CSA and Lootmogul Launch Tech Revolution in Cricket Experience
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Basketball
Two NBA Stores to Open in Cape Town and Durban, South Africa
New NBA Stores at Gateway Mall in Durban and V&A Waterfront in Cape Town Will Feature Extensive Range of Officially Licensed NBA Merchandise, Including Nike Jerseys, Apparel, Memorabilia and More;Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler to Attend Store Launch Events in December and Engage with Local Fans; NBA Fans in South Africa and Other Select African Countries Can Continue to Shop Online at NBAStore.Africa (https://NBAStore.Africa/).
NBA Africa and Shesha, a premium retailer of exclusive and limited-edition footwear, apparel and accessories, today announced that two new NBA Stores will open in Durban and Cape Town, South Africa. The NBA Store in Durban will be located at Gateway Mall and open on Friday, Nov. 24, while the NBA Store in Cape Town will be located at V&A Waterfront and open on Friday, Dec. 1.
The new stores build on NBA Africa's existing merchandise offerings, including the first NBA Store on the continent located in Sandton City, Johannesburg and the league's first e-commerce (https://NBAStore.Africa/) site dedicated to fans in Africa, which provides fans in select countries with the widest selection of official NBA merchandise ever available on the continent. To celebrate the new store openings, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler will engage with fans at launch events in Cape Town on Tuesday, Dec. 12 and in Durban on Thursday, Dec. 14.
Both stores, which will be operated by Shesha, will feature an extensive range of officially licensed NBA merchandise for youth and adults, including current and former player jerseys, apparel, headwear, footwear, sporting goods, toys and collectibles from major brands such as Nike, Mitchell & Ness, New Era and Wilson. The stores will also feature a customization area where fans can personalize NBA jerseys.
“We are excited to expand our merchandise offerings in Africa as part of our multiyear collaboration with Shesha,” said NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams. “There is tremendous demand for official NBA merchandise from fans in South Africa and across the continent, and these beautiful new stores will allow fans in Cape Town and Durban to more easily represent their favorite teams and players.”
“Following the launch of Africa's first NBA Store in Johannesburg last year, we are excited to also deliver the NBA Store experience to fans in Durban and Cape Town,” said Shesha CEO Nirmal Devchand. “The launch of the new NBA Stores will provide more fans in these cities with better access to their favorite teams and players' merchandise, and we look forward to welcoming them to these new locations.”
Drexler, a 15-year NBA veteran who retired from the league in 1998, is an NBA champion, 10-time NBA All-Star, five-time All-NBA selection, and member of the NBA's 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. He was inducted twice into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, first in 2004 for his individual career and again in 2010 as a member of the United States Men's National Team at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain.
There are more than 400 NBA-branded, licensee-operated, retail stores and attractions worldwide that serve as the league's official destinations for fans around the world. NBA fans in Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, the Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe can continue to shop online at NBAStore.Africa (https://apo-opa.co/47LGv4x).
Earlier this month, the Basketball Africa League, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, announced that the league's fourth season will tip off in March 2024 in South Africa. Fans can register their interest in tickets to games at BAL.NBA.com (https://BAL.NBA.com/).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).
Contact:
Chumani Bambani,
NBA Africa Communications,
cbambani@nba.com,
+27 65 548 1031
About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; and Lagos, Nigeria. The NBA has a long history in Africa and opened its African headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2010. The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, an NBA Store, the BAL, and more. Last year, NBA Africa reached more than eight million youth across the continent through basketball development, life-skills programming and social media engagement.
NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015. The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that will tip off its fourth season in March 2024. Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
About Shesha:
The first Shesha store launched in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2005, and today features over 15 stores. The Shesha business is committed and passionate about street culture. The stores are dedicated to serve the community and fans with the freshest limited edition premium lifestyle and basketball merchandise. The Shesha stores offer a range of global and local brands, with a particular focus on footwear and headwear, and global collaborations across both lifestyle and basketball. Fans can follow @ shesha_fashion on Instagram, @ Shesha Lifestyle on Facebook, and @ SheshaLifestyle on Twitter, or visit their website – www.SheshaLifestyle.com
NBA Africa and Forest Whitaker Unveil Refurbished Basketball Court in Cape Town, South Africa
Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative Founder and CEO Forest Whitaker Attends Launch Event; new Court Will Host Year-Round Youth Basketball Development Programming and Serve Broader Athlone Community .
NBA Africa and Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) Founder and CEO Forest Whitaker yesterday unveiled a newly refurbished basketball court at Cornflower Sports Grounds in Athlone, Cape Town, South Africa that will host year-round youth basketball development programming and serve the broader Athlone community.
The court was unveiled at a ribbon cutting ceremony by Whitaker, Deputy Mayor of Cape Town Eddie Andrews, and NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams. Following the ceremony, approximately 100 boys and girls aged 10-15 participated in a Jr. NBA clinic and peace activity led by the WPDI Youth Peacemakers Network, WPDI's flagship program that fosters young leaders in conflict regions.
In addition to year-round Jr. NBA programming, the court will also host activities as part of WPDI's Peace Through Sports program, an initiative designed to foster peace and harmony in marginalized communities through sports and peacebuilding training courses.
“Inaugurating this basketball court is a turning point in the development of our programs in the Cape Flats,” said Whitaker. “Its goal is to nurture healthy bodies and healthy minds, providing the children and the youths of the community with a safe space where they can strengthen their stamina and their character. It is a place that will cultivate future NBA champions. When youth play basketball here, I want them to have a lot of fun, but I also want them to know that each dribble can take them towards a better life — for their community, for Cape Town, and one day perhaps even for the world.”
“We're excited to unveil this beautiful basketball court with the City of Cape Town and Forest Whitaker, which builds on our previous initiatives to provide more young people in South Africa with safe spaces to learn and play the game,” said Williams. “The City of Cape Town shares our commitment to using the game to positively impact young people here, and we look forward to collaborating further on Jr. NBA and other youth development programming in the city.”
The Jr. NBA, the league's global youth basketball participation program for boys and girls, teaches the fundamental skills as well as the core values of the game at the grassroots level in an effort to help grow and improve the youth basketball experience for players, coaches and parents. Jr. NBA programming has directly reached more than 165,000 youth across 18 African countries, including through the Jr. NBA Johannesburg League and the Royal Bafokeng Jr. NBA Program in North West, South Africa.
Earlier this month, the Basketball Africa League (BAL), a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, announced that the league's fourth season will tip off in March 2024 in South Africa. Fans can register their interest in tickets at BAL.NBA.com.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).
Contacts:
Pawel Weszka,
NBA Africa PR & Communications,
pweszka@nba.com,
+27 71 899 6791
Valentine Goret,
WPDI Chief of Staff,
valentine@wpdi.org,
+33 6 45 71 16 27
About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; and Lagos, Nigeria. The NBA has a long history in Africa and opened its African headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2010. The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, an NBA Store, the BAL, and more. Last year, NBA Africa reached more than eight million youth across the continent through basketball development, life-skills programming and social media engagement.
NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015. The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that will tip off its fourth season in March 2024. Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
About the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI):
The Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) is a non-governmental organization with an international scope and reach, founded in 2012 by the artist, social activist and UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace, Forest Whitaker. WPDI is committed to fostering peace, gender equality, sustainability and resilience in countries and places affected by violence, poverty and marginalization. In Africa, Europe, as well as Latin and North America, WPDI develops a wide range of programs aimed at training and supporting underprivileged individuals and groups, with a particular focus on youth and women, enabling them to become empowered as mediators, educators, entrepreneurs, and leaders, fostering positive transformation within their communities and beyond.
WPDI launched its programs in the Cape Flats in 2019. Since then, it has impacted over 48,500 people, trained 360 youth peacemakers from the townships, provided training to 24,235 pupils and teachers from 89 schools, and supported the launch of 66 youth-led and women-led businesses.
More information on www.WPDI.org, X (@ connectWPDI (https://apo-opa.co/3sJLEva)) and Instagram (@ whitaker_peace (https://apo-opa.co/3uyrBQF)).
Millions poured into Eastern Cape sportsground but it’s still unfinished
After seven years, the project is under investigation
NBA Africa’s First Original Docuseries “Born & Bred” Premieres on the NBA App
Five-Part Series Tells the Stories of Five NBA Academy Africa (https://www.NBA.com) Prospects from Angola, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Sudan; First Two Episodes “Basketball Chose Me” and “Dunk at First Sight” Feature Nigeria's Rueben Chinyelu and Angola's Aginaldo Neto.
NBA Africa today announced that its first original documentary series “Born & Bred” will premiere on the NBA App today. The five-part series tells the stories of five current and former NBA Academy Africa prospects from Angola, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Sudan through exclusive footage and interviews with the prospects, family members, friends, and coaches.
“Born & Bred,” which features Nigeria's Rueben Chinyelu, Egypt's Seifeldin Hendawy, South Sudan's Khaman Maluach, Senegal's Khadim Rassoul Mboup, and Angola's Aginaldo Neto, spotlights each prospect's basketball journey, including the communities where they were raised and the moments that have shaped them as players and young men.
Four of the prospects – Chinyelu, Hendawy, Mboup and Maluach – also competed in the 2023 Basketball Africa League (BAL) season as part of the BAL Elevate program, which provides an opportunity for the next generation of African prospects to participate in a professional league, showcase their talent on a global stage, and help their respective teams compete for the BAL Championship.
The first two episodes will be available beginning today. “Basketball Chose Me” featuring Chinyelu will be available free on the NBA App. “Dunk at First Sight” featuring Neto and the remainder of the series will be available exclusively via NBA League Pass, the league's premium live game subscription service. The final three episodes will be available weekly beginning Monday, Nov. 27.
“We're thrilled to launch “Born & Bred”, a first-of-its-kind initiative for NBA Africa that will showcase the inspirational stories of prospects from across the continent who have come to NBA Academy Africa to take the next step in their basketball development journeys and lives,” said NBA Africa Head of Basketball Operations Franck Traore. “Each of these players has a unique story, but they all share one common purpose – to get better every day as athletes, students and leaders. We look forward to showcasing their amazing stories to a global audience through the NBA App and NBA League Pass.”
“I never would've thought that the game would take me this far,” said Chinyelu. “While I know I've got plenty more work to do and many more goals to accomplish, I am grateful to my family, friends, coaches and teammates for taking part in this project, and I hope it provides motivation to other young players to search for their passion and follow their dreams.”
“Born & Bred” episodes:
- Episode 1 (Nov. 21): “Basketball Chose Me” features Reuben Chinyelu, a 19-year-old power forward from Lagos, Nigeria who is entering his freshman season with Washington State University. During his time at NBA Academy Africa, Chinyelu participated in several international showcases and events, including the 2022 NBA Academy Games in Atlanta, where he led NBA Academy Africa to a first-place finish. During the 2023 BAL season, he helped lead Stade Malien (Mali) to a third-place finish after averaging the second-most rebounds and blocks on the team. Chinyelu is a natural leader and has interest in art, creative writing and photography.
- Episode 2 (Nov. 21): “Dunk at First Sight” features Aginaldo Neto, a 17-year-old guard from a closely knit community in Luanda, Angola. Neto kicked a ball before he bounced it, but he began playing street basketball after joining a local club in 2016. He would go on to win a championship in his first Jr. NBA tournament in 2018. Four years later he joined NBA Academy Africa and represented the Angola Men's National Team at the 2022 FIBA U-18 African Championship.
- Episode 3 (Nov. 27): “From Generation to Generation” features Seifeldin Hendawy, an 18-year-old forward from Cairo, Egypt. Hendawy's love for basketball is deeply rooted in his family history, with both of his parents having played the game. Since joining NBA Academy Africa in 2021, Hendawy has represented his country at several international tournaments, including the NBA G League Showcase. He most recently played for Petro de Luanda (Angola) during the 2023 BAL season.
- Episode 4 (Dec. 4): “Discipline Meets Opportunity” features Khadim Rassoul Mboup, a 16-year-old forward from Senegal who joined NBA Academy Africa following the 2021 FIBA Africa Regional Youth Camp in Saly, where he was named camp MVP. With hopes of following in his brother's footsteps, the Senegalese forward participated in the 2022 and 2023 NBA Academy Games as well as several tournaments across Africa. He played for then defending BAL champion Zamalek (Egypt) during the 2022 BAL season.
- Episode 5 (Dec. 11): “Destined for Greatness” features Khaman Maluach, a 17-year-old center who this year became the third-youngest player in history to participate in the FIBA Basketball World Cup, where he helped his native South Sudan clinch its first Olympic berth. Maluach, who only first picked up a basketball at age 13, proves to be a force in the paint and along the perimeter, drawing interest from several NCAA Division I schools in the U.S. Born in South Sudan and raised in Uganda, the 7'2'' prospect was named MVP of the 2023 Basketball Without Borders Africa camp in Johannesburg. In May, he helped AS Douanes (Senegal) advance to its first BAL Finals.
NBA Academy Africa is an elite basketball training center in Saly, Senegal for the top high-school-age prospects from across Africa and the first of its kind on the continent. Since its launch in 2017, more than 35 male and female participants have committed to NCAA Division I schools in the U.S. or signed professional contracts.
The NBA App is free to download here (https://apo-opa.co/3GaKHiI).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).
Contact:
Pawel Weszka,
NBA Africa Communications,
pweszck@nba.com,
+27 10 007 2666
About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; and Lagos, Nigeria. The NBA has a long history in Africa and opened its African headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2010. The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, an NBA Store, the BAL, and more. Last year, NBA Africa reached more than eight million youth across the continent through basketball development, life-skills programming and social media engagement.
NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015. The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that will tip off its fourth season in March 2024. Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Betway SA20 and Laureus partner to steer social change
Global foundation becomes League’s ‘Social Impact Partner’ Betway SA20 andthe Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa have announced a...
Nielsen Sports SA Reports a Significant Increase in Viewership of the 2023 Rugby World Cup
The Springboks have won the Rugby World Cup for a historic fourth time, breaking the world record as the team to win the most World Cup tournaments ever. Following the teamâs victory tour around the country, Nielsen Sports SA TV viewership insights note another victory for the national team â and rugby in general â …
Gauteng launches Khanya Lesedi Sports School of Specialisation
Gauteng launches Khanya Lesedi Sports School of Specialisation
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has officially lunched Khanya Lesedi Sports School of Specialisation in Ratanda, Heidelberg.
Khanya Lesedi is a distinguished public school with a rich history of academic excellence, sport achievements, artistic endeavors and social development.
Established in January 1898, the school has consistently excelled in sports disciplines such as soccer, netball and athletics, and it has proudly represented the Sedibeng cluster at the district, provincial, national and even international levels.
Chiloane said it is encouraging that students have the privilege of interacting with sports icons and legends, who offer coaching clinics and guidance based on their respective sports.
“Community involvement is encouraged, allowing local residents to access school facilities. This collaboration also holds the promise of revitalising the township economy, drawing spectators and boosting local businesses as outside communities come to witness sporting events at the school,” Chiloane said.
The school is home to many of South Africa’s successful athletes such as the late world 400m champion, Moses Mabaso, who earned National Springbok colors during his time at the school, ultimately receiving a scholarship at Waterkloof in Pretoria.
In a subsequent decade, twin athletes from the school represented the country in Botswana and Hungary. Among the school's standout athletes are Emma Manana, who excelled in events like 800m, 1500m, and cross-country for five consecutive years from 1990 to 1995, and John Tshabalala, an exceptional athlete in 5000m and cross-country for a similar duration.
More recently, Bontle Lekone and Thabang Dube represented South Africa in soccer in Italy, adding to the school's impressive athletic legacy.
Given this remarkable track record, Chiloane said Khanya Lesedi has earned its status as a Sports School of Specialisation, providing students with opportunities to nurture their talents alongside academic pursuits.
The school features a real racing track, through which learners can run various lengths of races, hurdles and marathons. Accessible at the school is also a tennis court, volleyball court, soccer pitch, basketball court, and various equipment that can be used for javelin, discus and long jump, among other athletic sports.
The MEC added that the specialised curriculum extends beyond physical activities, incorporating scientific innovation in physical health.
“Subjects like Sports Science and Exercise, Geography, Physical Science, and Life Science play vital roles in shaping various aspects of sports training, from pitch conditions to dietary requirements tailored to different sporting codes. ICT, coding and robotics are also taught at the school through our Multi-Certification Skills Programme,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za
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Fri, 09/22/2023 - 10:24
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Kwena Square Heritage Day Celebration
We’re bringing HAPPINESS to you Little Falls, on the 24th of September. Local artists displaying their amazing pieces, puppy grooming ? AND mini basketball hoops for the kids with Decathlon! What’s more? Snap a pic of you or you and your pet at our selfie wall and you will walk away with a mural painted …
Rugby World Cup Organizing Committee Welcomes Rugby Africa President to Paris
Copyright-free video B-roll, video and audio interviews in English and French, images, and audio files are available for the media to download and can be freely used without requiring authorization: https://apo-opa.info/3E76AhD
At the forefront of Africa's participation in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, stand South Africa and Namibia, proudly representing the continent. The presence of these nations exemplifies the continent's growing influence on the global rugby stage. Notably, South Africa's current global champion status and its third-time world champion title are a testament to Africa's exceptional skill, determination, and commitment to rugby.
Africa's population is anticipated to double, reaching a staggering 2.5 billion by 2050, and according to the United Nations, the African youth will constitute 42% of the world's population by 2030. This demographic shift carries tremendous potential for the Rugby World Cup viewership growth, as a larger population naturally translates into a larger potential audience.
To seize this extraordinary potential, it is imperative for World Rugby, the governing body of the rugby and the owner of the Rugby World Cup, to invest significantly in Africa, much like other prominent sports organizations such as FIFA for football, NBA for basketball, and even NFL for American football. By strategically tapping into the growing interest and population of Africa, World Rugby can not only boost the viewership of the Rugby World Cup but also foster a lasting passion for rugby within the continent, contributing to the sport's global expansion and long-term success.
“We are very glad to welcome here in Paris, the new President of Rugby Africa. We think that the next Rugby World Cup in France would be a very great opportunity for promoting rugby everywhere in the world, and particularly in Africa,” said the General Manager of the 2023 Rugby World Cup Organizing Committee, Julien Collette.
“A diverse range of African stakeholders, including our community members, esteemed dignitaries, and strategic investment partners, are eager to enhance their involvement in future editions of the Rugby World Cup. This collective enthusiasm is rooted in the understanding that sports, rugby included, offer substantial economic prospects. Recognizing the significant financial potential within the sports industry, there exists a shared ambition to not only participate in upcoming Rugby World Cup events but also to explore opportunities for business expansion and mutual benefits,” stated the recently elected President of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah.
The 2023 Rugby World Cup will be the tenth men's Rugby World Cup, the quadrennial world championship for rugby union national teams. It is scheduled to take place in France from 8 September to 28 October 2023 in nine venues across the country.
The Rugby World Cup 2023 Fixtures is available at: https://apo-opa.info/3qxNy0Y
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.
Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa
rugby@apo-opa.com
About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women's rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent.
Former NBA Head Coaches to Coach at Basketball Without Borders Africa 2023
19th BWB Africa Camp Will Bring Together 80 of the Top High-School-Age Prospects from Across the Continent; Current and Former NBA (www.NBA.com) Head Coaches J.B. Bickerstaff, Mike Brown, Dwane Casey, Darvin Ham and Dave Joerger Will Also Serve as BWB Africa 2023 Coaches
The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) today announced 80 of the top high-school-age prospects from across Africa who will participate in the 19th edition of Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa, which will be held Friday, July 28 – Monday, July 31 at the American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ) in South Africa.
BWB Africa 2023 will bring together 80 boys and girls from more than 25 African countries – including 19 NBA Academy Africa and NBA Academy Women's Camp Africa 2022 prospects – to learn directly from current and former NBA, WNBA and FIBA players, legends and coaches and compete alongside their peers from across the continent. The campers will be coached by two-time NBA All-Star Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat; U.S.; ties to Nigeria), 2022 NBA All-Star Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers; U.S.), 2022 NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors; Democratic Republic of the Congo) and Jalen Suggs (Orlando Magic; U.S.).
Five current and former NBA head coaches will also serve as BWB Africa 2023 coaches: Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff; two-time NBA Coach of the Year, Nigeria Men's National Team head coach and Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown; 2018 NBA Coach of the Year Dwane Casey (most recently with the Detroit Pistons); Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham; and veteran NBA coach Dave Joerger (most recently with the Philadelphia 76ers).
Several former NBA and WNBA players will also serve as BWB Africa 2023 coaches, including 2015 FIBA AfroBasket champion Olumide Oyedeji (Nigeria), 2011 NBA champion Ian Mahinmi (France; ties Benin), former NBA player and Basketball Africa League Head of League Operations Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje (Cameroon), former NBA player Tacko Fall (Senegal), 2003 WNBA champion Astou Ndiaye (Senegal), two-time WNBA champion Taj McWilliams-Franklin, four-time WNBA champion Sheryl Swoopes and Mozambique basketball legend Clarisse Machanguana. Toronto Raptors Vice-Chairman, Team President and Alternate NBA Governor Masai Ujiri; New Orleans Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin; and Portland Trail Blazers Assistant General Manager Mike Schmitz will serve as camp directors, while David Crewe and Frank Adams (Phoenix Suns) will serve as the camp's athletic trainers.
The players and coaches will lead the campers through a variety of activities, including movement efficiency drills, offensive and defensive skill stations, three-point contests, 5-on-5 games, and life skills and leadership development sessions. A ceremony on the final day of the camp will award the Kim Bohuny Camp MVP, the Patrick Baumann Sportsmanship Award, the B.J. Johnson Most Improved Player Award, the Three-Point Champion and the Defensive MVP to the boys and girls who distinguish themselves on the court and as leaders.
As part of the camp, NBA players and coaches will also participate in several community outreach initiatives around Johannesburg, including a hospital visit and a Her Time to Play seminar for the female campers on July 28, and a court unveiling in the Alexandra Township on Saturday, July 29. In addition, BWB Africa 2023 coaches will lead a development clinic for local coaches at AISJ on July 30.
Also on July 29, select NBA players will visit the NBA Store at Sandton City Mall in Johannesburg and engage with fans.
BWB Africa 2023 will be supported by Nike, a global partner of BWB since 2002, which will outfit participants with Nike apparel and footwear, and Gatorade, which will keep players and coaches hydrated throughout the camp.
BWB has reached more than 4,100 participants from 136 countries and territories since 2001, with 112 former campers advancing to the NBA or WNBA. The NBA and FIBA have staged 70 BWB camps in 47 cities across 32 countries on six continents.
The following is a complete list of players participating in the 19th BWB Africa camp (rosters subject to change):
|
GIRLS |
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Name |
Country |
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Ines Bellahmer |
Algeria |
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Filomena Luis |
Angola |
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Guigma Sadia |
Burkina Faso |
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Gisele Kipo* |
Cameroon |
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Hannah Dibadjou |
Cameroon |
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Salma Khedr* |
Egypt |
|
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Leila El Sanadily |
Egypt |
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Aisha Hassan |
Egypt |
|
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Lucie Mounganga |
Gabon |
|
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Fatoumata Sylla |
Guinea |
|
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Roseline Ooko |
Kenya |
|
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Harena Randriamasimanana |
Madagascar |
|
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Fitahiana Ratsimason |
Madagascar |
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Joanie Rakotonanahary |
Madagascar |
|
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Fatoumata Samake* |
Mali |
|
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Oumou Soumare |
Mali |
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Aya El Kallali* |
Morocco |
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Albertina Matsinhe* |
Mozambique |
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Bata Lurdes* |
Mozambique |
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Shanaya Matusse* |
Mozambique |
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Joy Biribebe |
Nigeria |
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Benitha Ngarambe |
Rwanda |
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Jane Dusabe |
Rwanda |
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Fatou Sima |
Senegal |
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Marie Diouf |
Senegal |
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Ndickou Matar Diop* |
Senegal |
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Tacko Sy |
Senegal |
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Sheriffa Rahman |
Sierra Leone |
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Onnetse Molokwame |
South Africa |
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Luhle Ndaba |
South Africa |
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Reneilwe Motebele |
South Africa |
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Susan Peter |
South Sudan |
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Asunta Ring |
South Sudan |
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Nawasa Lazaro |
Tanzania |
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Ibouanga Moussounda |
Togo |
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Arwa Ghorbel* |
Tunisia |
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Eya Nasri |
Tunisia |
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Afef Bengoula |
Tunisia |
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Christine Namyalo |
Uganda |
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Immaculate Adongpiny |
Uganda |
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*Participated in NBA Academy Women's Camp Africa 2022
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BOYS |
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Name |
Country |
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Aginaldo Neto* |
Angola |
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Manuel Camboma* |
Angola |
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Inacio Anatoli Da Silva |
Angola |
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Claudino Capangaa |
Angola |
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Sansao Wika |
Angola |
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Philippe Ntungicimpaye |
Burundi |
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Arnold Eyadi Kenfack |
Cameroon |
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Hermann Bel Gassina |
Cameroon |
|
|
Chris Naguidebe |
Central African Republic |
|
|
Tahir Doungous* |
Chad |
|
|
Zie Cheikh Conde |
Côte d'Ivoire |
|
|
Tarek Khairy |
Egypt |
|
|
Ahmed Nedale |
Egypt |
|
|
Karim El Gizawi |
Egypt |
|
|
Courage Agbekpornu |
Ghana |
|
|
Kiggundu Austin Omondi |
Kenya |
|
|
Chouhaybou Keita |
Mali |
|
|
Mahamadou Konate |
Mali |
|
|
Hamza Bechchar |
Morocco |
|
|
Bolaji Oderinlo |
Nigeria |
|
|
Sultan Baruwa |
Nigeria |
|
|
Ibrahim Dan-Mutum |
Nigeria |
|
|
Jonah Precious |
Nigeria |
|
|
Ezekiel Obe* |
Nigeria |
|
|
Andre Bonazebi |
Republic of Congo |
|
|
Jude Fred Nkouka Silaho |
Republic of Congo |
|
|
Khadim Mboup* |
Senegal |
|
|
Assane Mandian* |
Senegal |
|
|
Yakhya Diop* |
Senegal |
|
|
Amar Diop* |
Senegal |
|
|
Mouhamed Camara |
Senegal |
|
|
Siyanda Radebe |
South Africa |
|
|
Gilchrist Storm |
South Africa |
|
|
Khaman Maluach* |
South Sudan |
|
|
Moses Marial Mandiria |
South Sudan |
|
|
Bol Wieu Mou Thet |
South Sudan |
|
|
Lual Deng Lual Aguek |
South Sudan |
|
|
Rayen Rouissi |
Tunisia |
|
|
Amen Hammi |
Tunisia |
|
|
Liberty Fusire* |
Zimbabwe |
|
*NBA Academy Africa prospect
BWB Africa 2022 Recap Video (https://apo-opa.info/3QrcvFV) (Credit: NBAE)
BWB Africa 2022 Group Photo (https://apo-opa.info/3rjuUd5) (Credit: NBAE/Getty Images)
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).
Contact:
Pawel Weszka,
NBA Africa,
pweszka@nba.com,
+27 10 0072666
Egypt’s Al Ahly Crowned 2023 Basketball Africa League Champions
Egypt's Al Ahly defeated Senegal's AS Douanes 80-65 to win the 2023 Basketball Africa League (BAL) (http://www.NBA.com/theBAL) Finals, which took place at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda and reached fans in 214 countries and territories in 17 languages.
Following the game, BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall and FIBA Africa President Anibal Manave presented Al Ahly with the BAL Championship Trophy and Al Ahly forward Anunwa “Nuni” Omot with The Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy for winning the 2023 BAL Most Valuable Player Award. Omot recorded per game averages of 18.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists during the season.
Al Ahly went 7-1 during the Nile Conference group phase and Playoffs, defeating Rwanda Energy Group and Mali's Stade Malien in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively, to advance to the Finals. Stade Malien defeated Angola's Club Atlético Petróleos de Luanda (Petro de Luanda) 73-65 in the third-place game yesterday.
Notable attendees throughout the 2023 BAL Playoffs and Finals included NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum; FIBA President Hamane Niang; FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis; NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams; Fall; Manave; FIBA Africa Executive Director Alphonse Bilé; Toronto Raptors Vice-Chairman and Team President Masai Ujiri; Academy Award-winning actor, social activist and NBA Africa investor Forest Whitaker; BAL Ambassadors and NBA Africa investors Luol Deng (South Sudan), Joakim Noah (grandfather from Cameroon) and Ian Mahinmi (France; ties to Benin); and New York Knicks President of G League Operations Pops Mensah-Bonsu (Ghana).
The league has also announced several end-of-season awards, some of which honor pioneering African NBA legends:
2023 BAL Coach of the Year
AS Douanes head coach Mamadou Gueye led his team to a 3-2 record in the Sahara Conference group phase before defeating Mozambique's Clube Ferroviário da Beira (CFV-Beira) and Petro de Luanda to advance to the Finals. Gueye becomes the first African-born coach to win the award.
2023 BAL Defensive Player of the Year
Stade Malien center Aliou Diarra received The Dikembe Mutombo Trophy after helping his team to a 5-3 record and recording per game averages of 18.3 points, 12.8 rebounds and 2.3 blocks.
2023 BAL Sportsmanship Award
CFV-Beira guard Will Perry received The Manute Bol Trophy for exemplifying the ideals of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
2023 All-BAL First Team
|
Position |
Player |
Team |
|
Guard |
Jean Jacques Boissy |
AS Douanes |
|
Guard |
Chris Crawford |
AS Douanes |
|
Guard |
Dane Miller Jr. |
S.L.A.C |
|
Forward |
Anunwa Omot |
Al Ahly |
|
Forward |
Aliou Diarra |
Stade Malien |
2023 All-BAL Defensive Team
|
Position |
Player |
Team |
|
Guard |
Childe Dundao |
Petro de Luanda |
|
Guard |
Jean Jacques Boissy |
AS Douanes |
|
Guard |
Samkelo Cele |
Cape Town Tigers |
|
Forward |
Aliou Diarra |
Stade Malien |
|
Center |
Ater Majok |
Petro de Luanda |
The voting panels were comprised of coaches, team captains, media and broadcasters in attendance and varied for each award. The 2023 BAL Ubuntu Award, which is awarded to an individual or organization that has made an impact on the local community during the BAL season, will be announced at a later date.
The 2023 BAL season once again featured the top 12 club teams from 12 African countries playing a total of 38 games in Dakar, Senegal; Cairo, Egypt; and Kigali, Rwanda over three months. Champions from the national leagues in Angola, Egypt, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal and Tunisia earned their participation in the 2023 BAL season by winning their respective national leagues. The remaining six teams, which came from Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Mozambique, South Africa and Uganda, secured their participation through the Road to the BAL qualifying tournaments conducted by FIBA Africa across the continent from October to November 2022.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Contact:
Edwin Eselem
BAL Communications
+221 78 615 4287
EEselem@theBAL.com
About the BAL:
The Basketball Africa League (BAL), a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the NBA, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa. Headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, the BAL builds on the foundation of club competitions FIBA Africa has organized across the continent and marks the NBA's first collaboration to operate a league outside North America. Fans can follow the BAL (@theBAL) on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube and register their interest in receiving more information at NBA.com/BAL.