Chukwurah, Blazers to follow players who know the Road to BAL
ANTHONY Chukwurah was reflective about what basketball has done for him. Having started in South Africa, the idea that the game could take him all over the continent was far-fetched, given the timing he picked up the game. Since turning pro, he has won a second career major title last year with Liberia’s Mighty Barrolle, and this year with his current club, Uganda’s Namuwongo Blazers, he is on the verge of securing another major career title.
During his interview with The Big Tip Off, Chukwurah dropped more interesting insights about how he is adapting to his present environment and how South Africa set the stage for him to pursue a basketball career.
A late bloomer
Nigeria-born Chukwurah did not play basketball until he came to South Africa, a country he regards as his home. Already in his late teens, the forward had come to the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) to further his studies, and along with pursuing education, the hoops bug bit.
“South Africa is my home. It (South Africa) made me who I am regarding basketball. I always give props to Mr. Thabang Kgwedi and Mr. Andrew Brown. Coach Brown was the second team coach at VUT. He is the one who gave me the opportunity,” said Chukwurah. “I was always playing football. I started playing basketball when I got to VUT.”
Chukwurah describes himself as a sports aficionado, and taking up basketball was an adjustment process – he also learnt quickly to adapt.
“It was a lot at first. I had an idea of the sport, but I had never played it. All I knew was that you bounced the ball and you shot it,” said Chukwurah. “I am a quick learner. You can put me on a baseball pitch and, given time, I will learn. That is the thing about me and sports.
“So with VUT, I had guidance from Andrew Brown, and the team was also welcoming. So that helped a lot.”
He did carve out a successful university career, winning USSA titles in 2018 and 2022.
Business of going pro
He intimated gratitude to the game and the place it has taken him. “It’s been a blessing. I never thought that bouncing a ball would take me to all these places. It’s been a blessing getting to learn different cultures and languages. So it’s an experience I am grateful for,” said Chukwurah.
While in South Africa, he also played for Basketball National League (BNL) franchises Egoli Magic and the Tshwane Suns, where he won his first league title in 2021. But there was another country that wholly cemented the idea that he could pursue a pro career.
Mozambique, where Chukwurah played for Ferroviário de Nampula, opened his eyes to a more established professional setting.
“In South Africa, I thought ‘there could be something here’. When I got the chance to go to Mozambique, I realised I could actually make a living out of basketball. I understood the logistics and business side of things,” said Chukwurah. “As long as I put in the work to increase my value, I can make a living from the game.
“I have always loved sports. If you give me that, than sitting behind a desk, I’ll take sports anytime.”
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From the looks of things, Chukwurah has made a wise career choice. Apart from playing in Mozambique, his talent has seen him grace his home country, Nigeria, where he played for Hoops & Read. Following the success in Liberia, he and Uganda’s Namuwongo are riding the wave, which could lead to a championship.
Blazing a trail with Namuwongo
The NBL final series against the country’s 10-time champions, City Oilers, has been postponed to a later date (26 October) as Namuwongo are set to compete in the Road to BAL in Tanzania next week (17 October). Chukwurah and the Blazers, who go to the Road to BAL based on their current season’s performances, will take on host club DarCity and Burundi’s Dynamo.
Chukwurah will, together with Namuwongo, share a first, competing in the Road to BAL. At the time of the interview, Chukwurah, who was nursing a left toe injury, spoke in an adamant tone about being part of the continental qualifiers. Saying it was part of his mission during his time in Uganda.
“Definitely, that is the goal. I have not played in the last two games because of an injury. So I have been working hard to get back on time for the finals,” said Chukwurah. “It’s a cutthroat business. It’s a performance-based business. Having said that, I want to go (to the Road to BAL) with the Blazers.”
He expanded more on his appreciation for the Namuwongo’s fans. “It’s beautiful. In the last two games I have sat out, I have seen things from a fan’s perspective. I experienced the atmosphere. Basketball out here is like a religion. We have a whole community supporting us, you see the joy you give to people when we have won. That’s when you feel that this is more than just a sport,” said Chukwurah.
Another interesting aspect of Namuwongo is the significant influence of former City Oilers players. Ivan Muwhezi, James Okello, Tonny Drileba and Jimmy Enabu are seasoned internationals who have played in numerous Road to BAL campaigns. Chukwurah has learnt a lot from rubbing shoulders with them.
“We have a saying in Nigeria, ‘follow who know road’. Follow those who know the way. These are guys who have won the championship. Some of them have done it nine times. So it has been a pleasure learning from them,” said Chukwurah. “I stick close to these guys. I listen to everything they have to say because they possess a lot of knowledge.
“A guy like Tonny Drileba has helped me a lot. He helped me adapt to the game this side.”
Chukwurah has warmed up to Namuwongo and is looking to trailblaze with the 10-year-old club, aiming to make their mark on the African continent.
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