BRAVEHEARTS owner Griffin Kalua’s love for basketball courses through his veins to the extent that, while planning a major tournament in his country, Malawi, he still made time to take a trip to neighbouring Mozambique for a youth team tournament. Ahead of the fifth edition of the Bravehearts Basketball International Challenge, BIBC (August 28-31), he embarked on a journey with the Bravehearts U18 men’s and women’s teams to a tournament in Mozambique, from which they returned on Sunday.
Despite his busy schedule, Kalua professes love of the game, which includes creating opportunities for young talent to thrive.
“Passion and commitment. I have loved basketball since I was introduced to it many years ago. Working with young athletes and helping them achieve greatness on and off the court is my ministry. It’s something that I dedicate myself to,” said Kalua.
Just as he is hands-on with the club’s programs, he will adopt a similar approach with the upcoming tournament. The BIBC is a tournament Kalua conceptualised to grow the Brave Hearts brand.
“The BIBC challenge was a door for the world to know about Malawi’s basketball. It is a way of showing my players that there is more out there,” said Kalua. It is also a chance for our fans to watch international basketball. But my aim is for the players to aspire for more in this game.”
The growth of the tournament is also significant for Kalua, as teams from Kenya and Angola will travel to Malawi for the two-day event.
“When you come, you will understand what the BIBC is doing for Malawi basketball. There will not be an empty seat at the venue, I doubt you will find a seat,” chuckled Kalua. “Kids look out for this tournament for inspiration. It’s a chance for them to watch the best in Africa. For the first time, we have teams from Angola, Kenya and South Africa.”
Another advantage of the tournament is that youngsters have a platform to exhibit their talent.
“I intend to introduce a youth category for agents to use the tournament to scout young talents,” said Kalua.
With continental qualifying tournaments like the Road to BAL and the FIBA WBLA being around the corner, Kalua also emphasised that the tournament will serve as part of the Bravehearts’ preparation.
“For our men’s team, we have invited a couple of American players and a player from Zambia to see if we can have them for the Road to BAL,” said Kalua. “On the ladies’ side, we have a player from Zimbabwe and another from Kenya that we are having a look at. If they fit the team, then we can consider them for the qualifiers.”
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