When the park roared: A flashback to community hoops

NOT SO long ago, the beat of basketball echoed through the Maloof Skate Park, where local clubs like the Sishen Cobras, Sol Plaatje University and Galeshewe Rebels lit up weekends with sweat, skill, and soaring shots. 

Crowds gathered with camp chairs and cool drinks to enjoy the thrill of the sport and to bask in the spirit and the community vibe.

But that was quite a while ago, and though one does not expect our youth to be out on the courts during the country’s first cold snap of the 2025 winter, it would be reassuring to know that the young basketball players are using the winter to prepare themselves –  body, mind and competitive spirit – for next season.

Continental Stars Shine in Pretoria

Meanwhile, and this could serve as motivation – just saying, nearly 600 kilometres away, Africa’s top basketball talent is putting on a masterclass at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria. 

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) play-offs are in full swing, with electric match-ups that have captivated the continent.

Cape Verde’s Kriol Star edged Morocco’s FUS Rabat 91-88 in a breathtaking opener, powered by Joel Ntambwe’s 22 points and Ivan Almeida’s triple-double brilliance. Egypt’s Al Ittihad showed why they’re contenders, defeating Libya’s Al Ahli Tripoli 85-74 thanks to Majok Deng’s 19 points and Lual Acuil’s 16-point, 14-rebound double-double.

The action continues with powerhouse teams like Angola’s Petro de Luanda and Tunisia’s US Monastir stepping onto the hardwood, aiming to add their names to the BAL’s growing legacy. 

Can Local Courts Echo Again?

So while Pretoria is alive with the action of elite basketball, one can't help but wonder: What happened to our rhythm? Will the action return when the warmer days do?

The BAL is showing what’s possible when talent meets support and infrastructure. But back here in Kimberley, the hope is that – even though basketball is not one of the country’s top sports yet – the spark, energy and enthusiasm, and love for the game can gain momentum once again.

The thing is, beyond simply building agile athletes, basketball develops leaders; it results in young people with resilience, discipline, and the tenacity to pursue dreams. 

And in communities grappling with limited opportunities and rising youth frustration, that matters.

I once read a story of a Martial Artist, one who was active in combat sports, who was injured quite badly in an unrelated incident.

He was unable to compete for over a year, and the road back involved a period of total immobility, while he was in traction, then months of painful, but limited, recovery and physiotherapy, even before he could start walking, jogging, running, ahead of him even thinking of getting back to the gym.

However, when he got back – ring rust aside – his gym mates were astounded at his sharpness and focus; they asked him how he had not lost focus.

His answer could be key for Kimberely’s basketball youth ahead of the upcoming season.

“When all I could move was my eyeballs, I would watch Martial Arts tournaments and training videos. When all I could move was one hand, I would squeeze a tennis ball. And as I started to move, moved with purpose, focused on my goal. 

“Though I was out of the sport physically, my spirit never left … the dream carried me when all I could do was dream.”

I am looking forward to the new basketball season, aren’t you?