Limpopo basketball team to train every week
THE Limpopo u/16 boys and girls basketball teams, which were selected during gruelling trials at the Seshego basketball courts on Saturday, will hold weekly training camps in preparation for the National Basketball Championships.
SESHEGO – THE Limpopo u/16 boys and girls basketball teams, which were selected during gruelling trials at the Seshego basketball courts on Saturday, will hold weekly training camps in preparation for the National Basketball Championships.
The championships will be held in Johannesburg from March 22 to 27.
Gazani Khoza, the chairperson of the Limpopo Basketball Association, said Limpopo had an abundance of basketball talent, but the lack of funding hindered the development of the sport.
He said the love of the game fuelled them to use limited resources to conduct trials and to prepare the teams to represent Limpopo at the national tournament.
“We had over 100 players from around the province at the trials.
“All these players were transported by their coaches in open bakkies.
“The Mopani district was not represented and we were made aware that it was due to a lack of transport. Such things hinder the progress of basketball in Limpopo, but we will soldier on and make Limpopo proud,” said Khoza.
The Limpopo women’s basketball team was crowned champions during a national tournament last year, and Khoza is confident that the u/16s will do their best not to disappoint.
“The last championships were held in 2010, where the girls u/13 and u/16 teams were in first place.
“The u/16 boys came back with a bronze medal.
“We cannot say we are going to defend our title because a gap of four years is too much. We have lost the talent and rhythm, but last year’s success of the senior team will keep the youngsters motivated.
“This year, we have the challenge of height as many players who came for trials are short in stature, but we will have to do with what we have,” added Khoza.
“We are very grateful to Express, which is contributing a lot in the development of basketball in the province.
“When the players see themselves in the paper, they feel great knowing that their game is also regarded as one of the best.
“Big up to Express and we hope other media houses follow your example and pay attention to what we are doing,” Khoza concluded.
