Local athlete swaps soccer for basketball and shines in EBL
However, his sporting journey took an unexpected turn when his basketball coach recognised his potential.
What started as a hobby has grown into a promising basketball career for Spruitview resident Samuel Amour Stevens.
Stevens, who now competes in the Ekurhuleni Basketball League (EBL) for Vosloorus Royal Russells Basketball Club, spoke to GCN at the Germiston Stadium where he competes.
Originally from Vosloorus, Stevens spent 13 years pursuing his dream of becoming a professional soccer player.
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His talent earned him a place at a soccer academy, where he developed into a promising football prospect.
However, his sporting journey took an unexpected turn when basketball coach Joseph John recognised his potential and encouraged him to pursue the sport full-time.
Nine years ago, John saw something special in the young Stevens and believed he had the natural ability to excel, provided he committed himself completely.
“He told me he saw natural potential in me and believed that if I gave everything to one thing, I could be great,” Stevens recalled.
Faced with a choice between football and basketball, Stevens decided to follow his coach’s advice.
“I had to choose between football and basketball. Looking back now, I definitely made the right choice,” he said.
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Despite being the shortest among his friends, Stevens never allowed his height to define him.
Today, Stevens continues to honour his coach’s faith in him and the legacy of his late teammate every time he steps onto the basketball court.
Although he initially played basketball for fun while focusing more on soccer, Stevens eventually committed fully to the sport. His dedication paid off when he earned a place in the EBL, where he now represents the Royal Russells.
Reflecting on his football career, Stevens said he came close to fulfilling his dream but only managed to win one tournament medal. Despite that, he believes the lessons he learned on the soccer field have played a key role in his success on the basketball court.
“The physicality, fitness and discipline I learned through soccer have helped me become a better basketball player,” he said.
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The Manchester United supporter hopes to continue developing his basketball career while inspiring young athletes to embrace new opportunities and remain committed to their dreams, even when life takes them in an unexpected direction.
His journey on the court has also transformed the way he approaches the game.
“When I started, I was the smallest and fastest player on the court, so I modelled my game after Stephen Curry. I was always running and shooting as many three-pointers as I could,” he said.
As he matured, Stevens realised that becoming a complete player required more than natural ability and shooting range.
“I’ve learnt that being great at one thing makes you a good player, but being good at everything makes you a great player. That’s why I spend just as much time studying the theory of basketball as I do practising it.”
While playing in the BNL ranks among his biggest achievements, Stevens says one moment means even more.
Winning his team’s first official basketball tournament alongside the teammates he started with and the young players they helped develop at Spruitview Multipurpose Park remains his proudest memory.
“Seeing everyone genuinely happy and celebrating together as a team is something I’ll never forget,” he said.
This season, however, basketball has become about more than winning.
Royal Russels are playing in memory of teammate Ntokozo Gumbi, who passed away during a friendly match earlier this year.
For Stevens, every game is now dedicated to a friend whose absence is still deeply felt.
“Ntokozo was supposed to be here with us, talking about how we were going to win the league, but the Lord had other plans. Every time we step onto the court, we play for him.”
Officially a combo guard capable of playing both point guard and shooting guard, Stevens is equally comfortable filling any role his team requires.
“Whatever the coach needs is what I provide. I don’t believe I have any real weaknesses. I play every game like it’s a final and I never stop fighting. Through illness or injury, as long as I’m still breathing, I’ll gladly run myself into the ground for my team.”
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When asked how he wants Gumbi to be remembered, Stevens didn’t speak about trophies or basketball achievements. Instead, he remembered the person behind the player.
“He always had a smile on his face. He always wanted the people around him to smile too. Even on his bad days, he still wanted everyone else to be okay. That’s the kind of person he was, and that’s how we’ll always remember him.”
For Stevens, every training session, every game and every victory is now driven by the coach who believed in him, the teammates who grew alongside him and the friend whose memory continues to inspire Royal Russels’ pursuit of success.
