Fourways basketball player gives thanks to those who showed support on his return from the youth games in Malawi
St John’s College learner and Fourways resident, Yanda Peter looks back on his time in Malawi representing his country in basketball.
A Fourways basketball player has high hopes for his sporting career after representing South Africa at a recent youth games tournament.
Current St John’s College learner, Yanda Peter (15) recently came off a great showing in the Region Five Youth Games in Malawi that led Team SA to bring home a bronze medal.
Having to go through a tricky trial period, the young athlete was excited and happy to be selected for the South African Men’s Basketball squad.
“I felt lucky to be selected as the trials were tough. We had to do trials for Gauteng first with over 300 other boys and then the national trials in Bloemfontein,” he said.
The games are bi-annual multi-code games for U20 youth in the SADC (Southern African Development Community) region including South Africa, Lesotho, Mozambique, Angola, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, Namibia, and Eswatini.
Reflecting on the tournament, Yanda said there were some initial nerves about the trip but added that there was great team spirit.
“Going to Malawi was a bit scary as we did not know what to expect. The crowds were big at all our games and that sometimes made us nervous. It was a privilege to be playing for my country on such a big stage,” he said.
“I would like to thank the coaches that looked after us in Malawi and the parents that came to support us and watch our games. I would also like to thank my school and club coaches for helping me improve.”
Yanda has been playing basketball since the age of 11 with the Sandton Bullz Basketball club in Bryanston which won the Junior NBA tournament for Johannesburg and overall Gauteng region last year.
He was also part of the St John’s College U15 basketball team that won the St David’s College Inanda Hoops basketball tournament in the U15 category.
Since returning from the tournament, Yanda said there has been an improvement in his basketball playing that he can take when playing for his club and school.
“It helped with game management as there was a shot clock that we don’t use for local games. The physicality of the other teams also means that I got used to playing against bigger and stronger players,” he said.
“Angola was our toughest opponent as they were very physical and skillful. They also played a fast game, but we were able to compete against them, even though we lost.”
Looking to the future of his career, Yanda said he sees himself playing professionally in the NBA, be it in Europe or for the NBA Africa Basketball Africa League.
Related articles:
(Fourways basketball player brings home the bronze in recent youth games in Malawi) https://www.citizen.co.za/fourways-review/402441/local-basketball-player-shines-in-recent-tournament/
(Fourways dojo cheers for athletes who achieved medals in recent district and national competitions) https://www.citizen.co.za/fourways-review/402084/fourways-dojo-congratulates-athletes-for-76-medals-in-total/
