November 7, 2024 – Our Peace Through Sports initiative, in partnership with NBA Africa, recently ran a series of basketball clinics and tournaments designed to bring local youths together. The event, which took place in the Cape Flats region, aimed to provide young people with an opportunity to discover and practice the sport of basketball, while also promoting peace and development through sports, and learn about values of peace, tolerance and collaboration.
As part of the initiative, NBA Africa and WPDI South Africa organized a Coaching Clinic attended by 12 coaches. The training sessions focused on advanced basketball techniques, giving coaches new tools to enhance their strategizing capacities. One coach, Igshaan Nelson, shared, “Today has helped us as coaches to learn helpful techniques to demonstrate to the players, especially those who are learning the basics of basketball. It’s important even for us as coaches to always find new tools and techniques to incorporate into our game plans and practices.”
Following the coaching clinic, a Junior Clinic was held with 230 teenagers from various schools taking part. The youths expressed excitement about the technical training and were motivated to improve their basketball skills. The Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport visited the Junior Clinic, encouraging the youth to cultivate effort as a key value for life and aim for global recognition as basketball players. He also commended NBA Africa and WPDI for investing in the community, particularly in sports development in the Cape Flats.
In addition to the clinics, WPDI was invited by NBA Africa to participate in a junior basketball tournament for players aged 14 to 16. Teams for both girls and boys competed, giving young players a chance to showcase their talents and connect with peers from other communities. WPDI proudly fielded teams in all age groups, and two WPDI athletes were distinguished for their outstanding results. Asakhe Krakri, 16, won first place in the boys’ “King of the Court” competition, while Thulisa Yoto, 14, secured third place in the girls’ “Queen of the Court” competition.
Coach Prince, another WPDI basketball coach, reflected on the event, saying, “In my community, not many people were involved in basketball. I encouraged young people to play, and their interest grew rapidly. I am so proud of the progress the players have made. At the NBA Junior tournament, two of our players excelled. We wish to thank WPDI and NBA Africa for giving our youth a platform to grow and improve their talents.”
Participants in the program echoed similar sentiments. Phumezo Xakana, a young player from Langa, shared his experience: “I really enjoyed the training today. I love basketball, and the session was so exciting to engage with other players and the team from NBA Africa. We are so grateful to WPDI and NBA Africa for providing us with an opportunity to improve our skills on the court.”
Through this collaboration, which aims to promote the development of basketball in Africa as a whole, WPDI and NBA Africa are not only nurturing basketball talent but also fostering unity and empowerment among South Africa’s youth, helping them realize their potential both on and off the court.
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