Squaring up for the ultimate win with Ian Limbe
The basketball player says he dribbles past disappoints as he shoots straight towards success.
Drawn to basketball for its fast pace and team dynamics, Ian Limbe has been playing the sport since he was in high school and it has been nothing but net ever since.
Through the years, the Wits student has had the privilege of representing Malawi in numerous international tournaments. This includes three appearances at the Confederation of University and College Sports Associations, Basketball Africa League qualifiers with Bravehearts Club, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Club Africa Championship qualifiers with Central Knights Club, multiple Zambia international tournaments, as well as multiple Bravehearts International Basketball Challenge tournaments, and most recently, the 2023 Wits Ashies tournament.
On reflection of the competitions he has been part of, it is the 2018 FIBA Africa Club Championships qualifiers in Zimbabwe that he cites as deeply impacted his career, “My Malawian team faced the dominant Petro de Luanda. It resulted in the worst loss of my career. However, this defeat wasn’t about the embarrassment. It was the valuable lessons learned that became a turning point. It fuelled my determination to improve my skills and strive for future success.”
The PhD Wits student sees the sport as having been a transformative force in his life as it has helped him foster strong personal connections, expanded his network beyond sports and provided valuable mentorship, “My coaches have guided me on navigating the challenges and opportunities of young adulthood. Basketball has also broadened my horizons by allowing me to experience different cultures outside Malawi (my first trip abroad was for a basketball tournament).” He added the sport helped him achieve his academic goals, as it’s through a Wits Sports bursary that he is pursuing his current qualification.
With the Wits basketball team, Limbe is currently in training for the Inner City Super League, the upcoming 2024 Wits Ashies as well as University Sports South Africa competitions.
The basketballer explained that while basketball has brought him joy and countless memories, injuries present a significant hurdle. Being sidelined for months due to injury can be incredibly discouraging for any athlete. Through it all however, his lay-up is to inspire young athletes through the sport and contribute to its development in Malawi and Africa as a whole. His goal is to see more African athletes compete and win on the international stage.
It’s his fast break away from disappointments that one can also assume inspires others. Because when faced with letdown, his only focus is on the lessons that come with it rather than dwell on the negatives. It is through this approach that he continually grows as a player and as young man. “As a PhD student-athlete, I want to be a role model for my younger Wits teammates, and for young athletes back home. It’s possible to excel in both areas, and I want to be living proof of that.”
His message to young athletes is simple – give 110% effort in everything you do, on and off the court. There are endless opportunities out there, but they require hard work and dedication. Limbe also shared a quote that resonates with him which reads, ‘Usually, the most aggressive person wins’, which to him translates to perseverance and a relentless pursuit of one’s goal.
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