Eagles in swoop for top talent Yabantu
A GATESHEAD College student is soaring high with the Newcastle Eagles after being called up to their senior squad for the first time.
Themba Yabantu has completed a Level Three BTEC in Sport and is studying a Level Two in Health and Fitness at the Academy of Sport.
He has been playing for the Academy’s basketball team as well as for the Eagles’ School of Excellence’s under-23 side in Division Four of the National Basketball League.
Throughout the season he has shown his true potential, regularly finishing games as the top scorer.
This ability has also been recognised by the Eagles’ senior head coach Fab Flournoy, who invited Yabantu to train with his senior players this season.
He said: “Themba has practised with us consistently since the beginning of the season and earned the chance to be part of our senior match night squad.”
Themba was delighted with his call-up to the senior squad.
“He said: “I never thought I would get this opportunity but I am very excited and very grateful about stepping up to the British Basketball League.
“This is a big step up and shows the hard work I have been putting in is paying off.
“I still have a lot more to learn and improve and this is a great chance to make even bigger strides.”
Ian Macleod, assistant coach with the Eagles and Gateshead College’s Basketball Academy coach said: “Themba is a really talented player.
“It is fantastic to hear all of his hard work and determination has paid off.
“He has been a real asset to any squad he has played for and I am confident he will make his mark on the senior team.”
In April, Themba will also be representing the North East as part of the Gateshead College squad competing in the Association of Colleges Sport National Championships in Nottingham.
FAB Flournoy will be delivering a masterclass to students at the Gateshead Basketball Academy for Sport on Tuesday, April 10 (10.00-noon).