Cape Town Tigers - The Big Tip Off

Florsheim Ngwenya: The right fit for the Tigers’ BAL ambition

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The Tigers look forward to Petro challenge

WHY the name Florsheim? Reflecting on the question, Cape Town Tigers coach Florsheim Ngwenya at first did not have a definite answer as to why his late father named him after the classic American shoe.

“You are going to have to ask my father that question. I don’t know,” said Ngwenya, who gave a light-hearted chuckle during his post-practice interview with The Big Tip Off at Mandeville last Friday. “You won’t get an answer now as he is no more.”

When pressed for an answer, Ngwenya, who goes by Florsh, then gave the question some thought. He recalled his father’s sense of fashion.

“He was a fashion icon. The man loved clothes and shoes. Especially the Florsheims. He had about six or seven pairs of those shoes. So I kind of understand why he gave me the name,” said Ngwenya, who took on the Tigers coaching job in early August. He also led them to a second national club title later that month.

Image two — **Florsheim Ngwenya, in white, believes the Tigers are a more united team. Pictures: The BTO**

On game days, Ngwenya himself is a sharp dresser, as witnessed at the national championships, where he wore fine cut shirts and pants during the three day tournament. But as he prepares his team for the Elite 16 tournament (22-27 November), Ngwenya is probably making little fuss about his sense of style as he has the pressing issue of guiding the Cape side to a second Basketball Africa League (BAL) appearance.

So far, Ngwenya likes the way his team is taking shape ahead of the Elite 16 tournament that will take place in Johannesburg. He also appreciates the opportunity to again be on the side-lines and giving out instructions to players. The fact that it is at the international level put Ngwenya on a nostalgic train.

“It’s been interesting. It takes me back to when I used to coach the national team. Guys from different parts of the country and from overseas came together for one mission,” said the former South African national team coach. “The only difference now is that it’s at club level. We have made a few changes to the team. We have added two new guys. Dhieu Deing and Raphiael Putney have come on board. They have brought their game and personalities into the mix, and it’s been going well. The camaraderie in the team is pretty good. There is a bit more of a brotherhood compared to what I observed as an outsider last year. Everyone has been putting in the work.”

On a positive note the Tigers have played four exhibition games and won all of them. They defeated the University of Johannesburg, MBB, Mozambican club Maxaquene and the NBA Academy. On Saturday, they will again take on the NBA Academy and then welcome (18-28 October) two-time FIBA African Club Championship winners and Angolan giants Petro Atletico.

“There is always an improvement in each practice and game that we play. Of course there is always room to get better. For me, I see an improvement in the brotherhood. The guys understand what it takes to win at this level. They have experienced this level of basketball and know how difficult it is to win international games,” said the veteran coach. “So there is a lot more hard work that needs to be put in. We have to worked hard in our practices and in games because there are short and long term goals that we have set for ourselves. So far we have checked a couple of boxes.”

**Florsheim Ngwenya is happy to be coaching at the international level again.**

The Tigers are aware of the challenge posed by Petro. After all the Cape side lost to the Angolans in their debut season of the BAL. Ngwenya also welcomes the duel against the Southern African club, as it will provide a yardstick with which to measure themselves.

“They are a tough team. They were semi-finalists in the first edition of the BAL, and this year, they made it to the final. We are going to face a strong team. Petro have a great history, and on the court, they are a relentless team,” said Ngwenya, who noted the roster upgrade made by the Tricolors at the guard position. “They have signed Solo Diabate, who won titles with Zamalek and US Monastir. That is going to be a tough test and one we look forward to.”

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The Tigers are yet to bounce a ball in the Elite 16 tournament, but Ngwenya has high hope of winning the BAL tournament with this Tigers group.

“We want to win this whole thing. To do that, we have to go through the best, and they (Petro) will give us a nice challenge,” said Ngwenya, who has won multiple Basketball National League (BNL) titles with the Magic.

In the upcoming Elite 16 the Tigers, Mozambique’s Ferroviario da Beira and South Sudan’s Cobra await five other teams. Ngwenya acknowledged it will not be an easy ride for the Tigers, but hopes playing in South Africa will benefit the Cape side.

“Clubs from different countries will be coming to South Africa. What is nice is that we are playing in Johannesburg. So we will have home court advantage, and hopefully fans will come in numbers to support us,” said Ngwenya.

Ngwenya fits the bill in terms of international experience, and championship pedigree. He also shares the Tigers’ dream of continental dominance. Come November the camaraderie he says has been built will be tested by clubs with similar ambition.

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Kabongo brings world class experience to the Tigers

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ALMOST a decade ago, a young Myck Kabongo received a piece of advice that would serve him well to this day. The wise counsel would come from San Antonio Spurs legend, the Big Fundamental Tim Duncan.

While Kabongo welcomed the advice from one of the greatest power forwards to have played the game, the setting where Duncan delivered his words of wisdom was unusual.

Before going into the details of what the message of now-retired Duncan to him was, Kabongo reflected on his experience of a lifetime with the dynastic Spurs.

As an undrafted rookie from the University of Texas, Kabongo, born in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, had a short stint with the Texas-based franchise during the 2013 NBA season.

**Myck Kabongo has been a calming figure in the Tigers offence. Pictures: The BTO**

Kabongo made the most of his opportunity to learn from the inspirational and often a master of one-liners during interviews, Gregg Popovich (Spurs coach). The Spurs set-up still had Duncan and fellow All-Stars and accomplished players Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker.

“I was lucky to go to the San Antonio Spurs in my rookie year. I learnt how to be a professional because I was surrounded by hall of fame players. Not a lot of people can say that they learnt from Gregg Popovich, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. That was the biggest thing for me as a rookie,” said the Cape Town Tigers player via Zoom on Saturday. “There is a saying that you can see what it looks like to be a professional, but there is a professional’s profession. I got to see that at the Spurs. I learnt from the best.”

Kabongo says being under the tutelage of Olympic gold medal-winning coach Popovich improved his game significantly.

“I have always had a good basketball IQ, but coach Pop took it to another level. The way he made me read and understand the game is second to none,” said Kabongo, who complimented Popovich’s character. “He is a great human being. He is a selfless individual and that reflects in how the Spurs play basketball. If you watch them play, you will notice how unselfish they are on the court. That also filters down to other players. He has a different and great presence and energy about him.”

Also being in the presence of French point guard Parker and Argentine combo guard Ginobili enhanced Kabongo’s ability as a guard. Despite the language barrier with Ginobili, whom Kabongo rates highly, he learnt by observing the Argentine.

“Manu Ginobili is the best player I have played against one-on-one. He is impossible to guard, and I had to adjust against him because he is such a herky-jerky player. He was not talkative, because he was not that fluent in English. So, I had to learn by watching how he played the game and how was able to adjust the pace,” said the DRC national team player, who bonded better with Parker as they spoke the same language.

“TP and I had a relationship because we spoke French. We bonded because of that. He was a superstar, and here he was, taking the time to talk to me.”

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The Spurs player whose words would be impactful to Kabongo were those of legendary power forward Duncan. They were simple words, and they could have come from any Joe from the street, but this was Tim Duncan, a decorated and respected player in the NBA, and the advice he gave carried a lot of weight for Kabongo.

“Timmy was the best. He’d pull me to the side and give me advice every time. The best advice he gave me was, as long I worked hard and treated people the right way, I would have a long career,” said the former NBA G-League player. “Can you imagine? There I was, Tim Duncan next to me in the shower and he says, ‘as long as you work hard and treat people the right way, you will have a long career, kid’. Those words stuck with me, I’ll never forget those words. I cherish moments like those.”

Kabongo, who is in his ninth year as a pro and considered a veteran, is part of the Cape Town Tigers team trying to put South African basketball on the map.

The upstart Tigers are in Cairo for the second season of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) and open their campaign against Nile Conference opponents and Angolan giants Petro Atletico on Sunday night.

Kabongo, who played in the inaugural BAL season last year for Ferroviario de Maputo, says they will not have an easy ride as all their opponents in the Cairo leg of the league will present a similar challenge.

“Ah, man! Every game here will be tough. You have to understand that all these teams in this competition have won in their countries or are zonal champions. So, there are no easy games in a league like this,” said Kabongo. “We have to understand that we have to stick to our game plan. Petro are a strong team. They have guys who have been playing together for seven-eight years at the club or the (Angolan) national team. We have been playing with each other for a couple of months. So to be successful, we have to stick to our plan and what the coaches say.”

Upon his arrival to the Tigers during the second game of Elite 16 of the BAL qualifiers in Johannesburg last year, Kabongo made an immediate impact as a floor general.

Kabongo’s ability to up and slow the tempo is a plus for the Tigers camp during their BAL sojourn.

“I’m in my ninth year as a professional. I have experience and have played in some tough places. So, it’s difficult for me to get rattled. I have worked my a** for moments like this, so I don’t feel scared going into a game. I go in confident and settled because I put in the work when no one was watching,” said the well-travelled Kabongo. “As a point guard, I have to make the game easier for my teammates. I also have to make sure they are having fun. When the team has fun, you usually finish on the winning side. That is what I want to do. I want to win!”

Kabongo is not short on confidence, and hopefully, that has rubbed off on his Tigers teammates who cannot afford to freeze on the continental stage.

* Time: Sunday, 10 April at 11pm (GMT+2)

* Fixture: Cape Tigers (South Africa) vs Petro Atletico (Angola)

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Ntunja believes Tigers have a championship DNA

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Tigers fine-tuning in key areas for Elite 16

EXITING the O.R. Tambo international airport, one of the most noticeable features at this national asset is a billboard of the legendary point guard and Cape Town Tigers assistant coach, Vincent Ntunja.

Throughout his playing career, Gugulethu-born Ntunja has also dabbled in modelling and promoting brands. He has appeared on billboards, television advertisements and to top it all off, he is a brand ambassador for sports apparel company, Under Armour. This ability for Ntunja, a former basketball player in South Africa, to be marketable is a sign of the game’s infinite potential for growth. However, ongoing governance issues plaguing the sport in the country make it a far fetched dream for most players.

“We have to start by asking, who is managing the game? Who provides the guidelines for basketball from a business and branding perspective? Those are vital people to have within the administration of the game. Right now, along with other issues, basketball lacks in that department,” said the 40-year-old Ntunja. “Despite what’s happening with the game in the country, it has not stopped me from achieving my goals. Under Armour approached me and it was clear from our discussion, we had mutual interests. They understood my drive, my intention to not only be a basketball player but also to be marketable outside the game.

Second Picture — **Cape Town Tigers coach Vincent Ntunja has made the most of his opportunities. Pictures: Big Tip Off**

“So, if we fix the governance issues and place people in the right places in terms of administration, there will be a good product in South Africa. The pie is big enough for everybody to get a slice.”

The former national team player says appearing on the billboard that encourages and promotes tourism in the country is part of leaving a legacy.

“It’s massive! To appear on a billboard at OR Tambo is a milestone. Can you imagine how many people pass through the airport daily? Having your face planted there signals something. It’s a message to every child that it is possible.

“As I speak to you right now, I am at a shoot in Fish Hoek, and I am enjoying myself. It’s for a purpose and I don’t take these opportunities for granted. I can feed my family and have the chance to travel. I am grateful.”

On matters related to the basketball court, recently retired Ntunja and the new ‘it’ team in South African basketball, Tigers are riding a wave of success. Two weeks ago, the American-owned club qualified for the Elite 16 qualifiers of the Basketball Africa League. The Tigers left the preliminary qualifying tournament held at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto Campus with a 3-0 record after beating Roche-Bois Warriors (Mauritius), Matero Magic (Zambia) and Ferroviario Da Beira (Mozambique).

Ntunja expressed his joy at the achievement of the Tigers and stressed that a lot went into getting the team where it is.

“We are elated because of what we achieved in a short space of time. We did not take any shortcuts in preparing ourselves and getting the players to be in tune with each other. Remember that these are guys from different backgrounds and attitudes,” said the former Western Cape Mountaineers player. “Certain feelings or emotions can come to the fore. That’s where we come in to help manage the situation. These are professional players. We appreciate their input and why they are here.”

Having taken a step closer to the BAL tournament, the Tigers are contributing to changing the attitude towards basketball in South Africa.

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“We are changing the narrative about basketball in South Africa. We are changing how people in our city and the country see the game,” said Ntunja. As the Tigers prepare for the Elite 16, which tips off December, they will have to double their efforts.

“The team has been working hard to get ready for the Elite 16, because we do have reasonable expectations of ourselves. We will to take on each challenge as it comes. The team is in a good space, and we are not taking anything for granted. We will be back at the beach training and doing our skill sets on the court. We want to improve on our team chemistry and bonding as a unit.”

Going into the Elite 16, one of the areas where the Tigers need to be a cohesive unit is defence and players need to maintain their on court-discipline. The preliminary qualifiers saw key players, Chris Gabriels and Billy Preston ejected, while team captain Pieter Prinsloo fouled-out.

Ntunja says as a coaching staff, they have communicated with the players about tightening up at the defensive end and learning how to manage themselves in tense situations.

“On the subject of discipline, we have been teaching the players self-mastery. Some of the guys may have been overwhelmed by the stage or even the intensity of African basketball. Those issues need to be addressed and players must understand the task at hand,” said the former Cape Peninsula University of Technology Alumni. “Our defence. We speak about it daily. The rebounding, we must not allow the opposition to get those second-chance looks. That will win us games. We need everybody to be on board at the defensive end.”

In terms of the Tigers play, Ntunja was impressed with the performances of seasoned campaigners Ben Uzoh, Pieter Prinsloo, Evans Ganapamo, and Billy Preston who stepped up for the team in the preliminary leg of the qualifiers. Worth noting as well, was their ability to knock down shots.

“I liked our shooting. It was decent. I must compliment our players ability to step up. Our captain Pieter had a great final game against Beira. Against Matero, Ben and Evans delivered for us, and Billy stepped up,” said Ntunja. “We have always asked the guys to take the lead on the court. As their coaches, we have given them all the information. It’s up to them to apply it.”

**Cape Town Tigers players celebrate winning the National Club Championships**

The Tigers have made known their lofty ambitions to qualify for the BAL and their desire to be crowned champions of the prestigious tournament. To make their BAL dream a reality, they will have to contend with competition that harbours similar desires in the Elite 16.

“We will go back to the drawing board to correct some of the issues and improve on our strengths and we want to focus on the areas that allow us to do more than just participate in the tournament. We are going to the tournament to compete to be champions,” said Ntunja. “If you look at our record, we are unbeaten. Since the Tigers project began, we have not lost a game. So it tells you how much this means to us and how badly we want it. It’s been a good experience, and we will let our hard work speak for us.”

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Sithole feels Tigers have the right tools for BAL mission

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Sithole has exceeded his expectations on the court

THE age of 26 is the middle of an athlete’s prime years. It’s where they develop a level of maturity in their craft and begin their pursuit for greatness or greener pastures.

Well, this is not the case for South African basketball player Thabo Sithole. The KwaZulu-Natal-born point guard is content with what he has achieved on the court at his young age. He has represented South Africa at the 2017 AfroBasket, co-hosted by Senegal and Tunisia and donned the colours of Lithuanian club, Zalgiris Kaunus. In South Africa, Sithole had stints with KZN Basketball National League (BNL) franchises Marlins and the now-defunct Duzi Royals.

“For myself, I have exceeded my expectations in basketball. I did not start as a basketball player. I participated in athletics and played provincial rugby in primary school,” said the former Durban High School pupil. “When I became serious about basketball from grade eight, I never thought I would end up in Europe or represent the country in AfroBasket.”

The journey seems to be getting better for Sithole. He recently joined Mother City club Cape Town Tigers, who are on mission to qualify for the Basketball Africa League (BAL) tournament. Before heading to the Western Cape, Sithole was a part of Jozi Nuggets’ losing effort to qualify for the same tournament at the National Club Championships final in September. Now he sees being part of the Tigers as a way of helping South African basketball.

“I joined Nuggets for two or three months. I came through on the weekends to play matches up here (Gauteng) and go back. After the finals, I felt that I should join the Tigers because you need your best eight South African players and the foreign players to represent the country,” said Sithole. “So, I am for South Africa first. It does not matter if I am wearing the colours of the Cape Town Tigers or Jozi Nuggets, I play basketball for the country.”

“I’m not focusing on the NBA or going back to Europe. I want the best for South Africa. It would be better to help develop basketball here rather than to go overseas, while things here are going nowhere.”

After his overseas sojourn, Sithole realised he needed to explore all avenues to secure his future. He took a break from basketball to focus on his studies.

“When I came back from Lithuania, I realised I do not want to bounce around from country to country, which is the case with players overseas. Sometimes you can get injured. For example, if you hurt your knee, you could be out for a year or two. I did not want that for my life,” said Sithole, who is pursuing his masters in development studies at University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). “So when I got back, I told myself, let me look for ways to better myself, so I paused a bit on basketball. It’s difficult to strike that balance, but we are more than just athletes.”

Having played in the BAL qualifiers in 2019 for Jozi Nuggets, Sithole highlighted why the Gauteng side could not progress in their first attempt and why Tigers have a better chance.

“It was tough playing in 2019 because there were some issues. The BNL did not want to release players to help Nuggets. So we only had a few players who could play at that level,” said the UKZN player. “This time around, the team (Tigers) is much stronger. Good players have joined this club. It’s going to be tough, but I think we will manage.

“In this team, there are guys who have played in the NBA. Guys like myself who played for top clubs in Europe and at the AfroBasket. I know the kinds of challenges that might come. There will not be any nerves or panic, because I have experienced such situations before.”

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Sithole is part of a basketball club trying to rock the landscape of South African basketball on the court. Unfortunately, the Tigers’ arrival coincides with a long-time unstable political basketball climate off the court. This is a situation Sithole is both familiar with and has been outspoken about.

“There are people who have been running basketball at national and BNL level. They have been running basketball for a long time. Their treatment of players has not been the best, and there have been many issues,” said Sithole. “I remember coming back from national team duty, they (Basketball South Africa management) took our kits, and the reason given was, ‘there are no funds’, but we found out that the Lotto had given BSA money. Other issues include things not being done on time and if you get injured, it is not clear that there is insurance to cover players.

“It’s unfortunate that those individuals are still in charge. So, when I tweeted to the minister to do something, I was saying somebody from above needs to act. In terms action being taken, things like making sure forensic audits are done and basic good governance would go a long way to remedy the situation. If that does not happen basketball will continue to be in a dark place. ”

Are the Tigers that catalyst for change in South African basketball? Sithole pointed out that South African-owned teams have struggled to attract investment, which has not been an issue for American-backed Tigers. If the newly formed club progress beyond the BAL qualifiers, Sithole hopes both business and government will look at basketball differently.

“What the Tigers are trying to do is a good thing but other clubs are struggling. Tigers are an American-owned team who did not get funding from local banks or mobile telecommunications companies. Maybe this team can help the private sector and government see things differently by qualifying for the BAL,” concluded Sithole.

BAL QUALIFIERS GROUP F

VENUE: UJ SOWETO CAMPUS

FIXTURES:

DAY 1: Thursday

12pm Ferroviario da Beira (MOZ) vs Matero Magic (ZAM)

3pm: Cape Town Tigers (RSA) vs Roche-Bois Warriors (MRI)

DAY 2: Friday

12pm: Roche-Bois Warriors vs Ferroviario da Beira

3pm: Matero Magic vs Cape Town Tigers

Day 3: Saturday

12pm: Matero Magic vs Roche-Bois Warriors

3pm: Cape Town Tigers vs Ferroviario da Beira

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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.”

Third Picture — **Cape Tigers captain Pieter Prinsloo receives the medals from BSA secretary general Victor Bergman.**

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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Can Gabriel and the Tigers shake up SA basketball?

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Gabriel unearths hidden talent

CHRISTOPHER Gabriel has come full circle in his basketball career. The journey for the 32-year-old began in his home city, Cape Town, where he picked up the game that would change his life.

Gabriel was still a rough diamond but was fortunate to be blessed with the right attributes, which opened a world of opportunity for him. The United States was where he would hone his playing skills, from high school right until college.

When he joined the professional ranks, the 6ft10 big man traversed different parts of the world and countries in the continents of Europe, South America, Asia were places he would call home.

Now his journey has brought him back home where it all began. Gabriel reflected on his journey, which saw him depart South Africa as a teenager to pursue his dream.

“I played with the Montana Vikings here in Cape Town under coach John Goliath and at the same time I was scouted by the Seed Academy, now based in Senegal,” said Gabriel, who left South Africa in 2004 for The Patterson School in North Carolina on a scholarship.

**Christopher Gabriel wants to win with the Tigers. Pictures: The Big Tip Off**

The experience of those early years in America was a shock to the system for Gabriel. From that point on he was far from being polished as a player. He was also frank in his self-assessment of where he was and where he needed to be.

“I had my fifteenth birthday in the States. I told myself I am going to make a difference, but I got a reality check,” said Gabriel. “When I got there, I was the worst player at the school. I had to work harder than everybody else. To get up to speed, I watched a lot of games to understand how the game was played there.”

While he worked on improving himself as a player, Gabriel also had to navigate the cultural nuances of America, which was an easier process for him.

There is the cultural aspect as well. For guys who came through grassroot programs, the only way to catch up on the culture of America or anywhere in the world was to throw yourself in it,” explained Gabriel. “Luckily, I fit in well because of the things I was into, like sneakers. Also, the fact I was from an English speaking country was an advantage.

“From a basketball perspective, I knew I was not athletic. I knew I had to be more technical, like having a better jump shot and knowing how to dribble using my left and right hand.”

During his college career, Gabriel became comfortable in his skin as a player. He understood his role on the court, and the work he put in also came with its rewards. He also got to share the court with players who are household names in the NBA today.

“College was a huge learning period. Once you find yourself and you accept the type of player you are, what your skill level and athleticism level is, then you can work on other things,” said the former New Mexico State and University of San Diego player.

He also reflected on his time in college and some of the highlights. “It’s hard to sum it up. Being from South Africa and All American were accomplishments. I played in an AAU team with Brandon Jennings, James Harden and Kevin Love,” said Gabriel.

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After a fruitful college experience, Gabriel continued his career overseas, where he played in Slovenia, Georgia, Uruguay, Thailand, Spain and Iran.

The South African international player had some career highlights, especially in Iran. He lit up the stats board while playing for Shahdari Qazvin in the Persian state.

“In Iran, where I was the only import in the team, there was a game where I scored 49 points. I was averaging double digits in points and rebounds. It was a good year for me,” said Gabriel, who had to leave Iran last year because of both political uncertainties and Covid-19.

He returned home, and has since adjusted well in Cape Town, including a resumption of his basketball career with the American funded Cape Town Tigers.

Gabriel, who is co-captain of the team, has so far been ecstatic to play for the Tigers and has enjoyed the comforts of being at home.

“Man, it’s been amazing, getting the opportunity to play professionally in your hometown. There is a different level of motivation I can tap into because I am at home. I am comfortable,” said Gabriel. “I love being home. After every season overseas, I came home. In a foreign country, you feel like you are not from there. No matter how long you have lived or played there.”

Gabriel believes the introduction of the Tigers on the South African basketball scene will bring professionalism and a change to the game.

“As a team, we want to be champions, no matter where we play. CTBL or BAL, we want to be champions. We also want to change the culture of basketball. It’s not where it needs to be,” said Gabriel. “The people in the front offices need to take the game seriously than we are. We are playing the game. Players should not be arguing about salaries. That is something that should be taken care of by your agent and front office.

Third Pic — **Christopher Gabriel in action during the 2017 FIBA AfroBasket. Picture: FIBA**

“Your job is to be a basketball player. So our job from Raphael, myself and coach Relton and everybody involved in the team is to change the culture of the game.”

Off the court, Gabriel has also unearthed a hidden talent. He has dabbled into the acting scene, and it could be something he looks into after his playing days.

“Yeah, it’s something I have just started. I did a commercial for Samsung. I am on a TV show called Raised by Wolves on HBO. I’m just a big guy. I play Billy, an android robot that fights in a gladiator-style theme. It’s been epic,” concluded Gabriel.

Since returning to South Africa, Gabriel’s star seems to be on the ascendancy. It seems we can expect to experience the best of him both on and off the court.

Can Gabriel and the Tigers shake up SA basketball? Read More »

Tigers plan on being the face of basketball in Africa

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Getting the balance right is key for the Tigers

WHO are the Cape Town Tigers? It was a big question in South African basketball circles recently. The team in question gave a glimpse of who they are, a fortnight ago in a three-day friendly exhibition in Johannesburg.

With the bevvy of talent at their disposal, the Tigers, formed in 2019, left the city of gold unbeaten and begging the question: is this super team going to shake up the basketball landscape in the country?

The answer is yes and if the words of Raphael Edwards are anything to go by. The Tigers plan on becoming the face of basketball on the continent.

I told the president of the BAL (Amadou Gallo Fall) this. We plan on being the face of the Basketball Africa League and the gold standard on how to be a professional team,” said Edwards, who is part of the Tigers ownership. That’s through philanthropy, marketing of ourselves and how we play on the court.”

To achieve the goal of being a big brand and a dominant force on the continent, Tigers have recruited notable players who played for the South African national team at the Afrobasket.

Christopher Gabriel, who played college basketball for the University of San Diego and represented South Africa at three continental tournaments (2009, 2011 and 2017), is part of the on-court leadership of the Tigers.

Cape Town born Gabriel comes with vast experience having played in countries like Slovenia, Denmark, Uruguay, Spain, Georgia and Iran.

Gabriel, a centre, will co-captain the team with a player who comes with his own wealth of experience in Pieter Prinsloo. The Pretoria-West born power forward was also part of the South African team that played in the 2017 Afrobasket.

He also cut his teeth in the American college system, where he suited up for Marist University.

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Enticing Gabriel and Prinsloo to come and play in the country of their birth was not hard for Edwards. He pitched the idea that their collective experience would add value to the team and its ambitions.

“Pieter Prinsloo and Chris Gabriel, who are our captains. I told them, ‘you guys put in the work’, so why don’t you want to reap the benefits now? You have put your country on the map. With the BAL now here on the continent, don’t you want to be a part of that?” explained the 45-year-old New Yorker. “You deserve to be part of that, and you deserve to lead the way.”

The Tigers’ roster also has three other prominent players who played on the BNLSA scene in centre Somusa Mthembu , forward Miguel Ferrao and guard Lebogang Mofokeng.

Mthembu is a three-time BNLSA champion with the Tshwane Suns, while Ferrao is also a four-time league champion with Egoli Magic. Former Soweto Panthers player Mofokeng was part of the Egoli team’s championship run last year.

Edwards’ plan is to ensure that the players coming in develop on and off the court. Having experienced what it was like overseas, he feels there was a missing component to his development. The focus was more on him as a player and less on his individual growth.

“Talking to the guys, my selling point was that I would be present. I want to invest in them becoming better players, better men and better leaders,” said Edwards, who played for East Carolina University. “When I played for ten years overseas, and nobody cared about those other aspects when I was playing. All that mattered was me scoring the basketball.

“I want them to understand that I am going to contribute to them being better all around.”

To get the team to be a cohesive unit, the Tigers have employed Relton Booysen and Vincent Ntunja, a legend in South Africa and Cape Town basketball, as coaches of the team.

Booysen and Ntunja are from Cape Town, which is a plus for Tigers. The two know the lay of the land and have good working chemistry, which bodes well for the team.

“The two coaches that we hired are connected to the community of Cape Town. They bleed for Cape Town,” said Edwards. “They are like fire and ice. Vince is as cool as a fan, and Relton is the fire.

“I believe in balance. Everything in life is about balance. Those two are like yin and yang. I told somebody in an interview a couple of days ago: ‘every time they talk about the city and about giving back, it’s intense and filled with passion.’ I believe my partners, the team and I have given them the platform to do that, with no restraints or any holds barred.”

The Tigers will have to earn their stripes the hard way. Their journey to being the best on the continent will not be immediate. They have to navigate their way through the Cape Town Basketball League’s second division.

Right now, we are in the second division. As far as preparation goes, we have to work hard, and pay attention to detail. Every single day we have to get better,” said Edwards. We are going to make sure that we handle all our compliance aspects well.”

“We plan on being here and being the best team in Africa.”

The Mother City is the appropriate birthplace for the ambitious Tigers, who must scratch and claw their way up the ranks. The question they have to answer is; can make South Africa and the rest of the continent feel their roar? Only time will tell.

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