Ngubane targets standout basketball season at Jeppe High School for Boys
Thirteen-year-old Sithenjwa Ngubane eyes provincial colours as he draws inspiration from Stephen Curry and embraces life as a Jeppe boarder.
Sithenjwa Ngubane (13) is setting his sights on a standout basketball season as the year gathers momentum.
While playing at the Jeppe High School for Boys’ Basketball Festival on January 24, the youngster was already aiming for wins at the upcoming festival to be held at the school from February 26 to March 1.
The Grade Eight learner at Jeppe Boys High School has embraced the sport with growing confidence and ambition.
Ngubane’s sporting journey began at the age of five with soccer, his first love. He later discovered basketball in Grade Five, where his interest shifted from kicking a ball to mastering his dribble on the court.
Since joining Jeppe Boys High School, Ngubane has committed to basketball full-time and has already featured in his second competitive fixture for the U14 team.
The side opened their season with a 25 – 12 loss to St Benedict’s College but showed resilience and growth in their second outing, securing a convincing 38 – 18 victory over Christian Brothers’ College based in Boksburg on January 24.
“In our second game, we had already started to gel as a team and found each other on the court,” Ngubane said.
“It feels good to be part of a team and a school with such prestige.”
He believes that competing against other schools brings out the best in players.
“Playing against strong opposition helps us recognise our strengths. In our second game, playing at home gave us confidence, and now I believe we can compete with any team,” he added.
As a boarder at the school, Ngubane finds it easier to build chemistry with his teammates, allowing the group to connect both on and off the court.
He has also expressed admiration for Jeppe’s comprehensive sports programme, which he says played a significant role in his decision to attend the school.
Ngubane draws inspiration from his faith and his parents, whom he regards as his greatest role models.
In basketball, he looks up to NBA star Stephen Curry.
His aspirations include earning provincial colours in both basketball and soccer and representing his school and province with pride.
