ONE of the emerging basketball players from Wentworth, Ziyaad Joseph, will represent PeacePlayers South Africa at the 2025 Global Exchange games in Detroit, US, from July 27 to August 3.

Also read: Basketball trials kick off in Wentworth

Ziyaad’s basketball journey began three years ago, sparked by his admiration for his father, who coached the game. His first exposure to basketball came when he played for LIV Village, an orphanage in Cottonlands in Verulam where his father volunteered.

“I’m glad to be one of the few people who have been selected for the PeacePlayers Global Exchange event that will be hosted in Michigan, Detroit. I’ve been a part of PeacePlayers South Africa for almost three years, and being a member of this family has truly been a blessing. I feel like it would be a very rare experience that would allow me to be surrounded by different cultures and be around new people, which will allow me to expand my knowledge and become a good leader among my peers,” said Ziyaad.

Ziyaad’s basketball journey began at LIV Village

He first played for the orphanage team as his school did not have a basketball team. Ziyaad’s coach, Sheldon Francis, said in 2024 Ziyaad joined the Wentworth Raptors Basketball team, marking a significant step in his athletic development.

Also read: Basketball teams clash in intense showdown at recent tournament

“That same year, he was selected for the leadership development programme (LDP) by PeacePlayers International, an organisation that uses basketball and life skills to promote diversity and unity. PeacePlayers International runs programmes in primary and secondary schools and with out-of-school youth, with the mission of bridging divides through the sport of basketball. Through this organisation, Ziyaad participated in the Global Exchange games, a programme that connects five countries with a shared goal of fostering equality and understanding through basketball,” said Francis.

He said this is an incredible opportunity for him to develop his leadership skills, engage in cultural exchange, and connect with young people from around the world.

“A major influence in Ziyaad’s life is his mother, who has been a constant source of support and inspiration. She made many sacrifices to help him achieve his goals, and he credits her with playing a pivotal role in his journey toward success,” he added.

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