Lions sharpen their claws
“The academy has played against some strong teams, we are feeling confident for TVT.”
Basketball games and development were the order of the day as members of Edenvale Lions Basketball Academy (ELBA) prepared for The Vale Tournament (TVT).
On September 18, players from the academy’s junior and senior sides took to the court and played against visiting teams to hone their skills and prepare themselves for the upcoming tournament.
Scheduled to be held over the first weekend of October, TVT will see eight basketball clubs battle it out on the court at Edenvale Sports Grounds.
Some of the clubs and academies participating in the tournament include ELBA, Soldiers, Corinthians, Spartans, Voltron, Griffinz and Rhinos
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Co-founder of the academy and coach Edson Makavan said preparations for the tournament were going well.
“We are looking forward to the weekend,” he highlighted.
Byron Pinheiro, another co-founder and coach of the academy, said leading up to September 18, the academy was on a 10-game winning streak.
“The academy has played against some strong teams, we are feeling confident for the TVT,” said Pinheiro.
The tournament, which will be played according to standard International Basketball Federation rules will start on October 2 with an opening ceremony at 08:00.
Group games will be played throughout the day and the day’s proceedings should end at 18:00.
October 3 will comprise final group games, semi-finals, third and fourth play-offs, the final match as well as an awards ceremony.
Besides being able to walk away with the title of the winner of TVT, the winning team will be awarded R25 000, the second team, R7 500 and the third team R2 500.
Makavan and Pinheiro thanked the tournament’s main sponsor, Central Build It, for the support.
With the recent easing of Covid-19 restrictions, the Lions invited the community to show its support of the town’s home team and the sport.
As per level two Covid-19 regulations, ELBA will be able to host 500 people on each day of the tournament.
The number includes players, sponsors, management and supporters. The academy will work on a first-come-first-serve basis for supporters.
Food and refreshments will be available for sale at the Edenvale Sports Club.
Pinheiro said all standard Covid-19 protocols will need to be followed by those who attend the tournament.
Email Pinheiro at byron@biglinkconsulting.co.za, visit ELBA’s Facebook page or its website for more information.
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