Court’s in session in Edenvale
“I can’t describe how I feel about this, but it feels like I am on top of the world.”
After six long years, Edenvale Lions Basketball Academy will have its very own court to call home.
Construction of the court started at the end of September and is expected to be completed soon.
Once completed, the court will be coated with fine sand to smoothen it and be painted.
Founded in 2013, the academy attracts players from Edenvale, Bedfordview, Yeoville, Parktown, Germiston and Glenhazel.
Founder and coach Edson Makavan said the dream to have a court to call home formed in 2016 and has since been the academy’s main objective.
“I can’t describe how I feel about this, but it feels like I am on top of the world.
“Starting this journey and seeing it unfold over the years has been amazing.”
Makavan said the entire club is extremely excited about the new court.
“Morale is very high at the academy. The players constantly ask me when the court will be resurfaced.”
Once the court is completed the academy will host an opening ceremony and an inaugural tournament, The Vale Tournament, held on the weekends between November 16 and 24.
“We are looking for high school, university, college and community basketball clubs to enter the tournament.”
Entrance to the tournament will cost a team R3 500 and give them a chance at winning the R70 000 main prize.
However, before the tournament is held the academy hopes to improve the fencing around the court and is looking for a sponsor to assist.
Having a new fence around the court will secure it and give the academy better control of access to the court.
“The academy would like to stop non-academy members from playing on the court without its permission.”
Once the new fence is erected, a sign displaying the academy’s practice times will be installed.
The sign will also have a contact number for community members to call and request permission to play on the court.
Edson explained this will be done to ensure community members don’t clash with games, practise or abuse the court.
Contact 082 969 4172 or byron@biglinkconsulting.co.za to join the club or to enter The Vale Tournament.
Alternatively, visit the club’s Facebook page.
