MEYERTON. – When Tau Oscar Takarupiwa started playing basketball at the age of 13, little did he know that it would one day become his greatest passion, not only as a player, but later as a coach.

Sedibeng Ster Sport takes a closer look at Takarupiwa’s journey from player to coach. He started playing basketball only for fun, however, his deep love for the game developed when he went to high school, where he often played with older guys who admired his talent. Growing up in Soweto, Takarupiwa began shaping his future in basketball. In an exclusive interview with Sedibeng Ster Sport, he recalled how much of his life revolved around the sport while living in Soweto, before later relocating to Midvaal.

His involvement in basketball began in Soweto as he would go around and recruit players to play basketball.

As a player, Takarupiwa was regarded as one of the best defenders in the area. Because he wasn’t particularly tall, senior players encouraged him to focus on defence.

“My passion for basketball was admired by the senior guys, including those who were playing at the highest level. I was selected by the senior players and professional players to play with them. They advised me to play on defence to help build my physicality and strength, and it really worked for me. My game improved to another level.”

Basketball has been a lifelong commitment for Takarupiwa, from being a young player to becoming a coach.

“I used to organise young people around Soweto, helping them form teams, and recruiting them from different parts of the community. I must say, I changed the lives of many young people through basketball, and even now, I’m still very involved with Sedibeng Basketball.
I do what I love most, coaching these youngsters to realise their dreams of competing at the highest level of basketball. Since arriving in Meyerton, I have been involved in so many basketball projects. I’m happy that I can share my experience with these youngsters.”