Phillies Come Back Reinforced and Ready for the 2025 Season
Photos by A-Team Photography
Dis ‘n Phillies ding!
The Philadelphian Crooning Minstrels, affectionately known as “Phillies” in the Cape Flats, were established in 2001 by a young Seraaj Croeser, who was just 25 at the time.
Seraaj was the youngest captain of a klopse troupe in that era.
In their inaugural year, with support from the late Abdullah “Hadijie” Maged, an esteemed coach, they achieved a commendable third place overall, competing against seasoned troupes like Beach Boys, African Zonks, and Good Hopes.
Phillies continued to perform at elite levels for 16 consecutive years, consistently finishing within the top four.
Seraaj has always credited Hadjie’s efforts for contributing to their sustained success.
Following Hadjie’s retirement, Phillies successfully recruited Wafie Alexander to take on coaching duties. Under his direction, the standard was elevated, leading to Phillies winning the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA) competition in 2009, scooping up 13 first-place awards and one second-place award!
Seraaj proudly states: “Phillies were the original KKKA carnival kings!”
Maintaining a klopse troupe involves ongoing financial strain. Die geld gaan net uit! It resembles a never-ending financial drain.
Many people witness the ensemble’s performances during the klopse at Tweede Nuwe Jaar, yet they often overlook the immense sacrifices made by those managing a klopse troupe.
It is quite normal for owners, directors, and executive committee members to forfeit their entire bonuses, school fees for their children, and even household grocery money to ensure operations of a klopse troupe.
Seraaj recalls: “In 2017, I had to dissolve the klops because I just couldn’t sustain it anymore. The endeavor is a financial burden; it is a pit for money. Ek kan mos nie vir ’n klops werk nie!”
Nowadays, managing a minstrel troupe requires substantial financing, and many owners have faced economic hardship due to their passion for the klopse tradition.
Sometimes a moment comes when you need to step back and declare that enough is enough.
Nonetheless, mense is baie lief vir hulle klopse troupe, and Seraaj is no different.
In 2023, Phillies returned with a flourish.
Experiencing the Tweede Nuwe Jaar parade offers an incredible perspective of the troupe’s atmosphere.
I found myself amidst the road-march when Phillies passed by City Hall. Instantly, the vibrant energy of the troupe captivated me. The music was lively, complemented by a lekker selection of songs.
“Sweet Caroline” was a crowd favorite! Their band was cohesive, showcasing strong leadership while appearing sharp in their vivid, coordinated attire.
I thought: “This troupe is set to impress a few,” and they indeed did. Phillies secured second place in their category.
According to Seraaj, the preparation for the 2025 season is progressing smoothly.
To elevate their performance, Phillies have teamed up with the seasoned Malay choir Jonge Studente for their choral pieces.
Jonge Studente has consistently excelled in Cape Malay Choir Board competitions, which will undoubtedly enhance Phillies’ prospects in the KKKA competition.
The coaching staff for Phillies includes Monde Mgini, Ghishaam Paulsen, and Ahmed Ismail, with Marcelle Adams serving as the season’s bandmaster.
The highly dedicated Phillies executive committee has been actively engaged in organizing snacks for their singpak this past Sunday.
One can only commend the commitment exhibited by this group.
Their satisfaction materializes only when their troupe is parading, competing in a stadium, and achieving success.
Seraaj emphasized the importance of recognizing Phillies’ executive committee for 2025, specifically noting Ebrahim Sadan, Ghaana Davids, Faizel Davids, Shireen Abrahams, Rafiq Abrahams, Zainap Sadan, and Adeeb Dalvie.
Recording Phillies’ English combined song rehearsal was not permitted, as all details are still confidential.
Hier kom ‘n ding, my mense! Julle wietie wat kommie!
Phillies embraces digital trends and can be found across various social media platforms.
Their tracksuit and uniform launches and TikTok challenges have become popular, and you can enjoy snippets of their band performing in live videos.
Phillies will compete in section 2 of the KKKA competition in January.
The sections are as follows:
Section 1
- West London All Stars
- Playaz
- TV Stars
- Posh Vibrant
- Baruch Entertainers
- Phantoms Youth Development
- Wesbank Entertainers
- Fabulous Las Vegas
Section 2
- Juvie Boys Entertainers
- Philadelphians
- Ashwin Willemse Orient
- Manenberg Superstars
- Cape Town Hawkers
- Mitchells Plain Young Tycoons
- Fabulous Woodstock Starlites
- Original Hanover D6
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