Faad Billy

THE Bravehearts Basketball Club, over time, has become a dominant force in Malawi’s basketball scene, and has slowly started making inroads on the continental scene. While success on the court has been pleasing, the 10-year-old club is more than just about the attainment of trophies – talent development and positively altering the lives of players who have come through the ranks is their hallmark.

One of the gems unearthed by Bravehearts is skillful guard Faad Billy, who made a name for himself during last year’s Road To BAL. Before hitting the continental scene, his talent caught the watchful eye of the club’s owner and coach, Griffin Kalua, many years back at a local tournament, and from that point, Billy’s life and circumstances changed.

“Griffin learnt about my background and that I was not attending school because of finances. Having seen my talent, he picked me (at the tournament) and arranged a scholarship,” said Billy. “I was able to start and finish secondary school. I don’t think I’d have the opportunity to go to school if it were not for Bravehearts.

“My family did not have the means to send me to school… I was able to get a scholarship through the club.”

The 21-year-old intimated that he would be staring down a path of hopelessness had it not been through Kalua’s intervention and the Lilongwe-based club. “It means a lot to me because when I was younger, I encountered obstacles… Things that were happening within my family, to be honest, I did not have hope,” said Billy. “Only those who know my journey can explain how I have benefitted from being a part of this team.”

Having completed secondary school, Billy is keen on furthering his education. He has tried without much luck to apply in South Africa.

“We have tried to apply for scholarships at certain universities, but I haven’t been lucky… Coach has told me to stay locked in and wait for the right opportunity. Maybe it will happen this year,” said Billy.

The door to further education may take a little time to unlock, but last year, the key to unlocking his amazing talent turned at the Road to BAL.

After being unable to register their foreign players in the preliminary stage in Zimbabwe, Billy was one of the young Bravehearts players thrown at the deep end by Kalua. He (Billy) bravely swam against the tide, and one of his stand-out moments was a starring performance of 17 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in a crucial final-game win over Mozambique’s Costa do Sol.

“That was my biggest tournament. I did not expect to put up the big performances. It was the help of our coach, Griffin. He reminded us how much work is required to compete at that stage. We need to take it seriously,” said Billy. “He pushed me, and I pushed myself. I practiced hard despite not knowing what to expect.

“In Zimbabwe… I saw how tough it was, but I was ready. At the Elite 16 (in Kenya), I learnt that you must put in a lot more work because teams want to make it (to the BAL).”

 

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His breakout moment coincided with Bravehearts being the first club from Malawi to qualify for the Elite 16. That was also where Bravehearts’ journey ended. Recalling things, Billy says he did not expect to play many minutes, given that more experienced players would take the court. While the circumstances were not the best, fortune favoured him, and he rode the wave.

“It was disappointing that we could not register players (in Zimbabwe). It was a setback, but Griffin told us we could still do it (qualify for the Elite 16) because we had played together for a long time,” said Billy. “I never thought I would play 40-minute games. My focus was to help out at the guard position and play defence for the team. Things shifted to me scoring and rebounding for the team.”

Billy has since grabbed the bull by the horns, and luckily, the wise heads in the team were there to walk the road with him. He credits the guidance of experienced players like Zambian forward Harrison Banda and guard Ian Limbe for propelling him to the success he is enjoying.

“We have played together for a long time and in small tournaments. Their support has helped me grow. I have a wonderful connection with those guys (Banda and Limbe). And it has allowed me to thrive on the court,” said Billy.

Having tasted top-level international competition, Billy is hungry for more and wants to help Bravehearts clinch their fifth national title. The Lilongwe-based club, recent winners of their 10th regional Central Zonal Basketball League (CEZOBAL), will defend their national championship title in June.

CEZOBAL MVP Billy has been instrumental in leading the push for the national championship, enjoying both individual accolades and team success this year. He played a key role in helping the Bravehearts secure victories in Southern African tournaments such as the Ashraaf Loedewyk Tournament in South Africa and the Bridging Sports Foundation Basketball Tournament (in Zambia). He also scooped the MVP award in both tournaments.

“Those tournaments have helped me a lot. They serve to remind me who I am. They are a confidence booster. I believe in myself more,” said Billy. “I am happy with my achievements… There is still a lot of work to do as we have to defend our title. We want to go back to the Road to BAL.

“This year’s championship will be harder because teams have gotten better. Teams have recruited a lot of players because they want to challenge us. We have also gotten better.”

Billy has made the most of the opportunity given to him, and it helps that he is part of a club that has built a culture of success. He stepped up in life and on the court against difficult odds and thrived. The world is his oyster.