Author name: Manyehlisa Lehohla

African basketball enthusiast, founder and editor of The Big Tip Off and a freelance writer.

Canivete: Beating South Africa is one of my fondest memories

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IN The Big Tip Off’s question and answer (Q & A) interview, we speak to Mozambique and Ferroviario de Maputo basketball player David Canivete Jr. Canivete touches on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted basketball, his greatest triumphs and adversaries on the court.

Q: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the globe in many ways. How is COVID-19 being dealt with in Mozambique?

A: There has been a Stage 3 state of emergency since April. There are no recorded deaths and the number of recovered and infected people is low compared to other countries in the region (southern Africa).

The public is taking the situation seriously by following the government and World Health Organisation’s recommendations. That’s why the situation is a bit stable and I hope we don’t go higher than Stage 3.

Q: How long has it been since you last played basketball and how are you feeling about that?

A: It’s been almost 45 days. I feel sad because when you are used to doing something daily with love, pride and joy, it’s hard to stop. What is worse is, you did not create the situation and that’s difficult to manage sometimes.

Q: What were you and your Ferroviario teammates’ mood when you were informed that the Basketball Africa League 2020 season was being postponed? Explain those feelings?

A: We were expecting the postponement. Before the tip off, the number of cases in Africa were already increasing. When the Sahara Division tip off was postponed, it was only a matter of time before our division followed suit. We felt a mixture of disappointment and hope, but as the days passed, we realised that the best thing to do was to stop basketball activities, stay safe and wait for updates.

Q: What are you doing with your time, now that there is no basketball until further notice?

A: I spend most of the time with my wife and my kids, I read a lot of science and culture books. I watch new movies and series and I scout other teams to get as much information as I can on them. I also try to be updated about the COVID-19 situation in the world and of course I work out, daily.

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David Canivete Jr in action against Jozi Nuggets at the Basketball Africa League qualifiers. Pictures: BTO

Q: What are you doing to stay in shape?

A: As I said, I work out. I try to run at least 10 km, three times a week. I also work on my speed, jumping, power and resistance two or three times a week. In between I make some drills and shoot around with my friend and skills coach, almost daily.

Q: How would describe yourself as a basketball player?

A: I am a team first player with a good IQ, which helps me find and create space for myself and my teammates to score. I am mentally strong and in good physical condition, which allows me to attack and defend the 3 and 4 positions. My long wingspan, helps with finishing lay-ups and in playing defence. I play well in areas near the basket and I also have a good three-point shot and mid-range jumper. I have a good ability to win offensive and defensive rebounds. So, in short, I consider myself a good two-way player.

Q: Are you superstitious or do you have something special you do before a basketball game?

A: I used to tap the roof at the entrance of the court twice when I arrived at the gym and before the game. I pray to God and I ask for blessings and protection.

Q: Who is the toughest player you have played against in basketball (locally) in Mozambique and international on the international stage? And why were they difficult to play against?

A: In Mozambique it’s Ermelindo Novela, who is my teammate. He brings a lot of intensity to the game and, he has a never-say-die spirit on defence and offence (sometimes he reminds me of myself). Internationally it’s Leonel Paulo, who plays for Angola and Petro de Luanda, for the same reasons I mentioned earlier about Ermelindo. Plus Leonel has a body type which allows him to attack and defend the 2, 3, 4 and 5 positions. I think every team should have a player or two like him.

Q: Who is your favourite player in basketball and why is that player your favourite?

A: You know back in the day, for the players of my generation and I, it used to be Fernando Mandlate. We called him Nandinho. He had amazing skills and he was a scoring machine. He was a pure one-man show. That man could make fans at the Maxaquene Arena go crazy. As a kid I imagined myself meeting and telling him personally that I am a fan of his and ask him for some tips. With God’s grace I had the pleasure of playing with him in the national team and at Ferroviario da Beira, in the latter stages of his career.

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David Canivete in action against Jozi Nuggets.  Picture: BTO

Q: Who is your favourite teammate at club level and who is your favourite teammate in the Mozambique national team? And why?

A: It’s hard to choose because I love everyone in both teams, but honestly, it’s Pio Matos Jr. He is my favourite teammate at club and international level. He has been one of my best friends for more than 15 years. We have experienced wins and losses together in life, but we never split and even when we played for different clubs, we remained tight.

When we first met, we understood each other and since then, together with his twin brother, we have always striven to elevate our game. He is also a strong character. I am one of the few, who can easily communicate with him on and off the court, sometimes with a word or by eye contact and he gets the message. I believe he’s got my back and I have his.

Q: What is your worst memory in basketball?

A: Being cut from the Mozambique team for 2007 FIBA Afrobasket in Angola. I respect coaches’ decisions, but honestly when I look back, I felt like I deserved to be part of the team.

Q: What is your best memory about playing for Mozambique?

A: My first game in the national team jersey. That was during the 2009 Afrobasket qualifiers in Maputo against South Africa. I know it’s your birth country (referring to the interviewer), but I knocked them out. Since that game, I promised myself that being called up to the national team will depend on my performances on the court.

Q: What is or was your greatest achievement in basketball and why?

A: The respect from the people who follow me, because respect is hard to earn and get nowadays, especially from people who do not believe that sports can change lives for the better.

Q: Outside of playing basketball, what is your favourite memory?

A: The birth of my children. I could not be there physically, but I was there in spirit. Honestly, I owe it my wife to be present for the birth of our next child.

Q: What would you be doing if you were not a basketball player and why that choice in career?

A: I would be a diplomat, because have I travelled a lot while playing basketball, which has allowed me to learn about different cultures and languages and I also studied international relations. I think that is a perfect match between the two fields that I love and I have a passion for both.

Q: What are the problems in Mozambican basketball? And what advice would you give, so that they are fixed or corrected?

A: Organisation, investment and commitment. Nothing is perfect, but let’s not focus only on the problems. The focus must be on the origins of those problems. Then we can find the solutions and avoid making similar mistakes in the future. We have to execute!

Q: What is your favourite holiday destination and why?

A: The Mozambican Islands. In my opinion, they are rarely explored and are one of the most beautiful in the world.

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: I love to have a good time with my family and friends. I love music, especially Mozambican hip hop. I am a die-hard fan of criminal investigation series, action and comedy movies… Also read, I like being up to date about current affairs.

Q: If you were president of Mozambique for the day what changes would you make?

A: Having grown up in the world of sports. That is the area where I would make changes. I would focus on infrastructure for sports; building multi-sport arenas and football courts in every city. I would make sport a very big industry, so it can be profitable and benefit the whole of society.

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Hlope: Basketball will be seen with a different eye

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HOSTING a sports tournament is not an easy task. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to ensure that every detail is perfect. For Andile Hlophe and his Jozi Nuggets team, the successful hosting of the FIBA Basketball Africa League (BAL) qualifying tournament held in Johannesburg was like summiting Mount Everest.

Hlophe, who is the founder, owner and coach of the Nuggets, was thrown a hospital pass when he was informed at short-notice by Basketball South Africa (BSA), that hosting the BAL qualifying phase for Southern African teams fell squarely on his team. This kind of news would have sunken the faint of heart, but being involved in basketball as long as he has and knowing what is at stake, Hlophe and the Nuggets bit the bullet.

For their Group E qualifying phase of the tournament, the Nuggets welcomed five of Southern Africa’s best teams, Ferroviario de Maputo (Mozambique), UNZA Pacers (Zambia), Mercenaries (Zimbabwe), Lions (Namibia) and Dolphins (Botswana) at the Wembley Stadium.

“Yoh! Hosting has been painful. Very painful in the sense that we were told that we are hosting on the 15th of October for an event that starts on the 22nd of October. The federation (BSA) accepted the bid on our behalf, but they did not tell us who would handle the tournament costs. We got the shock of our lives when we were told on the 20th of October that we were supposed to pay for everything,” said an exhausted Hlophe at the Wembley Stadium on Sunday evening. He elaborated on what the Nuggets’ financial responsibilities were for the tournament. “We were supposed to pay for the accommodation of the officials, we were supposed pay for medical services, the security and table officials. Yeah! It was a mess.”

Having to wear the hats, he wore during the tournament, Hlophe should have passed out, but instead he took the situation in his stride.

“Our team is amateur. We don’t have any corporate backing. Everything comes from my pocket and the players. It’s been tough, but the last game has been played, no lights went off and no referees went on strike,” said Hlophe.

Asked why the information was not given out timeously, Hlophe attributed that turn of events to the slack attitude of South Africa’s basketball governing body.

“It was carelessness. When you are bidding to host a tournament. You need to have your ducks in a row. You need to be told that ‘this is what is expected of you’,” said Hlophe. “Everybody said it is cheaper to travel than to host, which is true. Let’s say if the games were in Maputo, we would have spent maybe R 60 000 to go there and comeback. Now we had to spend more than R 200 000 to host.”

While hosting the FIBA tournament put a financial strain on his club’s coffers, Hlophe who hails from Kanyamazne in Mpumlanga, believes the sacrifice is worth it for the Jozi Nuggets brand. The qualifiers will also raise the profile of basketball in South Africa, a sport that has struggled for decades to gain a foothold.

Skumbuzo Mthembu (7) and Thamsanqa Nyawo (4) are some of the young players on the Nuggets roster who got playing time during the BAL qualifying tournament.

“Basketball will be seen in a different eye in South Africa and we will be looked at as a club that competed in continental competition. Not many clubs can say they have competed in continental competition in South Africa,” said Hlophe, who believes his team’s new found profile could attract new partnerships. “A potential partner would be the Gauteng Lions (rugby franchise). It would not be a surprise for them to own basketball club. They own the Ellis Park Arena, so if we team up with Gauteng Lions, we will have access to the venue for basketball.

On the court, while the results were not pleasing for the Nuggets, who suffered four losses and gained a victory over Dolphins to finish fifth in Group E, which was eventually won by Ferroviario. The Mozambican team and UNZA will proceed to the next phase of qualification. Despite the disappointing results, Hlophe is of the opinion that the young players his team recruited for the tournament will benefit in the future.

“I think the youngsters we brought in learnt a lot and this opportunity gave them a chance to showcase their skills. When was the last time you heard of an under-20 player in South Africa competing in an international competition? The last time was 2016. Some of these kids are 20 years old, so we gave them an opportunity to be seen, so that their status can rise in the world of basketball,” concluded Hlophe.

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Tuks out to rise from the ashes ahead of Varsity Basketball

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UNIVERSITY of Pretoria’s basketball team will begin their Varsity Basketball tournament campaign on Friday at Wits University knowing that their image has recently taken a battering. It follows the posting of messages in the social media space accusing some players, who were at some point involved with the university’s basketball team, of sexually violating women.

Accusations of this nature can be a destabilising factor within a sports team and Tuks are no different. The accusations, which appeared in the form of direct messages were posted on 3 September on Facebook basketball group Let’s Talk SA Basketball.

While the alleged incidents happened before his tenure, Tuks coach George Makena had concerns about the allegations made.

“I haven’t made any statement regarding that. If you look at some of the allegations, you start to question them. I am not trying to defend anyone. I was not there and I was not part of the team when all these things happened,” said Makena during his team’s scrimmage at the university’s Rembrandt Hall on Thursday night.

Makena, a seasoned basketball coach, pointed out that there is legal recourse for the women who made the accusations against their alleged abusers.

“Go to the nearest police station. Lay a criminal charge, so that these perpetrators can be brought to book. But it hasn’t happened so that’s why we worry that the allegations could be unfounded,” said the former Tshwane Suns coach, who believes the team is more unified.

“It actually divided the team, but we have strong leadership. We are taking care of the things we can control and what we cannot control, we leave in the hands of the almighty,” said Makena a two-time Basketball National League champion with Tshwane Suns.

WISE HEAD: Tuks team coach George Makena. Picture: The BTO.

 

Tuks assistant coach Thanda Kweyama believes the situation demoralised the team and while there is no certainty on the time frame of the alleged incidents, he intimated that, as adults, the players have a responsibility towards themselves.

“I think it killed the morale of the team. I have been with them for three years and I wasn’t aware of these things. This is on the players who were part of system previously. So, obviously by saying the Tuks basketball team you are obviously associating it with the current team. Some of these players are second year students and were not aware that these things are happening. They could have happened three years ago or even four years ago. However, it affected the team morale-wise and there was a reduced attendance at practices.

“Also, people have to be accountable for their own actions. As a coach, when you ask players and they don’t give you an answer, you don’t have much to work with. The institution will protect its own image and where players are wrong, they should be dealt with,” said Kweyama

“The most important thing they need to understand is that, they are young men. They are no longer kids in high school. There is a cause and effect for everything. So, how you drink and what you do always comes back to haunt you. So, make the best decision knowing that you wouldn’t want to be in that position. You must always take cognisance. When you always try to impress people, it might comeback to bite you. Which is what happened to a lot of these kids.”

On the playing front, Tuks take on a team that has beaten them three times this season, Vaal University of Technology (VUT), and the men from Pretoria have some injury worries to key players Ludwig Gerdes, Louis Motaung and Emmanuel Shine. Makena believes despite the challenges they face they are up for test posed by Vaal-based team.

UNITED: The Tuks team will need to put the past behind them and focus on game against VUT.

“We are battling with injuries some players are not available, but the other players are ready to play. We played them three times this season and we lost all three games. Some things will have to come to an end, and we hoping we will do better this time around. What I have noticed is that they will be missing some key players as well. So, it will be an added advantage to do better,” said Makena.

While they are measured in their expectation in this year’s tournament, Kweyama believes the team has grown. He has also noted areas where they need to improve their game.

“I think it’s going to be a grind. Ask me after every game, ‘What do you think?’ And I‘ll tell you after every game what I think,” responded Kweyama. “I think we have grown from where we were at the beginning of the year. In the GUBL, we are bringing down leads. Twwenty-point deficits have now been reduced to single digits and it’s against Wits, UJ and VUT. We are going pretty much with the same team as last year’s.

“What will be critical is our third quarter. We compete well in the first two quarters and the fourth. But we tend to have lapses in concentration in the third. Minimize our mistakes and convert where it counts the most, which is at the free throw line.”

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Will Suns have the magic touch in top of the table battle?

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TSHWANE Suns and team coach Dr Yiannis Grapsas did not get off to the right start in their opening game against the Soweto Panthers, but since that loss, his team have enjoyed an upward trajectory. The Suns have won five games in a row and on Friday they will step on the Wembley Stadium court against Egoli Magic with an air of confidence.

Since taking over the coaching role at the Tshwane franchise Dr Grapsas has been re-engineering his team’s approach to the game. While results have been forthcoming, the Suns coach is a pragmatist and understands that playing philosophies take time for players to grasp. The match against their unbeaten Basketball National League (BNL) rivals is important, but the bigger picture is as paramount for the Greek coach.

“It’s exciting. It will be an interesting game, between two good teams and we are ready. We are not yet at 100%. I have talked to my guys. I told them that this is a second step to achieving the goal we set ourselves at the beginning of our collaboration,” said Dr Grapsas on Wednesday night, during his team’s practice at the Pilditch Indoor Basketball court.

While the Suns’ 5-1 record makes for good reading, Dr Grapsas as mentioned earlier is more concerned about a greater objective.

Tshwane Suns captain Kagiso Ngoetjana always strives to improve his game. Pictures: The BTO

“There are two ways of looking at it. Firstly, we have to look at our final goal, which is to create a strong team. We want to play good basketball, we want to put pressure on opposing defences, utilise set plays and fast breaks effectively. Secondly, we are ready to face Egoli. If we apply what we are doing in practice I think it will be easy for us. We respect Egoli, but we also want our playing quality to show,” said the Suns coach, who clarified his playing ethos.

“The most important thing in a game of basketball is spacing and timing. I am focused on that. I want us to take advantage of our skills. We have good big men and frontline. If we create set plays for them, we will have more opportunities to win the game,” said Dr Grapsas.

One of the big men the Suns will look to is team captain and forward, Kagiso Ngoetjana, who has been one of the go-to players in offense. Ngoetjana has been a figure of consistency for the Suns during the season, using his physique well inside the paint area and has a sweet jump-shot.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Tshwane Suns Basketball Club (@tshwanesuns)

 

According to statistics provided by Geniussports, Chief as Ngoetjana is known, leads the scoring for the Suns, averaging 16 points per-game and it is this consistency at the offensive end that the team from the capital city will rely on to get the better of Egoli.

Ngoetjana believes his team is up for the challenge posed by the unbeaten Johannesburg-based franchise.

“I am confident about our team’s chances. We are hungry for this game, it’s a great challenge and a chance for us to gauge ourselves, said the former Mpumalanga Rhinos captain.

“They have big guys like Reece (Prinsloo) and Everisto (Pasipamire) to rebound offensively, but on our side, we have good players and set plays that can crack their system. I trust our set plays and system and will rely on them to come out victorious.”

Reflecting on the season he is having so far Ngoetjana, pointed out that he is not resting on his laurels and always seeks to improve his game.

“I am always a student of the game. I don’t stay in a comfort zone, I always try to find ways to improve my game so that I can have a competitive edge,” said the Suns captain.

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Vincent Ntunja: More than a basketball player

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BEING an athlete means attention is drawn to you and while some in the sports arena bask in that limelight, others use their platform as a vehicle for social activism. Western Cape Mountaineers captain and point guard Vincent Ntunja fulfils the latter criteria.

Ntunja’s basketball career has earned him national team colours. It has led to him meeting arguably, the game’s greatest player, Michael Jordan at his training camp. These are milestones the Gugulethu-born player does not take lightly.

Ntunja, a director of non-profit organisation, African Grassroots Hoops, has used his privileged position to help children with special needs learn how to play basketball; and to highlight the issue of gender-based violence in the country, a problem the Mountaineers captain believes basketball should not be immune from.

“I have played junior national team basketball and participated in two Afrobasket competitions. I have travelled the world and met Michael Jordan. These are things I don’t take for granted. It’s no use bragging about a court being named after me and my other achievements, if I don’t use them to impact my teammates and my community,” said Ntunja after his team’s win over the North West Eagles at the Wembley Stadium in Johannesburg, last Saturday.

“One of my passions is grassroots development. I coach behaviourally challenged kids to play basketball and help them to become leaders. I also coach girls and have discussions with them about what it means to be a female in our country. If you have followed the news, you will have seen the stories about gender-based violence happening in the country. As a basketball community, we have to ask ourselves what we can do to be part of the solution” said Ntunja, who also works as a model and radio host.

Vincent Ntunja in action for the Mountaineers in the BNL. Picture: The BTO

Rather than talk about the critical issues on social media, Ntunja believes it is best to be active in addressing these matters of importance, something he does daily.

The 38-year-old Ntunja stressed that his work is geared towards helping young people avoid the social trappings of life.

“I am not one to write on social media platforms for the likes and comments and then think that I have done something. I am in the office from Monday to Friday, planning and thinking about impact and how to get more involved in schools. We are trying to help develop a new mentality, where we tell kids they don’t have to be gangsters to be successful or stand on the street corners and think that makes them cool. They don’t have to chase Maseratis. Take the long route!” said Ntunja.

The former Cape Peninsula University of Technology student explained his life’s mantra and how he uses it to help young people.

“I always instil the three basic D’s of success: dedication, determination and discipline in the young minds I mentor so one day when I am not here, the legacy continues,” said Ntunja who holds a Masters in Sports Tourism.

 

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A post shared by Vincent Ntunja® (@vincentntunja)

On the court, Ntunja’s team sits second on the log, but their aim is a top four finish in this season’s BNL. With a 5-2 record after their 66-63 victory over the Eagles, the Mountaineers still have some work to do before sealing their spot.

“We do have talent that can lead us to the top four. So far, we are not playing our best basketball, but we are managing to win games. That is a plus for us. Despite the two losses, we have five wins. We are closer to where we want to be,” said Ntunja.

“The captaincy doesn’t start on the court. It starts from Cape Town and how we prepare. Are we arriving on time for flights? Are we sleeping early the night before games? Do we take care of our bodies? Because it will all show on the court. Those are very important things. Drawing from my experience, I believe this is how we best prepare to reach our goal,” concluded Ntunja.

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Veteran Banza electrifying Mpumalanga Rhinos

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JOHNNY Banza is a stand-out personality for the BNL franchise, Mpumalanga Rhinos. He is the type of player who brings energy, passion and leadership to this young team that made the playoffs last season and hopes to go a step further this year by making the final four.

Banza’s character traits have been a useful tool for the Rhinos. Team coach, Tutu Gama elaborated on why the Democratic Republic of Congo-born forward’s characteristics led to him being appointed captain of the team.

“He is my captain. I chose him because I like his intensity. The guy is from the DRC and is a beast who is very hard to box out. He uses his physique to his advantage, and towards the end he was the only one scoring,” said Gama, referring to the forward’s performance in the Rhinos’ 76-68 victory against the Panthers.

Banza, who is doing his Masters in Electrical Engineering at Vaal University of Technology, acknowledges his approach to the game, how his electric on-court persona, and style of play impacts positively for the Rhinos. The 32-year-old also believes it was his brashness and physicality that helped to seal the victory over the Panthers.

“That’s in me! Once I’m on the court, I want to leave it all there. It’s meaningless if you don’t. I am the captain, the oldest in the team, and have to lead by example. I have to display the right kind of energy for the young players,” said Banza, who dropped 14 points and crashed 10 boards against the Panthers.

Banza always tries to get the upper-hand against any opponent at both ends of the paint area. He uses his physicality and a bit of verbal jibing to take the opposing player off their game – something that worked well against the Panthers.

Rhinos captain Johnny Banza and his team have set their sights on a final-four finish in this year’s BNL. Picture: THE BTO

“The first thing for me is defence. It’s either you don’t score or I get the ball. I play defence and trash-talk to get the opponent frustrated. On offence, I bring the energy,” said Banza, who acknowledges that he is part of a dying breed of forwards.

“The new way of playing basketball is not about the big guy posting down low. The big guy can shoot outside and can drive in. We are trying to adjust to the new FIBA basketball.”

Reflecting on the match against the Panthers, Banza’s team had a strangle hold in the first three quarters of the game. When the Mpumalanga franchise momentarily loosened their grip in the fourth quarter, the Panthers clawed their way back. Reflecting on the Panthers’ quick fight-back and how the Rhinos regrouped to regain the lead, Banza says his team never once wavered in their commitment.

“It’s a game of basketball. There is a time when everything is working and when it doesn’t go your way. We had a very tough third quarter where nothing was working on both offence and even defence, and so we tried to adjust in the fourth quarter. We saw the mistakes, quickly applied the strategy the coach came up with, and won the game,” said Banza, who is in his fourth season with the Rhinos.

The Rhinos participated in the 2013 inaugural final of the BNL, but after that, they had a tough couple of seasons until last year when they made the playoffs. Banza believes the team, who have a 4-1 win-loss record this season, can reach the final four, an ambition highlighted by the team’s coach earlier.

“We are taking it one game at a time. The aim is to make it to the top four, but we have to get to the quarter-finals first,” said Banza, who believes they have a team capable of reaching their goal.

“I trust my teammates, coach and management. We have a young squad and some experienced players. We have energy. The team has  talented players who play varsity basketball. I trust them and believe we are going to do great things this season,” concluded Banza.

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Grapsas bringing a new philosophy to SA basketball

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THE nickname “doctor” in sport is usually reserved for a player blessed with great skill, finesse, ability and players that always grab the headlines for their game-winning performances.

Pretoria basketball franchise Tshwane Suns has gone a step further and employed a real doctor as head coach of their team and his name is Dr Yiannis Grapsas from Greece. Looking at his credentials, one notices they are an honour roll that reads like a book of a man whose career centres around basketball. Grapsas is a well-travelled coach and has accumulated a wealth of knowledge. Now, he is dispensing that knowledge in South Africa, with the Suns as benefactors.

“I have coached for over 25 years in Greece, in the United States for a year-and-a-half, and in many European countries. Now I am here to work with South African basketball,” said Grapsas, who holds a PhD in Physical Education.

Dr Yiannis Graspas has a talk with his players in their opening against Soweto Panthers. Pictures: The BTO

Grapsas spent part of his preparation last year observing the Suns before assuming the head coaching role at the Tshwane franchise. Acknowledging the talent of his players, he contends there is a little bit more polishing needed in their game.

“I watched the Tshwane Suns last year and I watched a lot of games last season. I have noticed that players in South Africa have a lot of skill. We need to go back to the fundamentals and building the right player attitude towards basketball,” said Grapsas emphasising the philosophy he’s trying to introduce to the Suns.

“For example, we are trying not to play the run-and-gun basketball played here in South Africa. We are trying to apply a specific strategy for our team but it’s been challenging at times for the players to grasp what has to be done, especially when it comes to spacing and timing.”

The Suns coach would not occupy the role that he does if he did not have the antidote for his team’s problem and it’s a simple one. “The solution to this problem is practice, we need more time at practice,” said Grapsas.

The Basketball National League season is two weeks old, and the Suns have played three games, winning two (against Western Cape Mountaineers and KwaZulu Marlins) and losing one (their opener against Soweto Panthers). The Greek-born coach gave a breakdown of what went wrong against the Panthers and what he has done to correct it.

“It was the first experience for us. The guys tried to apply all the information they received during the training sessions. We lost a lot of time getting them to execute what we had practiced. So, it was a problem but with time the guys now understand what they have to do, the new philosophy, and we have great results,” said Grapsas, who has worked with experienced NBA coaches Maurice Cheeks and Tony DiLeo and NCAA coaches, Jay Wright and Fran Dunphy.

On his ambition with the Suns, Grapsas feels it has to be about more than just winning trophies. Listening to his words, the Greek coach wants to create a legacy project. One that could also be adopted by South African basketball.

“We have to have a long discussion, we have to change the goals, they have to focus on a different philosophy to create a strong team for the coming years, and be able to provide players for the South African national team. We also have to focus on the Basketball Africa League, and if we want to have a great team that can compete in that league, we have to work a lot and clarify our goals,” concluded Grapsas.

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St Alban’s are coming to America

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FOR any South African high school basketball player making a trip across the Atlantic Ocean to the home of the game is a dream come true.

Playing in the land that gave birth to some of to the greatest players to have graced a basketball court, colossal figures that have set the bar high and great names that just roll off the tongue during sport debates. Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James and the list goes on.

For the USA bound St Alban’s team, the realisation of that dream will happen on Friday, where they will tour the nation’s capital Washington, Philadelphia and New York.

St Alban’s captain Nale Mulaudzi drives into the basket. Pictures: The BTO

St Alban’s coach Victor Fouda, who oversaw his team’s practice at the school’s courts last Friday, believes the tour is an opportunity for his players to be exposed to a high standard of basketball and it is a challenge the players want as well.

“We asked the majority of the players where they wanted go and most of them decided the USA is where they wanted to go,” said the Cameroon-born Fouda, who agreed with the player’s choice. “The USA is the home of basketball and it’s a good platform in any case. The way we play basketball in South Africa is different to the US style; so, I want them to experience that style so that when they come back they can make up their own minds.”

Fouda is aware of the challenge that awaits his team ahead of their excursion, as St Alban’s will be matching their style of play against more physical and athletic players, but he believes his team has its own attributes to counter whatever is thrown at them.

“African players have what we call flair, the US basketball is about physicality and explosion, but for us it about more skill and flair,” reiterated Fouda, who coached at St Alban’s for 17 years.

The St Alban’s coach also encouraged the players to take advantage of this tour as it presents a window of opportunity for them, as there is a potential for them to be scouted and offered scholarships.

 “What I tell my players is, this type of tour can lead to bigger things, it’s about how you take advantage of it. Going to the USA is a dream for any basketball player so they must make use of this chance because you never know, you could be scouted and play college basketball in the USA,” said Fouda.

St Alban’s coach Victor Fouda believes playing in the US is a great opportunity for his team.

St Alban’s Matriculant pupils and senior players, Nale Mulaudzi, who is the team captain and Jean Tognia are looking forward to this tour and the challenge ahead.

“Honestly, I am very excited, I have also been speaking to a lot of teammates as well and they are also excited. It’s a great opportunity to experience American ball as it is obviously different to South Africa’s. We get to feel different positions, guys will know what they need to work on and when they comeback they’ll feel a lot more confident,” said 17-year-old Nale who encouraged his teammates to learn as much as they can while on tour. “I think as a team we need to know each other’s strengths, how to find each other on the court and also being a lot more confident. I think the guys are afraid to step out of their comfort zones. I think if you want to be a better player you need step out of your comfort zone and try new things.”

Tognia spoke from a similar vein as his team captain and acknowledged the level which the game is played in the US.

“We are very excited about the tour, we have been training very hard for it, so we are definitely looking forward to it,” said the 18-year-old player. “The States is a nice place for basketball, it’s the best basketball country in the world that’s why we decided to go there.”

The stage has been set for the St Alban’s players and all they have to do is seize the moment to shine in the spotlight.

St Alban’s playing itinerary:

Washington

15 April:

St Alban’s v New World VA Team (Team 1)

St Alban’s v New World VA Team (Team 2)

16 April:

St Alban’s v Hayfield High School (Team 1)

St Alban’s v Hayfield High School (Team 2)

17 April:

St Alban’s v Nova 94 (Team 1)

St Alban’s v Nova 94 (Team 2)

Philadelphia

18 April:

St Alban’s v Nook Club (Team 1)

St Alban’s v Nook Club (Team2)

19 – 20 April:

St Alban’s v Olympus Prep (Team 1)

St Alban’s v Olympus Prep (Team 2)

St Alban’s are coming to America Read More »

Mothiba goes above and beyond to share knowledge

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SCHOOLS may have closed for the Easter break, and whilst pupils will have taken a break from academics, the doors of learning have been kept open on the basketball court.

Kids who aspire to have the shooting accuracy and quick handles of Golden State Warriors’ point guard Steph Curry, the passing vision of Houston Rockets floor general Chris Paul or whichever NBA star they want to emulate, had the opportunity of being how the best in the business do it.

Decorated South African basketball player and sports director at the St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls, Neo Mothiba, and his team of experienced basketball coaches, have through the non-profit organisation Beyond The Arc used the game of basketball as a way of giving back to the young boys and girls of their communities.

“I didn’t invent basketball, somebody taught me basketball so it would be selfish of me not to do the same and give back to the community,” Mothiba who credited his mother for his sense of community. “From home my mother has always been involved in the community through sports as well. So I think it’s only a vehicle for me to basically impact as many people as I can.”

Neo Mothiba gives a few pointers to the young boys. Pictures: The BTO

Mothiba, who has represented South Africa at the international level in continental competition and the Commonwealth Games, elaborated on how Beyond The Arc came to life stating that there was a need for an initiative that would help to build and expand the minds of children, especially African children, who have not benefited from exposure to many opportunities in life.

“Beyond The Arc came from seeing a lack of activity in our kids. We are not all gifted the same, we are not all going to be sports people, but we need to channel the inner black child, where he or she can do whatever they want, notwithstanding not having the opportunity to do that. And that’s where Beyond The Arc Consulting and Beyond The Arc Foundation came from,” said Mothiba, who hails from Soshanguve.

The former Tshwane Suns captain lamented the state of things in some of the townships that they come from, citing the lack of activity among todays younger generation.

“We want to impact the communities that are close to us. Most of us came from e loction, when we go back there we see how much the situation has deteriorated; it’s not like when we grew up: when we grew up there was a lot of activity. Nowadays the kids have got nothing else to do. They don’t have a vision, they don’t have a clear path on where they need to go, so hopefully we can help them in that regard,” said Mothiba, who gave his opinion on what led to things being in the current state that they are in.

“When communities stopped having clubs and sports started being concentrated in schools, that’s where we kind of lost it, because not all schools have sports and now – without any clubs – it’s one of those things where we need to understand that anything that is community-based is sustainable, because when these kids get back home from school where there is nothing happening, we need to make sure that we bridge that gap by starting an after – school system where the kids can go and do whatever they want in a protected space. Where they can brainstorm and be successful and that’s where we want to get to, where we become enablers that help these kids to flourish,” said the 34-year-old Mothiba.

Welcome Mokoena shows attendees some training drills.

While the project is driven by individuals who are passionate about basketball, they want to broaden the scope to include other sports and also the Arts and Culture.

“Obviously we want to partner up with many facets in terms of our perceived future, we want to offer every kid an opportunity to participate, but basketball is just an obvious choice because the directors are basketball enthusiasts. But we want to cater for culture for example; gumboot dancing or kids that want to play chess, just to make sure between that downtime from 2-5 the kids are doing something worthwhile,” said Mothiba, a two-time BNL champion with the Suns.

Mothiba was also impressed with the response of the kids who came through for Thursday’s inaugural camp at Pretoria Boys’ High School and affirmed that it will improve certain aspects of their lives.

“These kids are enthusiastic and they are excited to be here and you can see they are soaking in as much as they can basketball wise. With me, basketball has taught me so many things outside of the game: persistence, teamwork and hard work, and to be able to carry that into life as well. You can see from watching what these kids are doing on the court that the work ethic and discipline has been developed and instilled. We are hoping that programmes like these will instil the basketball aspect but also the lifestyle aspect of it as well,” said Mothiba.

Mothiba goes above and beyond to share knowledge Read More »

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