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Young’s career rejuvenated by Combine and Beira

Can Young and Locomotivas shock the world?

IN October last year, Ferroviario da Beira’s Najeal Young thought his playing days had ended due to not having any takers for his services for a while. But instead of wallowing in that prospect, he zoned in on more important things until a career lifeline arrived two months later.

Young, who had played professionally in Mongolia, Mexico and Australia before experiencing a career limbo, had his playing ambition reignited in December when he received an invitation to the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Combine in Paris, France.

During the Combine in mid-January, Young did enough to convince the Locomotivas Spanish coach Luis Hernandez to sign him for their successful BAL Nile Conference campaign. There the Mozambican club qualify for the playoffs starting in Kigali, Rwanda, on Saturday.

**Najeal Young shares a moment with team captain Will Perry. Pictures: Getty Images**

It was not the first time Young attempted to play in the BAL. In season two of the continental competition, he got in touch with teams to try and secure a contract.

“Last year January, I emailed every team that qualified for the BAL about a roster spot. There was interest from the Congolese team (Espoir Fukash), but nothing materialised,” said Milwaukee-born Young, who spoke to The Big Tip Off on Friday.

“I later tried my luck at a couple of Combines in the (NBA) G-League, but things did not pan out. Around October of that year, I realised it was not happening, and I focused more on taking care of my kids and being around family.

“Around Christmas, I got an invite to the BAL Combine. I got into basketball mode and worked myself into shape. In Paris, I would say I performed okay and eventually got some interest from coach Luis. We had a couple of conversations about coming to Beira, we reached an agreement, and now I am here.”

Young credits the BAL Combine for reviving his career: “It helped me get back into basketball and rejuvenated my career. Honestly, I did not know if I was going to continue playing. Things were pretty much in the air. So, I am thankful to coach Luis and the Combine for giving me the opportunity to do the thing that I love the most,” said Young, who started out as a gridiron player.

The 29-year-old small forward has also taken flight in the league courtesy of the second wind his career has had. In conference play, Young, a smooth finisher at the rim, has this season led the BAL in scoring (26.1 points per game) and played an integral part in Beira qualifying for the last eight.

“I feel good and have put a lot of work into my game. When you do that, it will show on the court. I am a player who wants to win games. It’s cool to score the most points, but if we don’t win games, then it’s not the same,” said the former Caballeros de Culiacan player.

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Beira finished the Nile Conference with a 2-3 record and in the third spot to book their ticket to Kigali. Young acknowledged that the Mozambican club were in a tough group, but he was proud of how his team performed.

Also, being in Egypt, he got to fulfil one of his lifelong dreams.

“This being a new group, I knew there would be some challenges in trying to win together and what our team could do to compete on this stage. Overall, I would give us an A-plus,” said Young. “To also be in Egypt, near the pyramids… I was actively in my dream. It has always been a dream of mine to come here and see the pyramids. So, I am grateful.

“Also, getting a chance to be on that floor and underneath those lights, having Amadou (Gallo Fall), D-Wade and the fans watching our games on the sidelines and stands is a dream come true in every facet.”

Young also had his son cheering him on in Cairo. He explained that having him at the arena was a great source of motivation.

“This why we do what we do. We play this game for our families and it’s great to have their support. Having my son on the side lines and him cheering me on was a big energy boost for me. It matters a great deal to have had him there and it was extremely fun to see him rooting for me. I also do this for my family back home I know they were watching me on TV. So, it was a great experience,” said Young.

**Najeal Young felt the love of his family on and off the court.**

From the start of the Nile Conference, the veteran player always believed that his team would make it to the playoff rounds. Now he and his teammates look forward to Sunday’s battle against AS Douanes of Senegal.

“I was confident. I also had expectations of our team making it to the playoffs. We were in a strong group, with Petro (de Luanda) and Al Ahly being the top teams. I think we could have done some things better to try and beat City Oilers, but we made it,” said Young.

“I am excited about our next challenge. We are playing AS Douanes. I have studied a tape on them. They are a vibrant group, active, and they compete hard. It’s going to be a fun game and match-up.

Finally, Young believes Beira can make a deep run in the competition and that they can turn heads while doing it.

“I feel that a fire has lit up in us. There is a bit more attention to detail from players and the coach as well. We do not just want to be in Kigali. We want to win and shock the world,” concluded Young.

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Beira reminds Gueye of his humble beginnings

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Defence will make the difference for Beira

WHEN Senegalese big man Makhtar Gueye committed himself to play for Mozambican club Ferroviario da Beira for this season’s Basketball Africa League (BAL), his arrival to the same named city, while humbling also caused a shock to his system.

Gueye, from Rufisque in Senegal, says that Beira, making their second appearance in the league, showed interest in him after displaying his prowess at the BAL Combine in Paris, France. Following the Combine, negotiations for Gueye’s services were done telephonically, and that was the smooth part of the process.

“The Combine was a great platform. It was good exposure for me. I had the opportunity to represent my country, my family and myself. It was a way of showcasing talent and to talk with team managers. I had a lot of offers, but I picked the best deal for me,” said the Senegalese international speaking to The Big Tip Off on Tuesday.

“I also considered my style of play, and I think Beira was the best fit for a player like myself. Also, one of my former coaches in Spain knew the Beira coach (Luis Hernandez). So he put us in touch, and I liked what Coach Hernandez had to say.”

**Ferroviario da Beira’s Makhtar Gueye takes on Michael Gbinije of Cape Town Tigers. Pictures: Supplied**

Upon arrival in Beira, Gueye, a second-year pro, was shocked by the destruction caused by a cyclone that ravaged the city in 2019.

While it was an eye opener, the former CB Menorca player took the state of affairs in Beira in his stride, as what he saw reminded him of his humble beginnings.

“It was crazy. It’s nothing near what I thought about Mozambique. Because all communication was through the phone, I thought everything was in Maputo. But I learnt I was going to Beira. They had the cyclone, which damaged the city and the gym, so things were different there,” said Gueye, who represented Senegal in the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China.

“In such situations, you learn to have grace. As a kid in Senegal, I remember experiencing a similar situation and having to practice on a concrete court. So, I have an appreciation for the situation. The coach has also been good in managing the situation and helping us to get comfortable.”

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Another challenge Beira faced was the lack of preparation for their Nile Conference campaign. The inactivity of the Mozambican domestic league meant that the Southern African club could not get the necessary game time.

On top of their preparation woes, the Mozambican club started the competition with two tough games, against Al Ahly and Petro de Luanda, which they lost.

“It’s hard to prepare for a high-level competition like this and not get games before it starts. We knew it was going to be hard, especially starting against the two best teams in the conference,” said the Seed Academy Alumni. “We had to grind and stick to how we play, and it paid off in our third game.”

And pay off it did as the 6ft10 (2.08m) Gueye and his teammates managed to secure their first win (109-97) against Seydou Legacy Athletique Club (SLAC) on Sunday.

Gueye scored 15 points and eight rebounds against SLAC, while American combo-guard Najeal Young contributed 26 points, three assists and five rebounds, but the fourth-quarter exploits of team captain Will Perry won the game for Beira.

Perry made four threes in a 41-point performance, for Beira to reclaim a lead they had lost and gain a first victory.

**Makhtar Gueye believes defence will be key to qualifying for Kigali. Picture: The BTO**

Gueye says the battle against SLAC was one of the most challenging in his career.

“It’s one of the toughest games I have played since I started playing basketball. We had a good approach, and we were aggressive from the start. We had a good to close out the half, and we talked about them making their run,” said the University of Alabama player. “When they did make their run, other things happened as well. Najeal got injured, I got into foul trouble, and Bourouma (Sidibe) fouled out. So, Will had to carry the team.

“We were resilient. That is what gave us the game.”

Beira have also added the scalp of the Cape Town Tigers to have a 2-2 record. A victory over the winless City Oilers on Friday night will guarantee Beira’s progress to the playoffs in Kigali, Rwanda.

Ahead of their remaining games, Gueye said they have to lock in defensively to win and qualify for the playoffs.

“Defence! In these types of tournaments, defence wins you games. If we do not defend well, then we will lose. We can score 200 points, but we must play defence to stop our opponents from scoring the same amount. That will make the difference. Defence!” concluded Gueye.

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Cele chose education route over going pro early

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Tigers will require more from Cele in bid to qualify for Kigali

From the time South Africa’s Samkelo Cele caught the basketball bug, he saw the sport as a gateway for him to turn his big dreams into reality.

KwaZulu-Natal-born Cele, who followed in the footsteps of a handful of talented South African hoopers that had their game nurtured in the United States, has returned home after a productive time in college across the Atlantic.

The swingman is now in the professional ranks and signed for two-time South African national champions Cape Town Tigers for their Basketball Africa League Nile (BAL) Conference campaign underway in Cairo, Egypt. Before speaking on the BAL, Cele shared how he fell in love with the sport.

He explained that while channel surfing, he stumbled on a Los Angeles Lakers game featuring the NBA franchise’s late legend Kobe Bryant.

“I was scrolling through TV channels and caught a Lakers game around late 2010 going to 2011. I think Kobe was playing in it. After that, I asked around my neighbourhood about basketball teams I could join. The Clan was my first team and I have never looked back since that time,” said Cele, speaking to The Big Tip Off last Friday.

**Samkelo Cele has always dreamt of playing basketball in the United States. Picture: Supplied**

From that point, Cele also honed his game at Durban High School and local club APN. The Phenomenal Phenoms would be his last stop before heading to America to further his education and playing ambition.

“When I learnt that it was happening, I felt … Finally! It has always been a dream of mine to go and study in the United States. So, when it eventually arrived, I told myself, ‘This is what you wanted and dreamt about, so it’s time to go and be about’,” said Cele.

“It was a life changing moment, and I appreciate the people that helped me get to that point.”

During his time in the United States, Cele began his journey at Bull City Prep Academy (2018) in North Carolina. In the 2020-2021 season, he moved on to junior college, where he played for the Southern Jaguars in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Cele says the adjustment to his new environment was challenging, but on the court, it took one game for him to find his feet.

“The hardest part was leaving my family behind and going to a new country. The US was different to what I am accustomed to in terms of lifestyle and basketball. It was hard because I also did not see my parents for a couple of years. I settled, but I still experience difficult moments,” said Cele.

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He also reflected on his first playing experience: “One of my best memories was my first good game. Before that, I did not perform to my standard. I would say I was average. In my second game, I was really good. That is when I put my name on the map. That was in North Carolina. It was one of my fondest memories.”

The following season (2021-2022), he had a stint with NCAA Division One college, Marist Red Foxes, the Alma Mater of his Tigers captain Pieter Prinsloo. Cele would eventually suit up for the NAIA team, University of Science and Arts Oklahoma Drovers. During the spell with the Drovers, he graduated with Business Administration and Sociology degrees.

The 6ft6 Cele says he could have gone pro earlier, but he felt it paramount to complete his studies as it was a part of his plan when he left South Africa.

“That was the most important thing, because I used basketball as tool to create a better life. If the NCAA did not pan out, I could have just said, ‘forget about school’. I also had offers from some pro teams. But education is important to me, so that is why I chose to stay an extra year. I also have to look beyond basketball and try to set myself for life.”

**Samkelo Cele understands his role for the Tigers.**

While he achieved success in the classroom, Cele’s talents on the court also saw him receive Third Team All-American honours with the Drovers, something he was proud to have achieved in his college career.

“Honestly, whatever awards or accolades you get … You appreciate them because they recognise you, but that is not what I play for … To be an All-American, ” said Cele. “You play to the best of your ability and put your best foot forward. It’s all the hard work I put in, and it was a great honour to receive that accolade.

“My coach at the team helped me to be in that position. He told me early in the season where he saw me, and funny enough, it came to fruition.”

On his journey with the Tigers at the BAL Nile Conference, Cele has been impactful for the team, coming off the bench. His 11 points and five rebounds helped the Tigers earn an opening 75-68 win against Guinea’s Seydou Legacy Athletique Club (SLAC).

“When I arrived at the Tigers, coach (Rasheed) Hazzard explained his plans and how I fit into them. So, the best way to respond was to trust, accept and be the best off the bench guy possible,” said Cele, reflecting on his role. “It was exciting because it was my first professional game, and I look forward to more. I am a tenacious player. I will do what it takes to get the job done. If I am needed to score or defend. I’ll do those things. Wherever the coach puts me, I’ll try to get the job done.”

The Tigers will need more from Cele to secure a playoff spot in Kigali, Rwanda. After their opening victory over SLAC, they have suffered three consecutive losses. Defeats to Petro de Luanda, Nile Conference hosts Al Ahly and Ferroviario da Beira have made things tricky for the Tigers. The Cape side still occupy the fourth spot in their Conference, but they cannot afford a slip-up against an 0-3 City Oilers team in their final game on Saturday.

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Joining Oilers a blessing in disguise for Barnaba

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Oilers will give it their all at the BAL

FOR Ngor Barnaba turning out for City Oilers was a blessing in disguise as he had not seen some of his family in a long time.

The Sudan-born player was a toddler when his family fled the war-torn country. They would eventually settle in the United States, where the world of basketball would open for a young Ngor.

Khartoum-born Barnaba, who spoke to The Big Tip Off a week ago, would grow up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he learnt to play basketball. He says living close to the university in Louisiana also played an influential role in his picking up the game.

“I spent a part of my life in Louisiana, where I started playing basketball. We lived close to Louisiana State University, a big basketball institution. I was in the second or third grade when I started playing and taking it seriously,” said the 6ft9 (2.06m) small forward.

**City Oilers’ Ngor Barnaba in action against Petro in their opening game. Pictures: Stone Tsuabah**

His basketball career would see him play at the John Marshall High School and Missouri State-West Plains Junior College. Barnaba would play for two other colleges (Utah State University and Talladega College) before turning pro.

Before joining the Oilers, the 27-year-old played in Spain for the Spanish fourth-tier club Santfeliunc Basquet. He spoke fondly of his time in the Iberian Peninsula.

“I spent some time playing in Barcelona, Spain. It was my first pro experience. I had a great season, and I also got to meet some great people out there and learn about their culture, so it was a great time for me,” said Barnaba.

After his stint in Spain, Uganda came calling. Barnaba found himself in the blue and gold vest of City Oilers, where he wants to help the club make their mark in continental basketball, and he has had an opportunity to connect with his kin.

“The last time I visited the continent was in 1998. I still have some family here. There is an aunt and cousins of mine who stay here in Uganda. Now that I play in Uganda, I have gotten the chance to see them,” said Barnaba.

“It’s been amazing. Apart from the brand of basketball that they are playing, which has been big for me, they have also helped to connect me with my family here. I have not seen my aunt and cousins since I was a kid.”

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Barnaba joined the Oilers late last year for their successful Elite 16 Road To BAL campaign in Johannesburg, South Africa. He gave stand-out performances in wins over Mozambique’s Ferroviario da Beira in the group stages and the third-place playoff victory 71-62 against Burundi’s Urunani.

While Barnaba scooped the MVP honours (17 points, nine rebounds) for the game against Beira, his 12 points versus Urunani were also critical in ensuring that the Oilers would debut in this year’s Basketball Africa League (BAL).

“We came into those qualifiers as underdogs and wanted to prove ourselves to people. We played good games against great teams and finished four and one. Qualifying on that last day was amazing,” said Barnaba.

“The City Oilers have been trying to qualify for the BAL for the last three years. Now we felt a sense of relief after getting it done. There was just joy and happiness after what we had accomplished.

“When you are a part of something special like this, you don’t want to sit back. You want to contribute and give it your best. I thought I did a great job of doing everything my team needed. We are an unselfish team and a group of guys that want to see each other do well.”

**Ngor Barnaba battles for position against Petro’s Joan Petro Atletico. Picture: The BTO**

Since the Oilers’ successful Road To BAL qualifying campaign, Barnaba decided not to attach himself to any club. In the months leading to the BAL, he used the time to get fit until they returned to Uganda.

“After the qualifiers, me and my teammates, who played at that time, decided to focus on training the BAL. I did have a couple of offers, but I decided not to take them because I wanted to focus on this moment,” said Barnaba.

The versatile big returned to Uganda in early April for the Oilers’ preparation of the BAL Nile Conference in Cairo (26 April). While he and the import players have not played in the local National Basketball League, Barnaba feels they have done sufficient work to get ready.

“It’s going well for the Oilers in the league. Even if I am not playing, we practice hard every day. We are getting them in good shape for the league and they are doing the same for us for the BAL,” said Barnaba.

In their BAL debut, Oilers will face off against Petro de Luanda, Nile Conference hosts Al Ahly, Seydou Legacy Athletique Club, Ferroviario da Beira and Cape Town Tigers.

Barnaba felt there are no easy games in their Conference, and he expects every opposition to put their best forward.

“I think every team is well coached, and they have great players. Every game we played in South Africa during the Road To BAL was hard fought. I think it will be the same in Cairo. All the games are going to go down to the wire,” said Barnaba.

“Every team will bring their all, and we must do the same. On any given night, anything can happen. So, if we stay focused, we will be alright.”

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Morais cherishes being on the same court as Kobe

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Angolan guard wants to win it all with Petro

THE path to achieving legendary status on the African basketball scene for Carlos Morais had its share of naysayers, especially when the Angolan point guard decided he was going to make a career out of the sport.

At the beginning, the voices of doubt believed, the mercurial Morais did not have the body type for basketball and concluded he would not make it as a player. Instead of giving into those voices, the now 37-year-old showed in those formative stages, he was made of stern stuff. Morais tuned out the noise from his detractors, worked hard, and has gone on to have a storied career.

Indeed, he has carved out a legacy that makes for envious reading. It also puts to shame his detractors for doubting that he belonged on the hardwood of basketball. Some his achievements include an appearance at the Olympic Games and featuring at two FIBA World Championships. He also has four AfroBasket titles to his name.

“The biggest takeaway from my career is that you can be anything you want in this world,” said the Petro Atletico captain at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto Campus on Saturday. “When I started, I had a small build and had to improve on certain things. Many people told me I would never become a basketball player. They told me to try a different sport.

**Carlos Morais believes Petro will be better prepared for next year’s BAL. Picture BAL**

“I stuck with it. I believed if I put in the work and stayed committed, I would become everything I dreamt of being. And here I am now. So my biggest take away from my career is I am everything I am meant to be.”

The Angolan player’s glittering career highlights include sharing the same court with late icon Kobe Bryant and the current leading man in basketball, LeBron James. But for Morais, going face to face against the Black Mamba in the 2008 Beijing Olympics is one of the lingering moments in the memory bank of his illustrious career.

“It was an unbelievable experience to be on the same basketball court with Kobe, LeBron and other all-time greats. It was amazing. It’s an experience very few have had and something I can share with my kids when they get older. I can tell them I played against the best in the world,” said the former Angola captain. “There are so many great experiences I have had while donning the national team’s vest. But I would say playing against Kobe was by far the biggest of them all. I am a die-hard Kobe fan. Being on the same court as him was unbelievable. From the beginning to the end of the game, I was the happiest kid on the court.”

Petro Atletico — **Seasoned veteran Carlos Morais, no 6, feels good about his game. Picture: The BTO**

In a career that has spanned two decades and has seen him play high school basketball in the USA and professional basketball in Portugal (Benfica) and Italy (Mans Sana), Morais still enjoys playing at the elite level for Petro Atletico.

“I am feeling good about my game. We have many young players in the team. They have fresh energy, and that keeps me going. They push me to be at my best,” said the Petro captain. “It’s a pleasure to lead this team and to play at the highest level. I want to help them win.”

With the season in Angola about to begin, Morais will lead the 15-time Angolan League champions in an exhibition against the Cape Town Tigers. Petro, who faced the Tigers in this year’s Basketball Africa League (BAL), will use the game on Sunday at Mandeville, Johannesburg, to gauge themselves.

“We expect a good game. The Tigers are a good team and have a good roster. We hope to have a good game tomorrow,” said Morais. “They can help us prepare for what is coming our way in Angola. It’s a game they will look to win, but for us, it’s about being prepared, and we want to take full advantage.”

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On the home front, Morais also expects their rivals Primeiro de Agosto and Interclube to challenge Petro, who are two-time FIBA African Club Champions.

“I think all the teams will be stronger this year. They want to be in the same position as us. So everything we are doing is to be better than what we were last season. We expect no less from the other teams,” said Morais, who also reflected on Petro’s BAL participation.

“I think in the first season, we were not ready and did not know what to expect. We did not know the level of the other teams, but we finished third. In the second season, we made a couple of mistakes in the final. Hopefully, we will have corrected those by the time the third season starts. We believe next season will be tougher than the last, so we have to be ready.”

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Okatch turns her trials into triumphs

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WHEN Dorothy Okatch experienced some of the darkest moments in her life, the basketball court was the space where she found refuge and solace. Apart from getting peace of mind from the game, the Botswana referee has become a prominent official on the continent and is achieving grand milestones.

Okatch, who comes from a basketball family, experienced life’s trials at an early age. She lost both parents at different stages of her youth. The loss of her father, drastically changed life for her and her family. Also learning about the family’s refugee status in their adopted country from her late mother exacerbated their struggle in Botswana.

“I did not know we were refugees until I got to junior secondary school. My dad started a job at the University of Botswana. For the first few years, we lived comfortably. We had a good place to stay. My dad was a lecturer, and I guess he made good money,” said Uganda-born Okatch, who spoke to The Big Tip Off via Zoom two weeks ago. “When my dad passed away, my mom had to take care of six kids, so things changed. We moved to a refugee camp. ‘I asked myself why we were moving to this place?’ At the time, it still did not click that we were refugees. It was when I got to high school that my mom explained the situation of our lives.”

**Botswana referee Dorothy Okatch has overcome adversity in life. Pictures: The BTO**

Following her mother’s explanation of the family’s refugee status, Okatch, who arrived in Botswana 1987, would later learn that not all in the Southern African country would be welcoming.

“At the time, it was not an issue for me. That’s until my school teacher began talking about refugees. Then the teacher asked if anyone in class was a refugee? I innocently lifted my hand, and most of my classmates laughed, and from that time, everyone treated me differently,” said 39-year-old Okatch. “Then everyone in the class started calling me a refugee. It sunk in that it sucks not being from here. It sucks how I am viewed differently from everyone else. I was talked about as someone who had fled to Botswana to stay alive.

“It changed my perspective of things. How I interacted with people, what I said and did. After that incident with the teacher, my experience was hell. I wished I had not raised my hand and felt the teacher had tricked me.”

Okatch, who presently works as head of an NGO in Botswana, would see her fortunes and that of her sister change, when they moved to a new school.

“My sister and I got a scholarship through a church in Canada to attend a private school (in Botswana). At that school, most of us were from other countries, and so I had a much better experience in that environment” said Okatch. Okatch has since then felt more integrated into the Botswana society, and now considers herself a patriot.

Looking back at the loss of both parents, the situation seemed perilous for Okatch, especially when she had completed high school and transitioning to university. Luckily she would be a beneficiary of scholarship for refugees that enabled her to study outside of Botswana.

“I lost my dad when I was seven-years-old and at 16 my mom passed away. So, here I was, a refugee in Botswana. I had just finished high school and awaiting my results. Things began to pile up and I asked myself what the hell I was gonna do?, said Okatch. “I could not get a job or do anything else because of my refugee status. Fortunately, I got a scholarship through the United Nations High Commission for Refugees to go and study at the University of Namibia. ”

Namibia presented a fresh start for Okatch, it was also where she immersed herself more and more into basketball. She served in the basketball structures at the University and it was where her journey into refereeing began.

“Given what I was dealing with, I almost got a nervous breakdown and when things were crazy, I would find myself at the basketball court. I also served on the basketball executive committee at the university. My life revolved around basketball. Anyone could tell you ‘Dorothy lives and eats basketball’. If you were looking for me, the basketball court is where you would find me,” said Okatch, who holds a Masters degree in Social Work.

She described how the road to officiating began.

“My journey into refereeing started in 2002 when I was in my second year. Some friends and I went to a place called UN Plaza, where a high school game was being played. It was heart-breaking to see some of the kids not playing but refereeing games. I saw it as unfair to them as they did not know how to be unbiased in games. I also doubt they were familiar with the rules of the game,” said the University of Namibia alumni. “My friends and I decided to step in, and I loved it so much that I came every weekend. I just enjoyed giving those kids a fair game.”

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Okatch’s quality of being impartial had impressed Namibian basketball official, Charles Nyambe, leading to her getting an invite for a referee’s training course and officiating in her first major game.

“Namibian official’s chairperson invited me to a referees clinic. Under his watch, I would go on to referee my first men’s game: Rebels versus Tomahawks, something that terrified me. This is the biggest game in Namibia. Charles was there to remind me I was a fair referee and to not be afraid of making the right call,” said Okatch. “That is where the love and passion for refereeing began for me. Namibia gave me my first whistle. That country groomed me as a referee.”

Having grown in her role as a referee, Okatch was ready to take another leap, that of becoming an international referee. However, achieving that goal would be complicated. On her first attempt whilst in Namibia, Okatch faced issues not only with her not being a Namibian citizen but also she learnt that she was pregnant.

“In 2010, Charles nominated me to attend a zonal (Southern Africa) referees clinic. I was supposed to go as a Namibian referee, although I was not a citizen. It was a controversial issue, as you can imagine,” said Okatch. “I had to pay my costs, and I was okay with that. As I prepared myself and tried to get fit, I realised I was out of breath. It was then that I discovered I was pregnant and so I could not go that year.”

In 2014, Okatch, who had since returned to Botswana two years earlier, attended another zonal referees clinic in Zimbabwe. She again had to pay out of her own pocket as the Botswana federation could not afford to send her.

“The Botswana association told me they did not have money to pay for the trip to Zimbabwe. I told them I could pay for myself, and so I went to Zimbabwe for the zonal licensing, and I aced it,” said Okatch, who would later go on to become Botswana’s first internationally recognised referee. “Eight months later, there was a call for referees with zonal licences to upgrade to the international level. Fortunately, I was able to go to Madagascar for the licencing, and in 2015 I got it. I was the first referee in Botswana to get an international license.”

She added: “It was one of the best feelings I have ever had since my involvement in basketball. I used to check online daily to see if my name was on the list, and the day my name appeared, I screamed and cried. Finally, Botswana had an international referee.”

Okatch, who also holds a 3-on-3 refereeing licence has officiated at some top international tournaments. Her career highlights include refereeing at: the 2019 Women’s AfroBasket, the Basketball Africa League (BAL) and the Special Olympics World Games (Abu Dhabi in 2019).

“My highlight tournament was getting to referee the final in my first AfroBasket. Also, officiating both the women’s and men’s 3X3 finals tournament in Uganda. The names of the officials for finals had not been released, and when I got called to do the women’s final, I was chuffed with myself. It was an indication of how good I was at my job. I then got to referee the men’s final, which again boosted my confidence and trust in myself,” said Okatch. ” Also with the Special Olympics World Games, I had never officiated on the global stage. That was really special for me because it reminded me why I was a referee. It reminded me the importance of compassion and fairness when you referee. These athletes want to compete and enjoy their sport and being able to provide that platform made me happy.”

Okatch now looks forward to officiating at the Commonwealth Games in July in Birmingham, England. She also aspires to referee at a FIBA junior or senior World Cup.

“I am excited and look forward to officiate at the 3X3 tournament because it’s yet another higher level of competition. I would love to officiate a FIBA world championship tournament, whether the junior or senior competition,” concluded Okatch.

Okatch has a lot to look forward to as a referee. The sacrifices she has made to grow in the sport she loves have paid off and in the process, she has changed the trajectory of her life. It may not always be smooth sailing but she has learnt how to turn trials into triumphs.

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Kalala takes his game to new heights

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A LATE bloomer! That is one way of describing Aristote Kalala’s arrival to basketball. Despite his late start to the game, a strong work ethic unlocked his potential and opened new doors for the 21-year-old, who came to South Africa as a refugee many years ago.

Kalala, who recently started community college in the United States has no recollection of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the country of his birth. His earliest memory is arriving in South Africa as a four-year-old with his family and journeying to Cape Town. The Mother City would be where the basketball journey for Kalala would begin.

“The only memory I have is arriving in Joburg and the train ride to Cape Town. Apart from that, I do not remember much,” said Lubumbashi-born Kalala, speaking via Zoom last Friday.

He also spoke briefly about his time in South Africa. “My life in South Africa was good. That is home for me. I had a few challenges here and there because I was a refugee, but it did not stop me from working towards my dreams.”

Second Picture — **Aristote Kalala, right, poses with a teammate at the NBA Academy in Senegal. Pictures Supplied**

While he does not recall much from his early days, Kalala’s journey to playing basketball has been a fascinating one. For starters, the former Camps Bay High School pupil never took a liking to the game. Football was his preferred choice as a scholar. Unfortunately, the quotas for football at the time were full, meaning Kalala had to choose another sport.

“I started basketball around 2017 at the age of sixteen. To tell you the truth, I never liked basketball at first. I wanted to play football, but the spaces in our school team reached capacity, so I switched to basketball,” said Kalala, who explained what changed his mind about the game. “There was one match that I grabbed 18 rebounds. The excitement of that made me come back to practice. Since that moment, I fell in love with the sport.”

The decision would pay dividends for the 6ft7 player as he enjoyed a meteoric rise. From the year he started playing basketball, Kalala earned provincial colours, and in his second year, he was champion for the Western Cape in the Interprovincial Tournament.

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Kalala also realised that he could play at a higher level and that the game could take him places.

“That same year (2017), I went on to play provincials and in 2018 as well. The first year we came fourth in the national tournament a year later we came first,” said Kalala, a former Trafalgar High School pupil. “After that, I realised I do have potential and felt like I could get somewhere with basketball. So, that’s when I started playing with whoever I could find on the court. I played against guys who were better than me. I also watched YouTube videos because I am more of a visual learner. I’ll either watch videos or sit on the side of the court and watch how other guys play the game.”

After completing high school, Kalala opted not go the university route. He spent two years honing his skill under the watchful eyes of Giovanni Freeman, a director at African Hoops for Hope, and Victor Shakineza, a former coach in the Pretoria basketball circuit. During the two year break, Kalala also had a stint in the Basketball National League (BNL), but his big break was when he left for Senegal to join the NBA Academy in the West African country.

“People like Giovanni Freeman helped me with shooting form because, at the time, it was not great. I also met Victor, who watched me play and told me, ‘you have the potential to play this game at a higher level’,” said Kalala, who reflected on his solitary BNL season with Western Cape Mountaineers. “That experience was amazing for me, playing against guys in South Africa. I learnt that there were guys in the country who really could play. It’s not Cape Town and Joburg that have talent. Guys in other parts of the country can play as well. So, it was a great experience for me.”

The move to Senegal last year came as a surprise for Kalala. He says Frank Traore, who had been tracking him, was impressed with what he had seen.

“For me, it was something unexpected . I continued working on my game during the off-season. Then I was told that there was interest in me from the NBA Academy because I showed great potential. I was excited about that. I met coach Frank from the academy who confirmed that I do have potential to get to the next level, but it was up to me to grab it,” said Kalala, who experienced a reality check in West Africa. “When I got the opportunity to attend the academy, in my mind, I thought I was going to be the tallest person there. Instead, I went from being the biggest guy that everybody knew to the smallest. Everyone at the academy was humongous and super athletic.”

Third Picture — **Aristote Kalala,right, with Angola legend Carlos Morais**

From that point, Kalala had to re-evaluate his position on the court.

“I knew my role had to change from being an inside player to playing on the perimeter. The change meant I had to develop a three-point shot. My three-point shot was always there, but it was not consistent. So, I had to work on it because I was now the shorter guy,” said Kalala, who went through rigorous training.

“My biggest takeaway from that experience is how they care for you at the academy. Regardless of where you are from, they treat you with dignity. It’s a loving environment. The coaches push you to your maximum and out of your comfort zone. I did not know that I was in my comfort zone until I got there. I would question the coaches and ask why they were so hard on me and not other players? They explained that those players are going to high school, and I am going to college.”

Kalala’s coaches were right to push and were not off the mark about his potential. The youngster recently earned a scholarship to Ranger College, a junior school in Texas.

The feeling of being in the US is still unreal to him, but he aims to make the most of this golden opportunity.

“Sometimes I wake up and ask myself: ‘am I really in the States?’. I am close to getting a D1 offer. If I perform well, there is a chance for me to enter the NBA draft. It’s happened in a short space of time, so I am still processing it,” said Kalala, who is majoring in general studies, but hopes to still pursue film and media, academically. “I am definitely grateful to be in this position. There are a lot of guys back home who are trying to be here. So, for me to be in this position, I am grateful.”

Kalala’s story truly reflects that it does not matter what road you travelled. When opportunity meets preparation, even the sky is no longer the limit. We will be watching the space as he climbs to even greater heights.

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Craig standing tall as road to Mercer awaits

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Craig’s game blossomed in the spring

SOUTH African-born centre, David Craig has taken a gigantic leap in his playing career by committing himself to NCAA Division I University team, Mercer Bears in the United States.

While the ink has dried on the letter of intent Craig signed two weeks ago to join Georgia-based Bears, he reflected on a journey that brought its fair share of pain and disappointment.

The 7ft1 former St Benedict’s pupil has lingering memories of a debilitating ailment on both knees which almost halted his progress in his early teens. Then there was also the disappointment of not making a junior NBA team and losing an inter-provincial final in South Africa. This was three years before he joined the all-boys McCallie School in Tennessee.

“Honestly, it’s almost like I have woken up from a very long sleep. It’s like you know what has happened, but you don’t feel it yet. I still remember being that kid who got cut from a junior NBA team. I remember it like it was yesterday playing for Gauteng in an inter-provincial in twenty-sixteen and losing to the Western Cape in the final,” said the colossal Craig, who hails from Ekurhuleni. “Those things are fresh in my head, but I just signed a division one letter of intent. It’s just a relieving feeling knowing that my parents can watch their child play in a division one school in America and not have to pay a single cent for it.”

Craig, who was 14-years-old when he experienced trouble with his knees, says it affected his mobility and relationship with food.

“I had this thing called Osgood Schlatter Syndrome. It meant that I had a lot of swelling around the joints of my knees. They were sensitive to the point that when I pressed my finger on either knee, it hurt,” continued Craig. “It was destructive and impacted everything I did, from the way I walked to the way I ran. Also, when I was not playing, I would sit at home and eat as a way of filling that need for stimulation.”

Following a consultation with a doctor, the prescribed treatment for Craig’s knees was rest. For the centre, the idea of waiting to heal did not sit well with him, and he embarked on a self-driven recovery program.

“My doctor told me the best way to fix this was if I rested, but I was not willing to do that. It took me quite a while to realise that I could conquer this and didn’t need to focus only on rest. I needed to work on my diet and my body. That was the beginning of all this, and truly understanding the meaning of hard work,” said Craig.

The work the big man put in to get his knees right and withstand the rigours of basketball paid off, and with the help of his parents, he earned a scholarship to attend McCallie.

“When I turned 15 and at about six foot seven, my parents saw that I was talented. I worked hard. I was ahead of other players in my age group at the time. So their thought process was, we do not want you to wait for an opportunity to come,” said Craig, who is in his final year at McCallie. “Coming from South Africa, the typical route to the US is through BWB (Basketball Without Borders). While BWB would be a great opportunity, I did not want to rely solely on it, so we started to apply to schools and luckily, I got the financial aid I needed… And here I am.”

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While leaving home for a different country can be challenging from a cultural and mental aspect, Craig says the advice he received from his former coach, Nompumelelo Ramatsoga was affirming and helped put his mind at ease.

“My high school coach from South Africa, coach Mpumi gave me the best advice as she has made that transition before. Coach Mpumi told me I needed to ready myself, try to learn from everything, and not to see the situation as a loss. She reminded me I had what it took, that I was a good player, and everything would work itself out. She has been right so far,” said Craig, who already knew he could overcome difficult hurdles.

The McCallie environment suited Craig as he was afforded the space and time to adapt to the culture of the school and also be up to speed with the physical demands of basketball in America.

“When I came to McCallie, it was a huge learning curve. It’s a prestigious school and houses athletes in different sporting codes. There is also an emphasis on academics. There were a lot of things I needed to adjust, and I got help with that. The coaches stuck with me. I had a lot of growing to do. Growing into my body. Getting my strength and coordination up. The coaches there ultimately knew I would be an investment,” said Craig, who has high ambition for his final season.

“I worked hard and improved throughout the years. Midway through my sophomore year, I was starting to make an impact on the team. In my junior year, I made it to the all-regional team. This year I am looking to win Mr Basketball Tennessee, which would be a great thing. So I am thankful for how much the coaches have invested in me.”

Third Pic — **David Craig signs his letter of intent to play college basketball for Mercer Bears**

Craig pointed out that he was not high on the recruitment list of teams until his junior high school year. The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic also threw a spanner in the works.

“I had just finished playing my sophomore season and getting ready to play in the Amateur Athletic Union (basketball). Then Covid hit, everything got shut down and I had to come home,” said Craig. “I did not get noticed until my junior high school season. That’s when realised I had to turn things up a notch because I was going to have one spring season to play in AAU Basketball where all the college coaches go (for scouting).”

It was during the Spring season that Craig’s game blossomed. Coaches who had slept on him took a second look, and the number of college suitors increased. Ultimately, it was the Gary Gray coached Bears who won the race to sign Craig, as they were intentional about having him on board from the start.

“I would say I blew up. I was improving but was not getting that recognition. Once my play improved, coaches would come back to watch me play and started to realise how good I was,” said Craig, who was pursued by the likes of Purdue and Georgia Tech amongst other colleges. “Ultimately, the thing about Mercer was that they were consistent and did not drag their feet. They were straightforward in letting me know I had something they could use and be effective in their system. So, that’s why I signed with them as early as I did.”

With one part of the dream achieved, Craig wants to strive for more and has his sights on playing in the NBA. To him, it does not matter how he gets there.

“… As far as I can remember, it’s always been a dream of mine to play in the NBA. I am going to pursue that. If it means I play elsewhere professionally first, then so be it. But the NBA is my end goal,” said Craig, who wants to inspire future generations with this ambition. “There has not been a South African player in the NBA. I know that I can do that. And it’s something that pushes me every day. It’s constantly on my mind. Ten years down the line I want kids to say a South African played in the NBA. I want to hear them saying ‘I want to be like him.’ That would be priceless for me. I definitely want to play in the NBA.”

There is no doubt that South Africa can produce world class basketball players. Our eyes and ears should be on Craig as he pursues his dream of playing in the NBA.

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Swiss army knife Kennedy, the sharp point of Beira offence

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Beira learnt lessons from loss to Tigers

BASKETBALL runs deep in Jermel Kennedy’s family. The influence of his kin is one of the main reasons he plays the game.

Community also played its part in providing the fertile ground for the Canada-born player to grow, spread his wings and further his ambition in the sport.

“Growing up, where I am from, basketball is popular. It’s something I enjoy doing. The city of Malton has a huge basketball culture. In a way it propelled me to achieve my dreams,” said Kennedy. “Also, basketball runs in the family. My mom played in high school and my older sister played as well. In fact, my older sister’s influence was what encouraged me to take on the sport. I used to watch her high school games. She was pretty good.”

The 32-year-old forward would go on to chart his own path as he learnt the ropes at Lincoln Alexander Secondary School and refined his game in the American college system. With a clear foundation laid and a physical growth spurt, the signs were there that he had the potential to be a good player.

“In my second year of high school, I grew taller and realised there was an opportunity there. I was probably one of the tallest players in my area or team and decently athletic. I was slowly developing, and people recognised that I had certain attributes that translated well,” said Kennedy, who had spells with two junior colleges in the United States before joining Division II college team, Lander Bearcats.

Kennedy says while he enjoyed his time at the South Carolina school, where he also graduated, he was far from the polished player that he is now.

“I liked what Lander offered me. It was perfect for me, a good fit. It was different. Although, in the beginning, I was more like a four or five and did not shoot very well. I was more like a get-out, run and dunk the ball kind of player, but I still had most of the tools I use now although I was more of an inside than outside player,” said Kennedy.

The road to the pro-ranks saw Kennedy return home to the Canadian National Basketball League (NBL). Although he was a high draft pick for the NBL, he did not see himself playing on home turf, as the league was relatively new and painted in a negative light by players who had participated in it.

“I took a year off and played in tournaments or basketball leagues. Anything basketball-related, I immersed myself into. I also wanted to be a part of the NBL draft (in 2013). So, to get there, I went to the combine,” said Kennedy, who landed at the Moncton Miracles. “I ended up getting drafted sixth, but I had no intention of playing in the NBL. Some friends and players did not have good experiences playing in it. The league was new at the time, so how they handled players was not professional. I used my high draft value as a way of marketing myself and leveraging a move overseas.”

In addition to realising his dream of playing abroad, Kennedy has also been a bit of a journeyman. Spain (CB Clavijo Logrono), Britain (Worcester Wolves), Portugal (ADO Basquetbol SAD Overanse), Canada (Guelph Nighthawks and Hamilton Honeybadgers), Argentina (Ferrocarril Oeste) and France (AS Kaysersberg, Besancon BCD and Toulouse Basket Club) have all been home to the Canadian player.

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Mozambican club Ferroviario Da Beira, is where he now earns his keep. The Beira-based club is on a mission to qualify for the Basketball Africa League (BAL) and was in South Africa three weeks ago, where they successfully progressed to the Elite 16.

Beira won their first two games against Matero Magic of Zambia (81-51) and Roche-Bois Warriors of Mauritius (132-36) and crumbled in the final minutes against hosts, Cape Town Tigers (86-85) in a game the Mozambican’s dominated.

Reflecting on the qualifiers, especially in the final game, Kennedy says it was a good thing that they lost the game against the Tigers. In his opinion, it provided Beira with some teachable moments that will come in handy at the Elite 16 in December.

“I would say our biggest plus in that tournament was losing that game. It made us aware of certain things we had not noticed. We are not going to waltz into games and expect to win,” said Kennedy. “We were leading that game, and we were dominating. There were little things that we slept on. Little things like turnovers, not finishing easy plays, getting back on defence and rebounding. There are so many takeaways. It sucks when you have to understand that lesson through a loss. So, the loss provided those lessons.”

Despite the loss, Kennedy’s scoring feats for Beira was the highlight on the court during the regional qualifiers held at the University of Johannesburg Soweto Campus. In the opener against Matero, he dropped 16 points and in the second game against Warriors he again scored 16 points. In the loss to the Tigers, Kennedy did not disappoint as he notched double figures scoring 22 points. The Canadian has so far shown that he has a high basketball IQ in terms of scoring. His stats in the game against Tigers speak to this fact. He was 9/12 in field goals and was 4/5 from behind the arc.

Kennedy has shown that he is a proven scorer for Beira. He also sees himself as an all-around player and does what the team requires of him.

I am like a Swiss army knife. There are a lot of things I do on the court. I don’t do everything super amazing, but I do everything good. I am like the glue guy, but my role in this team is different. The coach expects me to be more aggressive, rebound, drive in, kick out and create for the team. I try to do that at a high level as much as possible,” concluded Kennedy.

On his experience with his new teammates, Kennedy says the process has been seamless as he has joined a good team with quality players that understand basketball. He feels this group of players will turn it up a level for the club when the Elite 16 tournament begins.

“It’s way easier than people make it out to be. These guys are smart players and easy to play with. Our system is not that difficult, it’s actually quite easy.” said the new Beira recruit. “We are definitely going to turn the intensity up this month as the Elite 16 approaches. Hopefully we are able to resolve the issues we have identified.”

The Elite 16 will require a different attitude from Beira and Kennedy. There has been introspection, and moving forward, the Mozambican team will have to dot their i’s and cross their t’s, as the road to the BAL tournament will not get any easier. Beira will need Kennedy and his teammates to step up and play consistently at an elite level.

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Tigers ready to earn their stripes in BAL qualifiers

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BAL a chance for players to become super stars

FOR Cape Town Tigers big man Pieter Prinsloo, South Africa is where his heart has always been. His allegiance and patriotism run deep, skin deep.

Embellished on the Tigers captain’s right arm are tattoos of the national flag and the big five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo), elements that celebrate his South African roots.

Prinsloo always held the ambition of representing South Africa through the Proteas cricket team, but his life took a different turn when he moved to the United States, where he picked up basketball. Despite living most of his life in the US and playing professionally in different parts of the world, Prinsloo never forgot the country of his birth.

“As a kid growing up here, I always thought I would play for the SA national cricket team. It did not work out that way because I left for the States. For me, this (South Africa) is my home. It’s where I am from, and I will never forget that,” said 29-year old Prinsloo. “Soon as I got out of the house and was allowed to do my own thing, the first thing I did was to get a tattoo of the South African flag.

“For me, that’s my heritage. I also have tattoos of the big five. The tattoos on my right arm are a celebration of my heritage. So wherever I am in the world, and people take note of the tattoos, I let them know this is my representation of home.”

Prinsloo knows all about representing South Africa at the highest level. He has donned the green and gold vest at the 2017 AfroBasket co-hosted by Senegal and Tunisia. Now he will have another opportunity to represent his country, but this time in the colours of the Tigers, who beat Jozi Nuggets 76-70 in September to become the new National Men’s club champions.

The Cape-based club will take on four Southern African teams in the Zone VI Basketball Africa League (BAL) qualifiers from 19- 24 October in Johannesburg at the University of Johannesburg Campus in Soweto.

Pretoria-West born Prinsloo believes hosting the games and hopefully qualifying for the BAL presents an opportunity for Tigers to help raise basketball’s profile in the country and for players to make a name for themselves.

For us, it’s great! It’s an opportunity for guys to become superstars. Some of the guys realise that. When they walk in the street, they will be recognisable. It also means long-term security. It means guys can change their lives and futures,” said Prinsloo, who experienced his bit of the limelight. “I have experienced that playing in countries overseas, where somebody would say ‘hey Prinsloo can I get a picture.’ So, for me, it’s normal to be on a poster because something is going here or there.”

“For South Africa… it’s probably the richest and most talked about country in Africa, but in sport, we ain’t doing sh*t. Our rugby is up and down. Cricket has its scandals. Soccer has not been relevant in, who knows for how long? So we know by what we are doing, we can become a big-time face in this country.”

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Unfortunately for Tigers, they will not host the BAL qualifiers in their home city, and according to Prinsloo this is a missed opportunity for the club and its fans. He also felt the tournament organisers made it impossible for the Tigers to host the event.

“We would have loved to have the games here. We are the SA champs, and we are from Cape Town, but the organisers made it a complicated process in trying to host it here. They had a lot of requirements that we felt were excessive, but they have their rules, so we left it at that,” said Prinsloo. “We would have preferred to have it in Cape Town. Our fanbase is here. It also could have helped us with our branding, marketing of the game, and we could grow our support even more.

“We do have a fanbase in Johannesburg because of the growth of the game, and people see the work we have done.”

The issue of where games should held, has not been a distraction for the Tigers players, as they have continued preparing for the BAL qualifying tournament. They have also added some quality players to help them reach their objective. The only stumbling block could be the lack of meaningful competition since being crowned national champions.

“Training wise, things have been going good. We have incorporated a couple more pieces. Jared (Harrington) is included again after missing out on the championships because of paperwork. We have also filled our African slot with Evans (Ganapamo) and Ben Uzoh, who played with us at the championships. Billy Preston from the States has also joined the team,” said Prinsloo, a former Marist Red Foxes player.

“We have not had many practice games, but in training, things are coming together. The talents we have brought in are starting to click with the rest of the team. There is good chemistry. Guys are starting to understand each other.

“It’s been hard to find competitive scrimmages. We get better runs going five-on-five in the team at training because of the size and skill. It’s been hard to find a similar kind of talent that we will face in Joburg.”

The talent that lies in wait for the Tigers comes in the form of Ferroviario da Beira (Mozambique), Matero Magic (Zambia), Mercenaries (Zimbabwe) and Roche Bois Warriors (Mauritius).

Prinsloo is familiar with Beira, having had a stint with the club. He also provided some insight into what the Mercenaries and Matero will bring to the table.

“Beira is a team that likes to press. They play at a fast tempo. So teams that press don’t handle it very well because they don’t want that pressure. I know some of the guys from Zim. They might have some guys who play here and there in SA. The Zambians play with a quicker small team,” said the former Universidad de Concepcion player.

“I don’t see it causing complications for us. We have a balanced team; we can go big or small at any time. There is size and skill in every position. A guy like me can play small forward, power forward and centre. We have a team that can go quicker or slower. We don’t want to play the opposition’s game. We want to play our game.”

While the qualifying process is still a long one, Prinsloo who has won championships in El Salvador and Nigeria feels that winning the BAL would add another feather on the cap.

“For me, on top of what I have accomplished in my career… I have played in champions league in South America and competed against some the best players in the world. So, winning BAL would add another championship to my resume. To bring that trophy back home and to Cape Town, that would be crazy. It would be an honour,” concluded Prinsloo.

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