(PRETORIA) SOUTH African U18 team captain Taite Hendricks spoke with conviction in saying the men’s team should not be taken lightly ahead of their opening game at the FIBA U18 AfroBasket tournament.
On Tuesday (today), Hendricks will lead his team against the East African nation Rwanda at the University of Pretoria’s Rembrandt Hall, where the games are taking place.
Hendricks expressed his excitement at having the opportunity to captain the host nation on this momentous occasion for youth basketball.
“It was excitement and a little bit of nerves. It is a high-level tournament and there are going to be many eyes watching, so there will always be nerves. I am excited to get to play basketball at this level,” said Hendricks. “I am trying to lead by example… Trying to keep everyone’s spirits up. We must stay ready the whole time because you never know what can happen.”
Aware that his team may have a limitation or two, the St Charles pupil and his teammates are up for the job ahead.
“We are feeling excited. It’s good to see the variety that we have in our team. We are obviously an undersized team, but that is not going to deter us at all. We are going to put our best effort on the court and show that South Africa is not a team to play with,” said Hendricks
Like their female counterparts, the South African men’s team got together only a few days before the youth competition, meaning they must hastily adjust to the demands of the AfroBasket.
When asked if the lack of preparation had negatively affected the team, Hendricks gave a firm response.
“No this has not disturbed us at all. Whatever happens, happens. What need to do is focus on what we can control,” said Hendricks.
Ahead of the battle against Rwanda, Hendricks says he and his teammates “can’t wait to get started”.
“You can expect a lot of energy. Hard work on defence and hustling. We are going to give a hundred per cent out there. We can’t wait to get this thing (U18 AfroBasket) started,” said Hendricks.
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He also pointed to an area of the game where he and his teammates can potentially benefit.
“Defence… We are an undersized team, so our defence has got to be what separates us from everyone else. So when we hustle on defence, when we don’t give up rebounds and make we sure we are the best defensive team, it can help us win this tournament,” said Hendricks.
Going into this tournament, Hendricks and his teammates will have wise heads leading them from the sidelines. He hailed the appointments of senior men’s national team coaches Florsheim Ngwenya and Craig Gilchrist for the continental mission.
“They are legends of South African basketball. It’s incredible for the team to work with them at this level. We get to learn from coaches who are as experienced as they are and have so much knowledge of the game,” said Hendricks.
The journey to the AfroBasket seems like an epic ride for this young South African team, while the challenges of preparation are glaring, Hendricks did not waver from his tone of confidence, delivering this message for his team.
“We need to keep our heads up. Block out the external noise. Work as hard as we can because I believe we got this,” concluded Hendricks.
South Africa is in Group C, alongside Morocco, Rwanda and Zambia.
To see fixtures click on the FIBA U18 AfroBasket link.
