Basketball Africa League

Majok on a mission to cement legacy at the BAL

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AS a rookie in basketball learning from the best in the business is paramount. So, when you get drafted into a LA Lakers containing the late great Kobe Bryant and artful Pau Gasol, the experience can only be richer.

This was the experience of South Sudan born power forward Ater Majok, who was part of the 2011 NBA draft class. Although the second round draft pick did not have much of an NBA career, the privilege of rubbing shoulders with basketball royalty prepared him for the rigours of professionalism. He spoke glowingly about the experience of his draft day and what it meant to learn from luminaries like Bryant and Gasol.

Ater Majok Second Picture
Ater Majok in action. Pictures: Tunisia Basketball Federation

“It was like a dream. I still get goosebumps whenever I watch the video of that day. Being able to achieve my dreams and to be called,” said Majok, reflecting on being drafted into the NBA. “You have thousands of people applying for that one position, but it’s only sixty players that get it. To be named among that group of players is an honour and to called by a team I grew up watching and idolising all my life. I was like, wow!

“Being around the great Kobe and Pau Gasol. Receiving their words of wisdom, watching them practise, seeing them do certain things and the way they lived their lives. I realised I was not even close to being the professional I thought I was at the time. So, that changed my mindset about a lot of things.”

Having enjoyed a successful career playing for different clubs overseas, Majok is back on the African continent. His collective experience is benefitting six-time Tunisia Championnat National A winners US Monastir. The North African club are one of the 12 participants in the inaugural Basketball Africa League (BAL) in Kigali, Rwanda (May 16).

Initially, Majok was sceptical about signing for the Tunisian club last year and dismissive of the BAL competition. While excitement had built around the NBA backed league, the 33-year-old was unsure what it would do for his name and the reputation.

I was in New Zealand at the time, and my cousin called to let me know about a league in Africa sponsored by the NBA. My response was, ‘it’s going to be one of those leagues that you hear no longer exists after two years’,” said Majok. “I have a name and a reputation. I don’t want to play in certain leagues. I don’t want to be in certain countries. I then got a call from my agent, who informed me about interest from a team competing in the BAL. He told me: ‘there is a team in the BAL that is interested in you. They want you. They are contenders for the championship.’

I told my agent I would get back to him. It took me a month to get back to him as I was more interested in going to China at that point.”

Despite Majok’s doubts about the BAL, Monastir were relentless in their pursuit for his services. It is also understandable why. The 6ft10 forward has had a decorated career, having won titles in Slovakia, Belarus, Germany and China. He was also a defensive juggernaut in the Chinese league and crowned defensive player of the year on three occasions.

“They kept calling and finally told me: ‘You are the player for us. You fit our system. You are African and so on…,'” said Majok. “After a month, we agreed on the money. Tunisia also seemed like a cool place, so why not give it a try? I landed in Monastir a week later. Unfortunately, they postponed the BAL because of COVID-19.”

Majok spent seven months on lockdown in his hotel room in Monastir. It was a challenging time mentally for him, as he did a lot of reflecting and was also being hard on himself. Fortunately a conversation with his sister reminded him of the opportunities available to him.

“I was in Monastir in a hotel from February until September by myself. The first two months, I was overthinking things. I was thinking about life and asking myself: ‘Where did I go wrong?’, said Majok, who competes internationally for Lebanon. “I then had a conversation with my sister, who reminded me that I should not take any day for granted and that I was blessed to be a basketball player. Some people had lost jobs because companies had closed down and they could not bring home a salary.

Ater Majok Third Picture
Ater Majok in action.

“I started to think differently. I began to think about myself as a brand and started focus on new ventures and not just basketball. COVID woke me up from that shell of being a basketball player and living in the clouds. It gave me a reality check,” said Majok.

On the basketball front, Majok recently helped Monastir defend their league title. He is now looking forward to the continental challenge and sees competing for the BAL title as career-defining.

“It was great to defend the championship, but in my head, I told myself: ‘I like this trophy, but there’s a bigger trophy that I am after. For me, it’s going to be the biggest thing I do in my life and for my legacy,” concluded Majok.

Majok’s new attitude towards the continental league and his endless hunger for success are positive signs for Monastir. The desire to leave a mark on African basketball has awoken a beast inside of him, which Monastir will look forward to seeing unleashed.

*Monastir are in Group A with Patriots (Rwanda), Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria) and GNBC (Madagascar).

 

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Uzoh brings a high IQ for Hoopers’ BAL campaign

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Uzoh, a Jack of all trades on the court

IN their quest to be the continent’s best in the inaugural Basketball Africa League (BAL), which takes place in Kigali, Rwanda (May 16), Rivers Hoopers of Nigeria have tooled up for their campaign.

Given the magnitude of the tournament, adding a few sharp implements for the battle is par for the course. So, having landed the signature of experienced D’ Tigers point guard Ben Uzoh was a massive coup for Hoopers.

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Ben Uzoh will bring a high level of competitiveness for Hoopers in the BAL tournament. Pictures: FIBA

Uzoh, who has yet to join up with his teammates for the tournament, gave some insights into what led to him joining Rivers Hoopers. The 33-year-old floor general had caught the eye of other clubs before signing for the Nigerian club.

“There were other teams that had got in touch with me. One of my younger brothers, who was looking to play in the BAL, asked me to reach out to some contacts in Nigeria for him. I reached out to head coach Ogoh Oduadu on my brother’s behalf, but they were interested in me. I just ended up negotiating terms, and we agreed on a deal. So that’s how it materialised,” said the Houston-born Uzoh.

The Hoopers will draw from the wealth of experience carried by Uzoh, who has had short stints in the NBA for the Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors and stops in Europe and Mexico. Internationally he was part of the Nigeria D’ Tigers team that won the 2015 AfroBasket held in Tunisia and played at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

While Uzoh’s CV makes for good reading, his primary concern is that he blends in well with his teammates.

“I hope we can pick on some good chemistry in a situation like this. We don’t have a lot of time to get used to each other. Thankfully we do have time to prepare for our matches. So hopefully, the chemistry can be quickly acclimated so that we can put in a good performance night in and night out,” said the former Tulsa Golden Hurricanes player.

 

 

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While Hoopers have added Uzoh, Uganda’s Robinson Opong (small forward), and Americans Chris Daniels (centre) and Taren Sullivan (small forward), the new players come into a team short on match fitness. The lack of games was due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and while things have opened up in Nigeria, the local league has yet to resume.

The lack of games to prepare for the BAL is lamentable, but Uzoh has taken the situation in his stride. He also expects that his teammates will also adopt a similar attitude.

“I think three-and-half weeks at this point is more than enough time to be in good shape. Hopefully, the guys have been doing a lot of things on their own,” said Uzoh.

He also believes that players should have an attitude of accountability ahead in preparation for the tournament.

Ben Uzoh feature picture
Ben Uzoh hopes he can build good chemistry with his teammates.

“You have to rely on experience. You have to take care of your body day in and day out. We are all professionals at this particular point in our lives. You have to respect the game to a certain extent. It’s natural to worry, but I don’t want to worry about it too much,” said Uzoh.

A lot will rest on Uzoh’s shoulders, as the Port Harcourt-based team will rely on his experience to have a successful campaign in Rwanda. With the career that he has had, Uzoh is familiar with such situations, and he expects to maintain his high standard of play throughout the tournament.

“My contribution to the team will be no different from my previous teams. I can contribute to the team in terms of leadership, basketball IQ and personality perspective. I am a jack of all trades. A guy that can do a little bit of everything on the court,” said Uzoh.

Judging from Uzoh’s confidence, and going by his playing experience, Hoopers have landed a polished gem. Now he will be expected to deliver glittering performances in Kigali.

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BAL an opportunity for players to showcase their talents

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Hoopers adopt a championship attitude

AS Rivers Hoopers’ and their shooting guard Benjamin Ikechukwu get ready for the inaugural Basketball Africa League (BAL) tournament in Kigali, Rwanda, a new appreciation for life and the game has engulfed him.

Upon reflection, Ikechukwu says the lockdown of Nigeria, last year due to Covid-19, taught him to value the bonds of family and friendship. He has also learnt the importance of basketball, which he was unable to play or practice during the lockdown.

Benjamin Ikechukwu to ready BAL showcase
Benjamin Ikechukwu is excited about the return of the BAL. Pictures: FIBA

“It made me appreciate basketball a lot. Before the pandemic, I could wake up and go to the basketball court. During the national lockdown, it was not possible. I had to travel and find places with basketball courts to put in the work. I am grateful that things are now beginning to open up,” said the 23-year-old. “I have learnt there’s more to life than just living. I did not think there would be a time where there would be restrictions on seeing friends and family. You can’t see them because of the fear of Covid. From that aspect, I have learnt to appreciate life, friendship and family more.

Following the self-reflection, Ikechukwu has turned his attention to the BAL tournament, which tips off in Kigali on May 16. He and his Rivers Hoopers teammates have been sweating it out in preparation for the FIBA and NBA backed competition.

“I am excited because we have been looking forward to this tournament. It’s a victory for every team and player participating in it. It’s an opportunity for players to showcase their talents,” said Ikechukwu.

While Ikechukwu is happy to be back on the court, he is worried that the Port Harcourt based club is yet to play any competitive basketball, as some action on the hardwood would go some way in getting him and his teammates in-match shape.

“It’s been going great, but it could be better. We have not played together because of the pandemic. The Nigerian league has also not commenced, so we have not been able to get any competitive basketball. In preparing for BAL we have put in the work, though.” said the Lagos resident.

While Hoopers have had to make do with practices, the shooting guard says team coach Ogoh Oduadu encouraged the team to approach the situation with a winners attitude.

“Our coach has also told us to approach every practice like we are playing for a championship. So every practice we go at each other, we play like we are unfamiliar to each other. We have built an attitude, where despite not having played games, we want to compete and be aggressive,” said Ikechukwu.

Going into a tournament like BAL, teams have reinforced their squads with talents from across the continent and overseas. The Hoopers are no different; they have added D’Tigers point guard Ben Uzoh, two imports from America in Chris Daniels (centre) and Taren Sullivan (small forward). Uganda Silverbacks guard/forward Robinson Opong has replaced Festus Ezeli, who suffered a knee strain during a team practice.

Ikechukwu believes the new additions will bring value to the Hoopers. He hopes there will be a positive exchange between the new players and the current squad.

I think they are essential inclusions to boost the team. They will come with their experience and exposure to basketball. So we are looking forward to them blending in with the team. It’s an opportunity to share knowledge. Teach them how we play basketball here in Africa and also learn from them,” said Ikechukwu.

Given the talent on their roster for the competition, it is clear the three-time Nigerian league title winners want to leave their mark on the continent.

Benjamin Ikechukwu Third Picture
Benjamin Ikechukwu in action.

“As a team, I expect us to compete as hard as we can. We want to make the club proud, the state proud, and our nation proud. Hopefully, we can have a podium finish. That would be nice,” said Ikechukwu.

By Hoopers participating on the BAL stage, Ikechukwu hopes the Nigerian government will plough more resources into basketball. As a nation that has produced and exported notable talents, basketball does not enjoy the prominence it deserves.

“I hope somebody can implore the government to invest more in the sport and help us do better. Football is not the only sport in Nigeria. There are other sports like basketball, handball, volleyball and other sports that need support too,” said Ikechukwu.

The Hoopers are on the biggest stage of African basketball, which is already hard to ignore. Can they put in performances that will make people stand and take notice? The May 16 tip-off of the BAL will reveal all.

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Patriots to fight for the pride of Rwanda at the BAL

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 Can Patriots win the BAL at home?

ITS been two weeks since Basketball Africa League (BAL) president, Amadou Gallo Fall, announced the tournament’s resumption. The dust may have settled since Gallo Fall’s announcement, but it is understandable that the teams and players involved are still excited.

The long-awaited 12-team BAL tournament, will resume in Kigali, Rwanda (May 16) and a player looking forward to it is Aristide Mugabe, captain of  the Patriots Basketball Club, one of Rwanda’s most celebrated players.

Aristide Mugabe in action
Patriots captain Aristide Mugabe believes the team should strive for more than being hosts of the BAL. Picture: FIBA

“It was great to hear the announcement. We were excited then, and the feeling is the same now. Despite the Covid-19 situation, we are grateful that it is finally happening. It is even more special that Rwanda is hosting,” said 33-year-old Mugabe.

While the home comforts come with their perks, like familiarity and passionate supporters, Mugabe is aware it goes beyond that. The shooting guard believes they need to strive for more than carrying the host’s tag.

“We don’t want to be here to participate or host only. We want to win as well. We have qualified, so we face a big challenge to win at home. It takes a lot to win a tournament like BAL. We are competing against the best in Africa,” said the former Rwanda national team captain.

Before qualifying for the main tournament, the Patriots were unbeaten in the preliminary qualifying phase. While this record will not matter when they debut in the NBA backed competition, it is testament to their pedigree. Mugabe highlighted that although they do not have much height in the team, they are a team that moves the ball quickly. They have both young and veteran players who have played at the highest level in basketball.

“Compared to other teams that have height, we are a small team, but we can compete. If you look at our results in the qualifiers, you will see that we were unbeaten. We are a versatile team, and we can play small ball well. We have good team chemistry; we run our offence and defence pretty well, and we mostly play a transitional game,” said Mugabe.

 

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We have young players who are willing to work and go to war, and we have players that have played enough basketball and can lead the team. So we are ready to compete,” said Mugabe, who hinted that the club would look for reinforcements for the tournament. “Hopefully, we can also get some import players that can add size and bring additional skill sets to the team. It is a big tournament, so you can’t expect to win with only your local players. If we go that route, I hope we get the players we need. Players that will get the team to the level it needs to be.”

Mugabe, who has won a combined eight league titles with former club Espoir and Patriots, has garnered a wealth of experience playing on the continental circuit. He along fellow veteran player Kenny Gasana will be looked upon to assume leadership roles as soon as they step on the court.

“We have been here for a while. We have competed against most of the players in this tournament in the Afrobasket and club championships. Our inexperienced teammates need to understand what it takes to compete at this level and they must be ready for any challenge. Anything can happen. You don’t know how other teams have prepared and the playing weapons they have,” said Mugabe, who emphasised togetherness when their campaign begins.

Aristide Mugabe
Aristide Mugabe will offer veteran leadership for Patriots in the BAL tournament.

“We must communicate with the younger players in the team. The advice we give, they could carry to the next stage. We are blessed to have played for a long time. We are blessed to have teammates who respect that. We will use that to come together and face the upcoming challenge.”

Another challenge the Patriots face is not being in match shape. They have not played since defending their league title for the third time last year October. Mugabe says plans have been put in place to get them ready for the inaugural BAL tournament.

“There are pre-season tournaments that will help us to prepare. We will use those tournaments to work towards match fitness. It won’t be at the same level as the BAL but we have to prepare slowly. You can’t go from zero to a hundred in a minute. We have not played in a long time, so we  have to try and avoid injuries. We have to work slowly to get back in match shape,” concluded Mugabe.

It’s not the ideal preparation for the Patriots. Time is a luxury they do not have as the tournament begins in a month. Like patriots, they will have to dig deep to have an impact in the showpiece event seen as a game-changer for the African continent.

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Basketball gave me a second family

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Lessons can be learnt from the Rwandan genocide and COVID-19

RWANDA reflects during this time of the year. As a country, we have been through the most, having experienced a genocide that took almost a million lives, 26 years ago. I lost my two brothers, my father and other family members during the genocide waged against the Tutsi population. So, every year around this time, I reflect more on the lost lives of my loved ones.

Unfortunately, my compatriots and I are unable to come together to commemorate this period in Rwandan history due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

Once again, my country is involved in a war, but this time around, Rwanda is not alone in this battle against a global pandemic. As I write this, people are indoors, our movement outdoors is restricted to only going to the market to buy food and other essentials. People that are allowed to work, are in services like health and security. Also, the shops close at 6 p.m., no bars and no church. It’s a lockdown!

Because of the situation now, the emphasis is on social distancing and we are not allowed to gather in big numbers. So, commemoration of the genocide is done virtually. If there is a message that has to be passed on to citizens, it’s done through public and private media houses or social media.

Patriots player Aristide Mugabe believes human kindness is what matters now. Picture: FIBA

COVID-19 has interrupted our way of life here and has stopped me from doing what I love and that is playing basketball. I am a basketball player by profession and have been playing since 2001. I have played for a couple of clubs, and I have represented Rwanda since 2011, and later captained the national team from 2013.

Basketball, in a way gave me a second family. I got to meet new brothers, and elders that showed me love and stayed with me through everything I have encountered in life. It has also contributed to my growth as a person and allowed me to contribute to my society.

After my team, Patriots Basketball Club won the league last season and qualified for Basketball Africa League (BAL), we were excited as it was a dream come true to play in a big league like this and to represent our country and region. This league was going to and will change the game on our continent, like we hear the Euroleague has done for basketball in Europe. This is going to be one of the best leagues in the world.

We began our preparations early in the year, as the league was set to start in March in Dakar, but before the launch date the first case of COVID-19 was announced in Senegal and the situation got worse. I feel bad because my teammates and I can’t play, and it has been more than a month now. However, I understand the situation. All we can do is stay ready. We work-out and stay mentally in shape in our homes so that when this pandemic is under control, we will be ready to play again.

Before I close, I would like to tell you two lessons I have learnt on the impact of COVID-19 during this time that are linked to Rwanda commemorating the genocide. Firstly, from the genocide I learnt that, hate and division among people leads to nothing, it only causes destruction. Only in coming together, is society able to build something that can’t be broken. COVID-19 require exactly the same attitude if we are going to defeat it.

Secondly, nations and humanity need to come together for COVID-19 to be controlled. It also shows the world that we need each other to live a good life. And our planet needs for us to take care of it. We should also protect each other and stay together regardless of our differences. Right now, all borders are closed, we can’t do business and we can’t travel. So, life is now dependant on staying  healthy. Money, power and our possessions can’t save us. Coming back from the ashes of the genocide has taught Rwanda the same lesson.

In parting, my message to everyone is: stay positive, this is still our year, and as the saying goes, ‘the game is not won in the first quarter’. I still hope that things will get better and we will go outside and play again. For now, let’s practice social distancing, stay healthy and try to follow what our leaders are putting on place to keep us safe. One love.

 

 

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Window of opportunity opens for SA basketball

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THE one thing I have always enjoyed about the basketball court is that it is a great leveller, it does not accept excuses and does not care about words, promises or social stature. It doesn’t care if you have had a good or bad day. It curries no favour!

As a player, all you need to do is think back to a moment where you thought you could cheat on preparation or sneak in a late night or disrespect the game or your competition; chances are that many, many times you came off second best. The opposite end of the scale is, of course, putting in the hard work and it translating into outstanding individual and team performances. I am simplifying here: the fact remains that the hardwood or concrete has taught many players and coaches tangible lessons about hard work yielding results. This is truly one of my favourite aspects because true mastery of this game requires work in so many facets, physical-technical-psychological, and it bears a striking similarity to the balancing act one needs to attain self-mastery: the meeting of mind-body-spirit. This, within a team dynamic, is what makes this game so compelling and enjoyable.

Why is this important? I think that post COVID-19, we are going to be challenged in ways never thought of before. The hard fact is that life will not be the same, it cannot be!

Social distancing will impact the playing, technical and spectating experience for every sport, not just basketball. We can be optimistic and know that the scientific minds will have a vaccine ready in the next 18 – 24 months. Meanwhile, we will all be challenged to think of creative ways to embrace the change that’s required because ignoring it could mean increased health risks and mortality. What that will mean practically, I don’t know, but it will be a challenge requiring collective effort never seen before.

The basketball community will be tested. We all want to see the game grow to heights we have imagined it reaching since the Premier Basketball League disbanded in 1998/9, and South African basketball was sent into a free-fall that it never recovered from. We have seen some positive developments and growth in tournaments and competition at high school, tertiary, club and 3×3 levels. This year presented so much hope for most of us in the basketball fraternity.

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Former South African basketball player Quintin Denyssen. Picture: Supplied

The Basketball Africa League is supposed to pioneer continental competition and is the flagship tournament that has seen federations within the southern Africa region finally start to get their houses in order. Sadly, the gap between southern Africa and the rest of Africa is noticeable with Mozambique and Angola carrying zonal hopes in continental competitions. The question is, will they or any country in the region be able to compete against formidable competition from the rest of Africa? All one needs to do is look at moves made by South Sudan voting in Loul Deng as federation president, Rwanda’s investment in the game, Senegal’s strong development programmes, and a stern examination of club strengths in those respective countries, to understand that we are lagging behind.

COVID-19 has presented a viable opportunity, and I say this with hesitation and constancy, for basketball administration in South Africa to become a competent vehicle and not a swear word. This hard reset can be the biggest opportunity to get things right. We all have a role to play. Checks and balances can be put in place. Outstanding governance matters at all levels can be attended to. An opportunity presents itself for efforts to ensure that basketball is recognised by SASCOC and acknowledged when global or continental competition delegations are constructed. There will never be a window like this again.

A final question that needs answering is, what can individual members of this community do to contribute to basketball’s growth? If we truly want to see the game flourish, then active basketball community citizenry is required. We all have a torch to bear, the onus is on us to identify our role, sharpen skills needed and capitalise on the opportunity presented to do things differently. A journey anywhere starts with the first step and whatever the step, this is our challenge and I believe we can make it work.

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BAL break an opportunity for teams to re-strategise

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SINCE the completion of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Qualifiers in December 2019, when I assisted Rwandan club, Patriots BBC to the BAL East Division qualification title, there has been an immense sense of excitement from players, coaches, management and fans for the first season of the BAL.

After leaving Patriots, I had the opportunity to move to a powerhouse club that had automatically qualified for the first season of the BAL season. I was eagerly awaiting our first games in Dakar, Senegal when on March 4 2020, but the league was suspended due to COVID-19. Having spent the last couple of weeks preparing film, scouting reports, analytics & training sessions, I, along with all the teams and fans, was extremely disappointed that the league would not go ahead, especially as my team was considered one of the favourites to win the first season of the league. However, the decision made by the BAL executive team, proved to be the right decision, keeping the safety of the teams and fans as top priorities.

Liz Mills during her time at Patriots: Pictures: FIBA and Frank Ogallo

Through my coaching career in Africa, I’ve been able to build a network of coaches, players and managers, which means I’m in a unique position to be able to speak to players and/or coaches in all the teams that would have been competing in the 2020 BAL. Although, initially everyone was disappointed that the league was unable to start in March, there was and continues to be a sense of hope that the league will be able to run later this year. We are anxiously waiting to hear any updates from the BAL executive team. If they are unable to run the first addition of the league, I’d love to see them at least host a tournament for the 2020 BAL teams.

A two-week tournament, similar to FIBA AfroBasket, where one country hosts, and allows the 12 teams the opportunity to compete for the 2020 title. This would facilitate that the 2021 qualifications go on as planned for that season.

On a more positive note, with the league being postponed, it has given teams more time to prepare, enabling them to re-evaluate and re-strategise for the upcoming season. Team managers now have more time to bring on sponsors and scout players, while coaches can continue to build on their strategies and develop their players. The additional time also gives players the opportunity to work on their skills at home and evaluate their own performance by watching film. Whilst there is no date set for the BAL 2020 season, it is important for players to remember that they still have an opportunity to play for their national team for the upcoming 2021 FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers in November 2020 and February 2021. Staying fit and healthy should be a priority during COVID-19.

Although currently back home in Sydney, Australia, I look forward to returning to Africa when basketball resumes later this year. During COVID-19, I hope everyone stays at home, stays safe and remains healthy.

*Confidential due to ongoing contract re-negotiations.

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Things might not be the same again

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A Cape Town team will dominate SA basketball

IVE been involved with sports for half if not most of my life. My love for basketball has greatly enhanced my knowledge for life and sport. To me sports is a way of life, although, sometimes our way of life does get disrupted, like what COVID-19 has done here in South Africa and around the world.

It’s easy to sit and moan about the state of things, but I would rather learn from the situation, which has allowed me to reflect on many issues, including basketball. I remember on the second week of the lockdown; I had a chance to look at pictures I took at a Michael Jordan camp in the USA. Think about it, a skinny kid from the dusty streets of Gugs shaking hands with a basketball god. That s*** is big.

Basketball has afforded me the opportunity to travel around the world: USA, Russia, Malaysia, Mozambique, China, South Korea, and Morocco just to name a few. I have had the privilege to play in SA national colours with decorated players such as Quintin Denyssen, Joseph Mazibuko, Neo Mothiba, Tsakane Ngobeni, Dr Fumani Marhenele (he is a real doctor by the way), Brendan Mettler, Lindo Sibankulu, Manny Madondo, Sunday Mokoena, Ndaba Ngcobo, Lesego Molebatsi and Lebo Maepa (MHSRIP), just to name a few. We had great fun and created a lot of memories with these guys playing for our country.

Vincent Ntunja made when he was the youngest player to play in the defunct Premier Basketball League at 15-years-old.

In my reflections during the lockdown, I smiled alone remembering that a basketball court is named after me. I have had time to think about my days in the now defunct Premier Basketball League (PBL). Not sure many people know this, but I made history as the youngest player in the league at 15-years-old. I remember playing alongside Siphetho Adonis (MHSRIP) and Alain Robertson for Cape Town Eagles. Every weekend we had tough competition from Johannesburg and Durban. I broke a sweat competing against the likes of Solly Mashiyane, Alaska Kipundu, Merick Palmer, De Bose, Thierry Kita and Craig Gilchrist. I shed a tear remembering all those memories.

My salary then, as a young player was more than that of my friends who were playing for Ajax Cape Town. I think basketball in Mzansi could have gone far by now if it was not for maladministration. I think if we depoliticise basketball administration at all levels, work together rather than in isolation, then our beloved game will regain its spot as the fastest growing sport in South Africa.

That being said, it is truly difficult for us in the basketball community during this lockdown. However, I’m pleading with all the people who haven’t been adhering to the rules to please do so. I think it is also our role as sports people to educate everyone that this virus doesn’t discriminate. I also urge all my basketball people to continue playing their part in ensuring we flatten the even though things might not be the same after this pandemic.

I’m very fortunate to be part of Under Armour’s team sponsored athletes as the brand is running a campaign called #Throughittogether, which requires ambassadors such as myself, Blitzbokke Seven’s captain Siviwe Soyizwapi, SA boxing champion Kevin Lerena and many others to post training routines to motivate our followers to stay healthy and motivated while on lockdown.

As far as basketball future is concerned after the lockdown, well I hope most leagues will resume their duties, tournaments will be played across the country. And finally, remember this day when I told you that a Cape Town team will dominate South African basketball with the aim to participate in the BAL tournament, post-lockdown.

 

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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.

Hlope: Basketball will be seen with a different eye Read More »

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