The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) convened a special meeting with all Basketball South Africa members and affiliates on Saturday, April 26th 2008 at Olympic House.
The purpose of the meeting was to look at the current impasse in the functioning of Basketball South Africa and explore practical solutions to aid in the administration of the federation.
All provinces and affiliate members were present.
The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) convened a special meeting with all Basketball South Africa members and affiliates on Saturday, April 26th 2008 at Olympic House.
The purpose of the meeting was to look at the current impasse in the functioning of Basketball South Africa and explore practical solutions to aid in the administration of the federation.
All provinces and affiliate members were present. Issues were deliberated in a frank and open manner with the president of SASCOC, Mr. Moss Mashishi, chairing the meeting.
Having looked into the state of affairs of Basketball, all members present regretted the sad state that the sport found itself in. It was acknowledged by all present that Basketball has not had a well functioning administration for the past two years.
Against this background, all stakeholders present agreed to restore the proper administration of Basketball under the guidance and oversight of SASCOC.
To this end the meeting dissolved the current BSA Executive and constituted an Interim Committee composed of all Chairpersons of provinces and affiliates and a management committee as follows:
1. Malesela Maleka 2. Gezephi Mbatha 3. Cabby Cabanelas 4. Dr Malumbethe Ralethe 5. Dali Dzingwa 6. Dumisani Tuka 7. Representatives of SASCOC.
The following are the terms of reference of the Interim Committee
1. Assess the financial state of BSA and conclude a financial audit for the year 2006/7 and 2007/8. 2. Take measures to restore the functionality of the federation including a review of provinces and affiliates status with the federation. 3. Convene a proper AGM for Basketball within the next six months. This will be preceded by an extensive organizational renewal process, which will include a constitutional review, and the development of proper policies and guidelines for the federation.
Delegates expressed their gratitude to SASCOC and SRSA for the manner in which they provided leadership and accorded Basketball an opportunity to restore pride in the sport. We appeal to all stakeholders, including the business community to join in this partnership in our efforts to take Basketball to greater heights.
Yesterday LOP management had a meeting with the teams in the LOP and one of the issues that was raised was the lack of support at games. It was suggested that teams start running their teams professionaly so that they can start marketing and creating fan bases. This fan base would be the foundation of a regular crowd that would attend the LOP games.
Yesterday LOP management had a meeting with the teams in the LOP and one of the issues that was raised was the lack of support at games. It was suggested that teams start running their teams professionaly so that they can start marketing and creating fan bases. This fan base would be the foundation of a regular crowd that would attend the LOP games.
The challenge is how do we entice spectators to leave whatever they are doing to come support a game on Friday or Sunday? Well I think a marketing strategy is the first place to start. Who's your target market and how are you going to convince them to support your team?
In the NBA, teams have support in their local cities and big franchise have supporters from all over the world. But the fans in the surrounding areas are the guys who's bums you are trying to get on seats.
This presents a bit of a challenge for teams in the LOP because some of them don't have a local support base or infrastructure. Teams like Egoli Magic, Wits Rebels, and Phuto's Fly don't really have a strong proposition for their 'fans'. But then again what about the varsities? Surely they should be in the best position to make this happen.
Back in the day when I played at Wits University our committee used the limited resources at our disposal to create a fan base amongst our students. All we needed was a computer, limited microsoft office knowledge and a printer and voila 100 or more people would attend our games. At one point we even had a cheerleading squad with girls lining up to be apart of it. The atmosphere at our games was electric, especially when we played the African Warriors or Vaal Tech.
Credit needs to obviously go to the 'hunks' who were recruited into the team. They were the drawcard for all the young ladies who loved seeing sweaty men running up and down the floor. But it wasn't just about the looks. We also played very entertaining basketball. People quickly realised that basketball is actually a very exciting sport to watch.
So why isn't the Wits Basketball Club, MGI, and Boston doing the same on their campuses? Major rivalries can be created, and even fanclubs. Further down the line they will be able to even convice sponsors to come on board, like we did with Loxion Kulca. If Standard Bank gave us that Sponsorship money back then we would have given them a lot more return on investement than the current team.
However, in order for LOP to achieve this teams need to be run like businesses. We can't keep doing the same things and expect things to change.
They say that 'stupidy is doing the same things and expecting different results'. We need to follow in the footsteps of Barrack Obama and ask for change. Let's make it happen.
2008 LOP Complete Preliminary Schedule
Saturday, 01 March 2008
Pretoria Heat Egoli Magic Men D1 Wits University A 14h30
Wits University Scorpions Ladies D1 Wits University B 16h30
Wits University Wits Alumni Men D1 Wits University A 16h30
Momentum Varsity College Men D2 Wits University B 18h30
Wits University Monash Men D2 Wits University A 18h30
Rebels Scorpions Men D1 Wits University
2008 LOP Complete Preliminary Schedule
Saturday, 01 March 2008 Pretoria Heat Egoli Magic Men D1 Wits University A 14h30 Wits University Scorpions Ladies D1 Wits University B 16h30 Wits University Wits Alumni Men D1 Wits University A 16h30 Momentum Varsity College Men D2 Wits University B 18h30 Wits University Monash Men D2 Wits University A 18h30 Rebels Scorpions Men D1 Wits University A 20h30
Friday, 7 March 2008 Monash MGI Ladies D1 Wits University B 18h00 Rebels Raptors Men D1 Wits University A 18h00 Boston Monash Men D2 Wits University B 20h00 Pretoria Heat Wits University Men D1 Wits University A 20h00
Sunday, 09 March 2008 Scorpions MGI Ladies D1 Wits University B 11h00 MGI Alumni MGI Men D2 Wits University A 11h00 Raptors Monash Ladies D1 Wits University B 13h00 Pretoria Heat Raptors Men D1 Wits University A 13h00 Momentum Wits University Men D2 Wits University B 15h00 Egoli Magic Putos Phly Men D1 Wits University A 15h00
Sunday, 16 March 2008 MGI Alumni Varsity College Men D2 Wits University A 11h00 Wits University Rainbow All Stars Men D2 Wits University B 13h00 Rebels Putos Phly Men D1 Wits University A 13h00 MGI Alumni Momentum Men D2 Wits University B 15h00 Raptors Scorpions Men D1 Wits University A 15h00
Friday, 21 March 2008 MGI Rainbow All Stars Men D2 Wits University B 18h00 Wits University Raptors Men D1 Wits University A 18h00 1 Dream Foundation Invitational Wits University A 20h30
Saturday, 22 March 2008 Momentum Boston Men D2 Wits University B 11h00 MGI Monash Men D2 Wits University A 11h00 Wits University Raptors Ladies D1 Wits University B 13h00 Scorpions Putos Phly Men D1 Wits University A 13h00 Wits University Varsity College Men D2 Wits University B 15h00 Wits Alumni Pretoria Heat Men D1 Wits University A 15h00 1 Dream Foundation Invitational Wits University A 17h30 Rebels Wits University Men D1 Wits University A 19h30
Friday, 28 March 2008 Momentum Rainbow All Stars Men D2 Wits University B 18h00 Putos Phly Wits Alumni Men D1 Wits University A 18h00 MGI Boston Men D2 Wits University B 20h00 Egoli Magic Wits University Men D1 Wits University A 20h00
Saturday, 29 March 2008 LOP Summer Invitational Wits University Matrix Outdoor 19h00
Friday 04 April 2008 Scorpions Monash Ladies D1 Wits University B 18h00 Raptors Putos Phly Men D1 Wits University A 18h00 Monash Boston Men D2 Wits University B 20h00 Egoli Rebels Men D1 Wits University A 20h00
Sunday, 06 April 2008 MGI Alumni Boston Men D2 Wits University A 11h00 Rainbow All Stars Varsity College Men D2 Wits University B 13h00 Scorpions Wits Alumni Men D1 Wits University A 13h00 MGI Alumni Monash Men D2 Wits University B 15h00 Pretoria Heat Putos Phly Men D1 Wits University A 15h00
Friday, 11 April 2008 MGI Wits University Men D2 Wits University B 18h00 Egoli Magic Raptors Men D1 Wits University A 18h00 Rainbow All Stars Monash Men D2 Wits University B 20h00 Rebels Wits Alumni Men D1 Wits University A 20h00
Sunday, 13 April 2008 Raptors MGI Ladies D1 Wits University B 11h00 Putos Phly Wits University Men D1 Wits University A 11h00 MGI Alumni Rainbow Men D2 Wits University B 13h00 MGI Varsity College Men D2 Wits University A 13h00 Scorpions Pretoria Heat Men D1 Wits University A 15h00
Friday, 18 April 2008 Raptors Scorpions Ladies D1 Wits University B 18h00 Egoli Magic Wits University Men D1 Wits University A 18h00 Monash Varsity College Men D2 Wits University B 20h00 Pretoria Heat Rebels Men D1 Wits University A 20h00
Sunday, 20 April 2008 Wits University Monash Ladies D1 Wits University B 11h00 Rainbow All Stars Boston Men D2 Wits University A 11h00 Momentum Monash Men D2 Wits University B 13h00 Egoli Magic Scorpions Men D1 Wits University A 13h00 MGI Alumni Wits University Men D2 Wits University B 15h00 Wits Alumni Raptors Men D1 Wits University A 15h00
Friday, 02 May 2008 MGI Momentum Ladies D1 Wits University B 18h00 Wits University Scorpions Men D1 Wits University A 18h00 Wits University Boston Men D2 Wits University B 20h00 Egoli Magic Wits Alumni Men D1 Wits University A 20h00
Friday, 01 Aug 2008 Ladies All Star Game Men Wits University University B 18h00 Mens All Star Game Men Wits University University A 20h00
This past weekend saw the official launch of the League of Professionals at Wits University in Johannesburg. The LOP as it's known is the official league of the Johannesburg Basketball Association. It was formed by former players after the Metro League failed to meet the expectations of team in the Gauteng province.
The launch was filled with entertainment in the form of dancers and performances from Sugasmakx, (Skwatta Kamp) and T'Do.
This past weekend saw the official launch of the League of Professionals at Wits University in Johannesburg. The LOP as it's known is the official league of the Johannesburg Basketball Association. It was formed by former players after the Metro League failed to meet the expectations of team in the Gauteng province.
The launch was filled with entertainment in the form of dancers and performances from Sugasmakx, (Skwatta Kamp) and T'Do. A few hundred of the young joburg crowd turned up to support their favourite teams and performers. Daihatsu displayed their fuel economic cars, ESPN sponsored the airtime on YFM and Nando's provided food for the VIP's. It was a very succesful start to what should be a very exciting season. A schedule has been released for the 1st half of the season. The results from this past weekend are:
Who would have ever thought that one game into the LOP season a team made up of veterans could actually have a shot at winning the title? Which team am I talking about you ask? Well none other than Wits Alumni. This team was started a few years ago in order to give former Wits players a platform to exercise while playing the game that they love.
The reason why I think Alumni has a chance to scoop the title are the key additions to their squad of seasoned national team vets.
Who would have ever thought that one game into the LOP season a team made up of veterans could actually have a shot at winning the title? Which team am I talking about you ask? Well none other than Wits Alumni. This team was started a few years ago in order to give former Wits players a platform to exercise while playing the game that they love.
The reason why I think Alumni has a chance to scoop the title are the key additions to their squad of seasoned national team vets. Players like Hamilton college alumni Tsakane Ngobeni, former national team player Quintin Denyssen, DRC national team player Djo Yele, PBL vet Mbo Ronunu, and PBL all-star Vusi Dlamini. Mfundo Dube and Kp Ndlovu round out the elite backcourt of this star studded team. These players are the cream of the crop of SA basketball. Other players like Wisani Chauke, Maieane Nkhahle and Tshiamo Ngakane who are superstars in their own right have formed their own Wits Old Boys team called the 'Rebels'.
Egoli have gone to their old formula of mixing talent from SA and the rest of Africa. Alaska Kipundu, Joseph Mazibuko, Lesego Molebatsi and Sfiso Ngcobo are the backbone of this years team. Lesego Molebatsi is eligible to play for Wits Alumni but chose to play for Egoli Magic this year due to his ties with Egoli management.
After watching Egoli play on Saturday it was clear to me that there was a lot of room for improvement and that Egoli was very beatable. They have a new Angolan point guard but their offense revolves around Joseph Mazibuko who was slashing to the hoop with relative ease against the Pretoria Heat. One can't overlook Lesego Molebatsi who was passing a lot more than normal during Saturdays game. Maybe it was because I was teasing him about his lack of passing ability before the game. Lesego Molebatsi is an offensive jugernaut when he decides to be one. He can take it to the hole, he can hit the three and is as strong as an ox around the basket. Look for him to be dominating on the boards this season. If Alumni can keep the ball out of Joseph's hands, limit Lesego Molebatsi's touches and keep him off the offensive glass, they have a good shot of taking the magic out of Egoli.
The first matchup between these two talented teams is on the 2nd of May at Wits University. Look for a dominating perfromance from Djo 'Tsunami' Yele, Mboshe 'You know it's coming but you can't do anything about it' Ronunu, and Tsakane Ngobeni. And look out for a great game from Joseph Mazibuko and Lesego Molebatsi. I think this is going to be the game of the year that will replace the old rivalry between Wits University and African Warriors.
My prediction is Egoli Magic will play Alumni in the finals. As for the result…You'll have to come out to Hall 29 to see what happens. But my money is on the Ashraf Lodewyk Memorial defending champions Wits Alumni. Don't say I didn't tell you so.
Tshepo Ditshego
Basketball SA- Questions about corporate governance?
Even before Eskom started it's load shedding many basketball players will tell you that basketball has been without power for the last decade. Since the Basketball SA and the department of Sport met last year to discuss the status of basketball we have not had an update from either of the parties.
I understand that at the meeting held last year it was decided that the President was supposed to call a meeting to discuss the finances & the constitution before the end of 2007.
Even before Eskom started it's load shedding many basketball players will tell you that basketball has been without power for the last decade. Since the Basketball SA and the department of Sport met last year to discuss the status of basketball we have not had an update from either of the parties.
I understand that at the meeting held last year it was decided that the President was supposed to call a meeting to discuss the finances & the constitution before the end of 2007. It seems that the meeting still hasn't been called to this day.
Corporate Governance issues around why an excutive comittee meeting was not called for a year was also discussed The only executive meeting that was held by Basketball SA last year was a special meeting to approve the National team and the costs of going to Afrobasket.
The last council meeting was in November 2006 since then there hasn't been an AGM, Manco meeting & council meeting. Two weeks ago I received an email with the Wheelchair Basketball Calendar for the whole year. I still haven't seen a Basketball SA calendar for this year.
Amatuer basketball in SA needs a strong motherbody in order for the sport to grow and I worry that we are not making enough progress in adminsitration. I tried to contact the President of Basketball SA, the Vice-President of Provinces and both phones were off. I hope that one day we can do an interview with them to get the comment on these issues I've raised.
PBL-Update Things are not looking too positive for the professional basketball league as well as most companies are putting money into 2010 or just not interested.
With the lack of activity happening in amatuer basketball it seems like there is no positive news on finding a new professional basketball league sponsor.
There was talk of a potential sponsor a few weeks ago but the deal with this sponsor doesn't look like it's going to be finalised any time soon.
If you were at any of the LOP basketball events towards the end of 2007, you will know that basketball is well on its way back up the sporting ranks. LOP was launched in September 2007 and by December 2007, it had already managed to secure radio airtime exposure well over R600 000 through its partners, particularly ESPN and Newtown Improvement District (NID). Even more exciting was the fact that for the first time in many years, basketball players could play to thousands of spectators.
If you were at any of the LOP basketball events towards the end of 2007, you will know that basketball is well on its way back up the sporting ranks. LOP was launched in September 2007 and by December 2007, it had already managed to secure radio airtime exposure well over R600 000 through its partners, particularly ESPN and Newtown Improvement District (NID). Even more exciting was the fact that for the first time in many years, basketball players could play to thousands of spectators. One of the biggest highlights was the Hip Hop dance battles known as 'Kramping'. If you don't know what this is, google it…that said, I would like to welcome you to the streets of Jozi. Kramping is big in high schools…watch the space... Based on the LOP achievements, one could comfortably say, the year 2007 was a good launching pad for basketball and the hip hop lifestyle that it is associated with it.
2008 brings with it even more excitement. LOP registration date closed on 31st of January 2008 and it is no surprise that even the big teams have now registered to play in the LOP. If you know your SA basketball, you will remember that Egoli Magic used to be one of the top teams in the former Premier Basketball League (PBL). They went to the finals against the then Durban based Kwazulu Marlins in 1996. Now you will be able to see this team back in action in the LOP. Other teams include Tlou MGI, Wits Rebels, Wanderers Scorpions, Wits Rhinos, MGI Alumni, Wits Alumni and the list goes on!
Before I go on and on about the teams in the LOP, let me first put the LOP into perspective so that one understands the structures of basketball and were LOP fits in. LOP was founded by a few passionate basketball players based in Joburg, for the fact that most teams playing in the LOP were based in Joburg, it was endorsed by the Johannesburg Basketball Association (JBA) as the official Joburg League, meaning that teams looking to play in the LOP will have to first request permission from their respective districts (i.e. Tshwane Basketball Association (TBA), Sedibeng Basketball Association (SBA) etc. As the official Joburg Basketball League, the winning team in the LOP will face champions from other districts in order to determine the top team in Gauteng. With Gauteng Basketball Association (GBA) great intends of starting a Gauteng Premier Basketball League, the winning team in this league should represent GP at national level. We are hoping to have the LOP team from Joburg to be the one leading the way through to the nationals.
LOP will be tipping off on the weekend of the 29th February 2008 with the official season launch on the 1st March 2008 at Wits University indoor basketball court (Hall 29). The launch will consist of a clash between the 2007 finalists (Tlou MGI who are last year's LOP Champion vs the Wits Rebels) as well as the Hip Hop dance battles between the two top dance crews Soweto's finest vs. Eclipse. There will be lots of give-aways from ESPN with Yfm punting the launch. More info will be given on Yfm closer to the launch date so keep bouncing those balls and see you at the courts!
For more information about LOP or JBA please do not hesitate to contact me.
It's All-Star weekend this Saturday the 8th of December in Newtown starting at 10am. It all starts with the Under 16 Hood to Hood finals, followed by the U 18 hood to hood finals and the Hood All-stars vs the And 1 Wizzards. Hood to Hood is an inner city tournament run by by Busi & William in Beruit, Berea.
There will also be the Hip Hop Pop & Lock performances, dance battles, and performances by Lungelo, Tito from Zulu Mob, and Slikour the Ventilator from Skwatta Camp will close the day.
It's All-Star weekend this Saturday the 8th of December in Newtown starting at 10am. It all starts with the Under 16 Hood to Hood finals, followed by the U 18 hood to hood finals and the Hood All-stars vs the And 1 Wizzards. Hood to Hood is an inner city tournament run by by Busi & William in Beruit, Berea.
There will also be the Hip Hop Pop & Lock performances, dance battles, and performances by Lungelo, Tito from Zulu Mob, and Slikour the Ventilator from Skwatta Camp will close the day.
The main event of the day is the League of Professionals All-Star game which starts at 13:20. It will feature the best players from the LOP, who will be showcasing their talent on the day.
At half time there will be a shootaround competition with the spectators. The MVP trophy and prize presentation will be awarded immediately after the game. If the last event is anything to go by you don't want to miss this one.
For more info checkout www.lopbasketball.co.za or listen to YFM for more details.
The All-Stars are as follows:
No. Name Club 1 Elvis Wits Alumni 2 Emmanuel Kabongo Wits Rebels 3 Fumani Maraleng Tlou MGI 4 Hector Pringle Wits Rebels 5 Ibrahim Kurubally Tlou MGI 6 Joseph Mazibuko Wits Rebels 7 Judd Simantov Special Guest 8 Katlego Makgata Tuks 9 Lesego Molebatsi Special Guest 10 Mark Campbel Wits Alumni 11 Mfundo Dube Tlou MGI 12 Nathi Wits University 13 Neo Mothiba Tuks 14 Nyakalo Ntuping Wits Rebels 15 Peter Khause Wits Rebels 16 Quinten Denyssen Special Guest 17 Rammy Moorkey Wits Rebels 18 Shane Bamuza Tuks 19 Tebogo Mphafudi Tuks 20 Thabang Glass Tlou MGI 21 Thami Khukulela Wits University 22 Tsakane Ngubeni Special Guest 23 Tshepo Matsie Tuks 24 Tuca Motaung Tlou MGI 25 Wisani Chauke Tlou MGI 26 Ulrich LeKay Tuks Coach A Naftal Chongo Coach B Tshiamo Ngakane
Engen u18 tournament 2007_ will DHS ever stop being an indestructible force?
So the stage was set for another fun filled, action packed Engen u18 tournament. The one tournament all ballers under the age of 18 look forward to in South Africa. The place was for the first time since the inception of the tournament Cape Town, which made for a nice change of atmosphere from the usual Bloemfontein. The usual tournaments big names were unfortunately not present.
So the stage was set for another fun filled, action packed Engen u18 tournament. The one tournament all ballers under the age of 18 look forward to in South Africa. The place was for the first time since the inception of the tournament Cape Town, which made for a nice change of atmosphere from the usual Bloemfontein. The usual tournaments big names were unfortunately not present.Rather we had some new stars dominating the tournament which I actually think was refreshing.. One of the players we ALL need to keep an eye out for being Philile Gumede. The young lady had dominated every age group she's played in since she was 10, I would know she's been my team mate on MANY occasions. She scooped the MVP spot for the first time though, without the likes of Phila and Taki being around.The guys final was AGAIN dominated by DHS. Sound familiar? Or am I the only one with a sense of Dejà vu? But the chaps walked away with the 2007 Engen club champs title. Now the question is, will they ever stop acquiring the best players the country has to offer? Will there ever be another team who REALLY challenges them? that my friend is up to you to decide or maybe we should wait and see. They have forged quite the name for themselves. Sending numerous players over seas on basketball scholarships and having a major stake in all provincial and national teams I'd like to see in the coming years a force worthy of challenging Delport's and Gilchrist's squad. Till then we shall see Durban Boys High dominate South African high school basketball.
Another heads up Sakhile Sithole aka our own little Yao who started his basketball career at Alexandra High school in Pietermaritzburg and later went on to Durban Boys High has officially left the country. The young chap was offered and accepted a scholarship in Washington DC in the states and will be carrying on with his career there. From one of your oldest team mates and friends and I'm sure the rest of the basketball community, we wish you the best of luck!we will be keeping a close eye on him and keep all of you updated!
From the crazy baller in Canada and Mzansi I'm out and keep ballin'.. Buhle!
