Lim’s pride on the basketball court
FOLLOWING a rather mediocre performance during the previous season, the senior provincial basketball team, Limpopo Pride, intends to up their game and do well when the National Basketball League resumes in January.
FOLLOWING a rather mediocre performance during the previous season, the senior provincial basketball team, Limpopo Pride, intends to up their game and do well when the National Basketball League resumes in January.
The team operates under the auspices of the Limpopo Basketball Association (LBA).
During their maiden campaign after the establishment of the National Basketball League, the team finished in ninth position in a 12-team league. The team manager, Lebo Mabotja, says LBA recommended Limpopo Pride as the ideal club or company that will have the first right to buy and own the franchise.
“The agreement between LBA and the team includes development of the game of basketball, training of local coaches and identification of elite athletes. LBA will be a shareholder to the new franchise once final agreements have been concluded.”
The team’s head coach, Sinki Mphahlele, together with his assistants, Thabang Manasoe and Willy Matlala, say they are now trying to pick up the pieces in a desperate bid to right the wrongs of the previous season.
The provincial technical crew has identified their threats as Tshwane Suns, Duzi Royals, Soweto Panthers, Egoli Magic, Kwa-Zulu Marlins, North West Eagles and Western Cape Mountaineers. Mabotja says they intend to stay on top of Free State Warriors, Northern Cape Zebras and Eastern Cape Windbreakers who finished 10th, 11th and 12th respectively.
Among Mphahlele’s trusted lieutenants is captain Fhumani Marhenele, who is part of the national set-up as a shooting guard.
Jerry Manyubela, the team’s treasured dunking specialist, is one of the sharp arrows in coach Mphahlele’s quiver.
