Local NPO uses basketball to bring people together
NPO aims to tackle societal ills and inequalities through the love of sport.
The Sunnyside Basketball Club is home to basketball enthusiasts both young and old.
The non-profit organisation (NPO) was founded last year with the aim to provide training and development for the people of Sunnyside.
“The NPO was created to serve the community. Sunnyside was chosen as the location as it has the most dense population in the inner city area,” said chairperson Mncedisi Khoza.
“This also adds an additional sporting code for the residents which run throughout the year, which they can enjoy non-stop.”
The NPO hopes to get youngsters off the streets and wants to make basketball more accessible to residents of Pretoria.
To keep members involved, tournaments and games are held in and around Pretoria, Johannesburg and Mpumalanga. Khoza said the club relies on sponsorships and donations.
“We receive generous donations from community members such as second-hand takkies. We also received funds from the National Lotteries Commission to acquire basic equipment and gear.”
Trying to find new sponsors with the high volume of people who want to join the club poses a great challenge. They had to increase the number of training days to try and ensure all teams get trained.
The club also tries to help young people who want to pursue a career in basketball to find a suitable tertiary option.
“We keep in contact with universities and professional sports institutions to assist the young players with their next step once they completed high school,” said Khoza.
The club boasts several teams of both girls and boys.
“The club has helped me to learn more about basketball IQ and fitness, I have been able to make new friends as well and gives me something to do after school instead of going straight home,” Khumo Mutambi who is part of the u.15 team.
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