SOUTH Africa is among the giants in Rwanda. A team of 16 youngsters (boys and girls) is in the Land of a Thousand Hills for the ongoing Giants of Africa (GOA) camp to learn, compete and be part of a cultural exchange at the Masai Ujiri-led program, which began last Saturday (26 July – 2 August).
GOA, which is in its 22nd year, will see 320 youths from 20 countries participate in the festivities, changing the lives of the young hoopers.
MBB player Lebesa Selepe, who has been developing as a coach and took over the coaching reins of the first team at his alma mater, Jeppe Boys High School, will lead the South African boys’ team at the Rwandan capital, Kigali.
Selepe, who will have North West-based coach Teboho Rakoloti as his assistant, told The Big Tip Off he is proud to be flying the flag for South Africa again, even if it’s in a different capacity.
“It’s a different set-up altogether because I’m not playing. However, it’s just as special and I feel equally as honoured to represent the country from the sidelines,” said Selepe from Rwanda last Wednesday.
The 33-year-old, who has played for South Africa at the AfroBasket in 2017 and suited up for his club MBB and former club Cape Town at the BAL, did not expect to coach internationally so soon, and he feels the exposure will do him and the travelling contingent a world of good.
“I definitely didn’t see myself coaching at this level so soon in my coaching career. I’ve fortunately learned throughout my life to roll with the punches, stay in the moment and always put my best foot forward,” said Selepe.
He continued: “I’ve always felt that South Africa has the talent to compete at this level, and what I’d like to gain from this experience is that affirmation. It’s important that our youth get the opportunity to consistently play basketball outside of their comfort zone from as early as possible and for as long as possible.”
As the man leading the young men to this opportunity of a lifetime, what does Selepe want his team to learn from the GOA experience?
“I’d like for all these players to do what they do. They were all selected on merit at the GOA trials and throughout their high school careers,” said Selepe. “As coaches, our job will be to put them in positions to display what they do well. Most importantly, I’d genuinely like them to grow from here as people, young leaders and basketball players.
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Among the group of eight boys who Selepe will coach at the GOA is Thomas Fagas, a shooting guard from Pretoria High School for Boys. Fagas, speaking in April, said the news of his selection came as a shock. His feelings at the time are understandable, given that the trial for GOA had taken place in December last year.
Luckily, Fagas performed well enough to get the nod during the trials in Soweto.
“I was shocked because the trials were held in December. Every day after that, you are just nervous, waiting for the message,” said Fagas. “When I got the message, it was just amazing. The coach messaged me to let me know that I was part of the team.
“Now the nerves are down, I just have to put in the work until camp starts in July.”
Fagas says what is eye-opening about GOA is the number of players in the squads representing their country.
“I learnt that there are only eight players in a team. It’s surprising because in basketball, there are usually 12. Taking eight to Rwanda is going to be a challenge. There will be many obstacles, but we will show out,” said Fagas.
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