Basketball court a possibility for Edenvale
"Despite our loss, we cheered as if we had won the tournament."
With the growth of basketball in South Africa, Edenvale could soon have its own basketball court.
The idea for the project originated from a lack of basketball courts in the area.
“Ten years ago I tried to find a basketball court in Edenvale but couldn’t find one,” said Edson Makavan, a founder of the Edenvale Lions Basketball Club.
“It was quite disappointing, as I love the sport.”
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Edson and club co-founder Byron Pinheiro believe a basketball court will benefit the club and the community.
One location the pair has in mind for the new court is the neglected netball court at the Edenvale Sports Grounds.
Once completed the court will be the official home of the Edenvale Lions.
Edson hopes that having a place to call home will make the club more official.
Founded in 2016, the club draws players from the Edenvale, Bedfordview, Parktown and Yeoville areas.
The 25 players train once a week at Edenvale High School.
At the moment the club is focusing only on tournaments.
“Before we join a league we want the players to have a strong foundation and understanding of the sport,” said Edson.
Shortly after the club was founded, the Lions went up against professional players in their first tournament.
The team never made it through the first round.
“We played our best and only lost by a few points,” said Byron.
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“Despite our loss, we cheered as if we had won the tournament.”
The club has since continued to play in tournaments, building its reputation and growing stronger.
With regard to benefiting the community, Edson believes the basketball court will improve the health of children in Edenvale.
He said players have to be extremely fit in order to play basketball.
“Generally children have become lazy. In basketball there is a lot of running,” said Edson.
“If players want to join the club, they’ll have to be determined, fit and passionate.”
Edson said all the paperwork for the court has been completed and only sponsorship is needed.
Sponsorship will allow the club to reconstruct the court, pay for the players’ uniforms and cover transportation and other costs.
Edson said his long-term goal for the club is to be able to host international games at the court.
Contact the Edenvale Lions on 082 969 4172 or byron@biglinkconsulting.co.za
