Basketball courts launched at St Benedict’s

Nine months after breaking ground in June 2023, St Benedict’s College has proudly opened six state-of-the-art outdoor basketball courts at its Bedfordview campus.

The substantial infrastructure investment into the school’s sporting facilities signifies a giant leap for basketball.

This school sport has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last decade, experiencing a surge in popularity and a notable elevation in its calibre.

With the introduction of the new courts; it is expected to add further momentum to this upward growth trajectory.

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Named after the late Special Olympics South Africa champion, sports influencer, leader, and the school’s basketball coach, the Ephraim Mohlakane Basketball Courts were officially opened by school chaplain Fr Thabo Mothiba on March 1.

Staff, parents, boys and alumni attended the court’s blessing ceremony.

St Benedict’s executive head, André Oosthuisen, said, “We are exceptionally pleased to have been able to realise this long-term goal for our players.

“The courts will foster the development of future champions and enhance the pleasure of playing for everyone.

“With our new courts now open, eight matches can now be played at any given time and there is seating for 800 spectators.

“We look forward to hosting regular fixtures and tournaments and being at the centre of the sport’s development, not only in our immediate community but the country.”

Basketball was introduced to the school in 1998 from one team of 11 aspiring boys to now boasting 40 teams, catering for approximately 440 players who more than hold their own in the IEB leagues.

Oosthuisen added the decision was an easy and fitting tribute to Ephraim’s legacy.

“The courts will be a constant reminder of the values he embodied: passion, dedication, inclusivity and compassion.

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“His impact both on and off the field was profound, and his passion for the sport infectious.

“He has inspired countless young athletes to reach for their dreams.”

At the opening, Ephraim’s contributions to the sport were fully acknowledged.

He represented South Africa with honour and distinction on numerous occasions often on a global stage.

His involvement in the Special Olympics, particularly in hockey and basketball, showcased his exceptional talent and determination.

Not only did he excel as an athlete, but he also took on multiple coaching and leadership roles within several sporting bodies.

Looking back at the school’s basketball history – the sport was initiated at the behest of then-Grade 10 learners John Paul Dalvit and Andy Au.

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At the outset, the first team was coached by Justine Renaut – a qualified netball coach before employing their first official basketball coach, James Mtetwa.

Renaut explained the first group had to make big sacrifices because they played basketball in addition to their other summer sports.

Their parents were also insistent that they could only play basketball on condition that their marks didn’t deteriorate.

“They were an inspirational group of boys who showed up for each other with great belief.

“I don’t think they realised at the time that they were laying such a strong foundation for what would follow.”

Dalvit went on to captain the school’s first basketball team in his matric year in 2000 and was awarded a partial basketball scholarship to study in the States.

Old boy Andy Au is still closely associated with the sport, as his son Jordan is an avid Grade Seven Bennies basketballer.