been adopted by other South African teams.

“We analysed what led to our own success and built a program to replicate it,” says co-captain Peter.

That approach paid off in the national finals, where Texpand selected Autonova (which is an IGNITE team) as their alliance partner. Together, they overcame a last-minute mechanical issue before the final match to secure victory.

Now, attention turns to the World Championship in Houston from 28 April to 2 May, where more than 340 teams from 66 countries will compete.

“When we return from World Championships with greater credibility and international exposure, it proves to the IGNITE students that world-class opportunities are accessible for South Africans.”

With qualification secured, Texpand is now seeking support to take nine representatives to the global stage. If you are interested in supporting their World Championship campaign follow the link here.

Sources: Supplied

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