Basketball bouncing back into the spotlight

KIMBERLEY is steadily becoming a sports hub of note, with several sporting codes gaining popularity over the past few months.

The latest sport to step into the spotlight is basketball, with the Northern Cape Basketball Association currently abuzz with excitement as they prepare for the upcoming Under-18 trials for the National Championships.

Schools, clubs and individuals are invited to participate in the event which is set to take place at the Maloof Skate Park on Saturday, May 13 starting at 10am. All participants have to be under 18 years old, born between January 2006 and December 2007, and should bring a copy of their birth certificate as proof of age.

As they prepare for the highly-anticipated Under-18 National Championships to be held in Bloemfontein in early July, the Association made a call to potential donors to come forward to assist them with meeting their team’s mounting expenses. The invitation from the mother body, Basketball South Africa (BSA), clearly indicated that provinces were liable for all expenses for the delegation.

The Association currently has three districts representing the Province – Frances District Basketball Association, John Taolo District Basketball Association, and ZFM Basketball Association.

These associations are embarkinging on an extensive selection process that would culminate in the selection of the final provincial teams for both boys and girls on June 10 in Kathu.

The NC Association will now be responsible for meeting expenses for transportation, accommodation, meals, gear and kit for the delegation.

The treasurer of the NC Basketball Association, Mzukisi Sitsili, told the DFA that they are immensely excited to represent the province and provide their Under-18 boys and girls with exposure and experience at a national level.

“This is the first National Championships to take place in over five years, and the province aims to make a positive impact on the event. The event will be broadcasted nationally on SABC Sport as it is a priority code as per the National Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture,” he said.

According to Sitsili, it is significant that the Northern Cape Province will send delegations of both the boys and girls teams to the July 2-7 Championships in Bloemfontein.

The Association believes that the event would enhance social cohesion, the growth of Basketball in the province, and instil a certain level of confidence in the basketball community. The Association’s request for potential sponsors could ensure that their teams had the best possible chance of success at the National Championships.