Mobi Akiode

ESPN is running a series called “Her Story”. In one of the episodes, they profile a young Nigerian lady named Mobolaji (“Mobi”) Akiode who is making a difference to the game in Nigeria.

Mobi played for the Nigerian national team at one time, and also spent time living with her family in Newark, New Jersey, working for ESPN as an accountant.

After realising she had something to give, Mobi made a decision to contribute where she could. She was able to recruit ex-WNBA player Yolanda Griffiths to join her, and set up the Hope 4 Girls camp in Nigeria which does exactly that – provides hope for young girls, facilitated by a basketball camp.

This is an inspiring story, one about making a difference against the odds.

You can read more about Mobi’s story here, or watch the video here (it’s 1 hour 21 minutes long so be prepared)

There’s also an interesting chat with her here on ESPN SportsNation.

It’s wonderful to see people like Mobi who make a real difference to communities by using the game of basketball!

The Township Basketball League in Cape Town is another good example of how the game can be used to build and shape communities. Let’s hope we see many more of these stories coming out of Africa, and especially South Africa, in the near future.

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Gauteng hosted another Women’s tournament that had some interesting clashes lined up for the few people that made the trip to the Orlando Community Hall in Orlando. After a lengthy interval between the junior and senior games, that saw some of the spectators take to the court; the games were about to resume with an interesting clash between Tuks and the Jewels from Zimbabwe who were the defending champions. In the 2^nd game we had Vaal University of Technology against University of Johannesburg with VUT going out there and recruiting to make their team stronger with the acquisition of Emma Ledwaba and Phumla. The way the tournament is set up is that the juniors play in the morning while the senior games are in the afternoon to accommodate the working folks… By the way there was a lot of last minute cancellation in the senior pools so it ended up with 4 teams playing round robin with the winner taking the R30000 on offer. At junior level there were plenty of teams but the defending champions from Tshwane were out to collect the grand prize of R15000.

Tuks vs Zimbabwe Jewels

Zimbabwe Jewels, the defending champions, arrived in Gauteng late and missed out on their first game against VUT ladies so they had some catching up to do if they were going to go home with some extra cash…

The game began with 2 free throws from the team from across the border but Tuks were moving the ball well so we were in for an interesting game from the onset. Tuks were faster with a better front court than the Jewels but they had their own weapons with last year MVP coming back to make sure that they dominated the post. But their biggest handicap was that they looked like they didn’t have their usual coach with them, maybe the team have also been affected by the problems in Zimbabwe.

Tuks 11(Bulelwa Zondi) was having a good game early on making 3 out of 4 FG to keep Tuks within touching distance. But due to their dominance in the post, Tuks were struggling to keep the shackles on the huge post players from Zimbabwe, so they found themselves in foul trouble early and the coach had to make adjustments because the games are stop start. Nicki de Villiers was in foul trouble early and she had to restrain herself on defence. Tuks had a 10 point lead at some stage but the Jewels rallied after going to their strong point inside in the 2^nd quarter.

Tuks had a bit of a dilemma, they were fronting in the post but as soon as they forgot they were punished for it by an easy inside basket or by conceding a foul that was usually followed by accurate free throw shooting from Jewels post players (Jewels 14 and Jewels 17). Jewels 14 took her FT like if she was doing lay-up, she didn’t miss any throughout the game and you don’t usually get that from a post player.  Half time score was 23 – 35 to Zim Jewels and many might have thrown in the towel but Tuks are made of sterner steel.

In the 2^nd quarter Tuks lost their inspirational point guard to an ankle injury but that seemed to spur the rest of their players on with everyone putting in the extra shift. They had their best game in the 3^rd quarter with the offense complimenting the defence. They switched their defence from a zone to a man on man to make it difficult for the guards to dump the ball down to the posts and this strategy worked. Their uptempo defence caused plenty of turnovers. They totally outscored through a number of fastbreak points from their star player Tuks 10 (Takalani Mfamadi), but the highlight was the belief the team had by diligently playing great defence and playing for each other. By the end of the 3^rd quarter the score was 43 – 44 to the jewels.

In the last quarter, the Jewels came out fighting with a series of unanswered baskets. Despite having numerous opportunities to take the lead, Tuks were making unnecessary turnovers that were being punished by their opponents. Maybe it was the nerves but both teams were not settled and were rushing their play. The game turned when Tuks made 4 successive turnovers that were turned into 8 points by the Jewels who showed greater execution down the line. Tuks came to the party late and by the time they realised that they could actually win they were hampered by the fouls picked up early in the game. In the end their bench looked like a hospital ward and they couldn’t catch up. Final score: Tuks 53 – 59 Zim. Jewels

This was Tuks second loss after losing to UJ by 4 points the day before.

Article by Victor Shakineza

University of Johannesburg vs. Vaal University of Technology

VUT came into the game with their eyes firmly focused on the prize at hand. They added to their playing personal but also to their coaching ranks by bringing in Flosh Ngwenya, the VUT men’s head coach, to help Zet Ngwenya plan the downfall of their long time rivals UJ.

VUT began in an aggressive mood with the inside presence of Emma felt from the first whistle.  UJ went into 3 point mode early on and they were falling at that stage with UJ13 sinking some early shots from beyond the arc.

With UJ unable to match VUT inside they went for the outside game with most of their play ending up with the guards and their post Nozipho Njokweni seeing little of the action early on. But her battle with Emma Ledwaba in the post was interesting throughout the game. After adjusting their defense, VUT starved UJ of scoring opportunity and forced them into taking uncomfortable shots that were not converted. 1^st Quarter score 14 – 11 to VUT.

UJ started the 2^nd quarter better than they had finished the 1^st and they made a run of sorts by closing out the lead and stepping up their defence. Despite making a good run, UJ were making plenty of fouls and relying on their shooting game to pull them closer. The game was tight throughout the quarter and Phumla was beginning to find her feet in the game by getting involved in everything on both end of the floor. They say you can’t buy experience and the 2 recruits that VUT had were the difference between the 2 teams. The 2 opposing coaches were as vocal as ever and as usual the referees threatened to be the highlight of the show with some interesting calls. At half time, UJ had a 2 point lead. HT score: 22 – 24 to UJ

Half time was what VUT needed to regain their focus and they started the brighter of the 2 sides with some enterprising play from their guards. VUT 7 was showing plenty of experience by driving the ball inside and getting some good baskets. The biggest problem UJ had was how to best deal with Emma who was attracting 3 to 4 defenders every time and she was getting hacked a lot. UJ first basket of the 3^rd quarter came in the form of a 3 pointer but Vaal were playing smarter and their efforts were rewarded by building up a 10 point lead by the end of the 3^rd quarter. 3^rd quarter score: 43 – 33 to VUT

Things got really heated in the fourth quarter with the VUT coach getting a technical after a disagreement with the referees who had just called a foul on the wrong player. Despite all the drama going on in the game, VUT didn’t lose their focus and kept stretching their lead over UJ. Even when UJ looked like they were making a run, VUT found an answer in Phumla (VUT 6) who would drive to the basket, get fouled and still make the basket. It was enthralling stuff from both team and the spectators were getting full value for their attendance. With VUT maintaining a lead throughout the quarter, they went into stall mode with a few minutes left in the quarter which prompted UJ to foul and take the VUT girls to the free throw line. With UJ playing a man on man defense, Emma showed all her experience by dribbling the ball around a few of the UJ girls that couldn’t seem to dispossess her. This was a deserved victory for VUT who scrapped for every ball and make crucial baskets down the line. UJ’s lack of inside presence was evident and their guards couldn’t keep up their hot shooting through the game. FT score: UJ 45 – 56 VUT

Other results from the tournament:

Article by Khensani Msimanga edited by Victor Shakineza

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For the first time ever, BWB (Basketball Without Boarders) held The Women’s Clinic in South Africa at The American School. Together with Hoops for Hope, NBA brought WNBA and Olympic gold medalist Jennifer Azzi, who’s also the Ambassador for NBA Cares, along to help run the clinic. About 70 South African girls were at the clinic getting coached by some of the best in the world, not only about basketball; but about values, education, gender equality etc.When speaking to Jennifer about the camp, she mentioned how women’s sport in South Africa is lacking infrastructure and how if the government did something about this issue; women’s sport in general would improve. Both Thierry Kita and Jennifer Azzi thought it’d be a great idea for the girls to have a separate camp from the boys but with the same programme in mind and to their surprise in the near future, (having run such a successful camp). With many requests sent to the NBA about running a ladies’ camp being put on hold; finally after a lot of persuasion from Hoops for Hope and Thierry, the NBA approved the request! The camp was a great success and we hope to see more BWB ladies’ camps in the future.

The annual Women’s Tournament is coming up, from the 28^th to the 30^th of November at the Communal Hall in Orlando East Soweto. This tournament is a true reflection of the abundant talent we have in women’s basketball here in South Africa. R20 000 is up for grabs for the winning team in the senior section and R15 000 in the junior… ‘Cash money’ for the All stars and MVP will also be up for the taking.  Gauteng basketball Association and Sports and Recreation South Africa are the sponsors of the tournament and teams from all corners of the continent are invited. This is the one; if not only tournament that women in basketball look forward to the whole year; as most tournaments and camps are held for men.

With extra effort to bring more women into basketball; there’s been an addition to the female coaches to the list (after all; there was only one lady on that list initially)… Emma Ledwaba is the assistant coach to Willie Matlakala for the u/20 Zone VI games that will be taking place in Potchefstroom. Emma came back last year after playing and studying in the US. With her being originally from Limpopo; Emma is a very talented player and hopefully she can transfer that knowledge into her coaching career. There are a few other names that need to go on the list of women coaches such as USSA coach of the tournament; Tuks head coach; Nicki de Villiers. This lady only started playing the game when she got to varsity and has been playing for many years ever since. Nicki has featured in the national setup as coach and player but due to unspoken circumstances; stepped down from her national duties.

During the days of CBL; given that one of the conditions of a team participating in the league was that they had to have a women’s team; it did a lot for women’s basketball! The CBL also had a major role to play in the set up of basketball for ladies in South Africa. Hopefully the new BSA committee that will be appointed later this month will do an even better job by really paying attention and dedicating themselves to looking at women in basketball and finding ways to give women’s basketball a face lift. We need to see women in basketball being appreciated abit more because they too bring something special to this wonderful game.

Article done by Nthabiseng Mushi

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Details of the tournament :

Date    :  28 – 30 November 2008

Venue : Orlando Community Hall ( Soweto, opposite Orlando Stadium)

Categories: U/18 (Districts & provincial teams ONLY) and Seniors ( Clubs).

Entry Fee: R3000 ( Seniors) and R1500 ( U/18)

Closing Date: 31 October 2008

Number of Entries: U/18 Districts teams and 10 Senior teams ( 1^ST COME , 1^ST SERVED!)

The winner takes all and 2^nd trophy and medals!

You have to confirm in writing to secure a spot by not later than the 10^th October and make a deposit of  R750 ( Seniors) and  R500.00 ( U/18) not later than 31 October and the balance by the 8^th November 2008.

Enquiries : Sibongile Maswanganye

Tel :  012 420 6061

email: sibo@up.ac.za

Information supplied by Sibongile Maswanganye

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I wrote this piece on the eve of the Beijing Olympics.  The USA re-established their dominance as world leaders in basketball as both women and men’s teams won the ultimate athletic achievement, Olympic gold.  Asides from Mali’s butter fingered opposition to Lisa Leslie’s team USA in the women’s preliminaries, one of the most striking features of the competition were the unitards worn by team Australia.  How could any self-respecting women step out onto a basketball court with a wedgie??  After all basketball is one of those sports tied undeniably to the sub-culture of music, language, and clothing that marks the sport as an urban cultural phenomenon.  In South Africa we are no different in our expression of this sub-culture than our peers globally, but what really is the identity of women’s basketball in this country?

Let’s take a long hard stare in the mirror and identify the insecurities, the realities and the copycat fashion sense that could possibly explain the spectacular fall of SA women’s ball in the last decade.  Since the PBL folded into oblivion, the sport has generally experienced a significant decrease in national media attention, mass exodus of talented players and coaches, and shocking international performances.  Whilst BSA jostled with PBL owners for a moment in the sun, wheelchair basketball has experienced nothing short of a meteoric rise gaining critical sponsorship and support to compete (not just participate) on the world arena.  So if the PBL had nothing to do with us, why has women’s basketball been dragged through the mud?  I count one woman on the interim BSA executive, who I had truthfully never heard of until I attended a meeting at the Gauteng SASSU send-offs in June this year.  I count one women referee in Gauteng who has consistently officiated in national tournaments.  I count one woman coach who has dominated the national coaching position in the past 4 years (on those few occasions that we had a woman coaching a national team).  And I’m willing to bet good money that this situation is pretty similar at provincial level.  In June this year a voice rose up amongst the women raising critical questions about women’s leadership in SA basketball.  What are the criteria for coaches being chosen for the most coveted coaching job?  What are the criteria for players being selected for national duty?  Do we continue to be a sideshow to the men, or should we go it alone and establish a SA Women’s basketball federation?  Do men have a part to play in women’s basketball?  And if I was given half the chance I would have raised the question – do we ban unitards as a precautionary measure against the misguided quirks of future generations?  This is a critical conversation that is taking place within us, around us, about us that should propel us hopefully in the right direction if we could just stop talking all at once.  Let’s examine the facts:

Reality is – we compete with a growing opportunity set of sports that SA women can choose to participate in.  Netball has successfully established and maintained a professional league, Soccer and Rugby are growing in popularity amongst young women, and athletics already has a stranglehold on mass participation nationally.

We are not only competing for scarce financial and infrastructural support, we’re competing for better athletes.  Taller, faster, slimmer, and more self-aware individuals who have a hardened sense of the physical and mental discipline and dedication it takes to compete at an international level.

Most importantly we are also competing for fans, they love you, they hate you, they’re fickle at the worst of times, but they sure as hell can be a quick ticket to the big time!  And be honest – how often do you enjoy watching a women’s basketball game in SA?

What we need is nothing short of a basketball revolution.  How do we make more women WANT to play, coach, officiate, and manage basketball?  How do we transcribe this fantastic situation that our male counterparts have afforded us to take ownership of a very promising future?  How do we reinvent the SA basketball woman?  The ball is in your court as long as you leave the unitard in the changing room…..

Article written by K

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