BASKETBALL
Top teams prepared for games
BASKETBALL Development Forum (BDF), in partnership with Buffalo City Metro, is set to host the Exam Basketball Games starting tomorrow at 10am at NU5 in Mdantsane.
A number of teams from around the province will go head to head for top honours in what is sure to be some exciting action.
BDF marketing director Mandilakhe Makapela said they expected the province’s best teams to participate in the games.
“Kingswood from Grahamstown, Zinzani Higher Primary School, Vulamazibuko High School and Khulani Commercial School will play. We are also expecting David Mama U16 and U18 boys and girls,” said Makapela.
BDF founder, Ayanda Mabedla, said he introduced basketball to the community as a way of keeping the youth off the streets and away from crime and gangsterism.
“I wanted to deal with the challenges experienced by our youth and also to engage them in the community in order to shift their minds to activities that can change their lives for the better,” said Mabedla.
“In 1996 the BDF developed as more youth in the community were getting involved with us. However, tournaments were hosted with assistance of Yakima Sport Ware and by year 2000 adults were introduced to basketball after many of them showed interest.
“We also created a theme for BDF which is “Basketball 4 Change” which is based on the aim of the forum, which is to bring about change in individuals, groups and communities through recruiting and engaging them to take part in the sport in order to change their lives, not only socially but also to make it their career.
“Now we have the following age groups: U10, U13, U16, U18, U20, U25, U35 and a senior team for those above 35 including a veterans side for those above 36 years.
“We have branches in Buffalo City Metro, Amathole, Alfred Nzo, Chris Hani, Joe Gqabi, and Tambo districts and we hope to reach all those districts that love basketball.”
Makapela said the BDF has a wheelchair club, which has represented the province at the SA National Wheelchair Basketball League since 2006 and is still going strong.
“We have produced more than 100 provincial participants from players, officials and administrators.,” said Makapela.
“We also produced more than 50 national participants from players, officials and administrators. And we are proud to have introduced the school district champions.”