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GBA:The Wheels are moving

victor — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 06:44:38 +0000

“The wheels are moving’ said Gauteng Basketball chairperson Nthato Selebi at the GBA meeting this past Saturday, The pace is relatively slow considering various facts, and by the looks of things GBA is experiencing a slow puncher.

Adequate communication was sent out to the public regarding the meeting, hence the impressive turn out. Africa basket showed some love and of course mybasketball to name a few of the media present at the meeting. The point of the meeting was to give feedback to the Gauteng basketball community about what the current status looks like and where it’s going. Basically Gauteng Basketball only has a measly R309 to work with, reason why Gauteng didn’t send teams to the senior IPT’s in Durban last year.Selebi went on to discus the GBAs’ mandate during their interim. This mandate being;

Coming up with a new structure that will work for basketball. Due to the lack of representation GBA is planning a road show to various constituencies to propose the new structure.
Better communication; hats off to the general secretary Kornelia Semmelink for continuously keeping the public in the loop on; what is going on in the GBA office, meetings and general information.

Continue with current projects. This will apply to the u/18 as the junior IPT’s will be on the 27^th of April 2010 in the Northwest. Individuals who would like to be part of the Gauteng u/18 team are requested to send their curriculum vitae to basketbalgp@gmail.com by March 6 2010.

Last but not least the question on, what is happening with the league? Though some will not be impressed, GBA decided to bring Pro Sport Consulting back to run the 2010 league. After long discussions and meetings between the two parties. The decision was made that the ten week league will only start in August due to practical reasons of the soccer world cup happening in three months.

While we wait, GBA encourages the basketball community to run tournaments during the next two months with the condition that GBA is notified about the tournaments.

Unfortunately the above is what the current GBA committee can offer at this stage till the Annual General Meeting that will be held on the 30^th of May 2010 (Venue to be confirmed). Never the less, a job well done to the guys for putting team effort in what use to be a one man fraternity.

Article by Nthabiseng Mushi

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Gauteng basketball meeting

victor — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:48:56 +0000

This serves as an invitation to all who may be interested in participating in the 2010 Gauteng Basketball League (GBL). Your presence, OR that of a representative of your team, is required for this very important event.

Date: 13 February 2010

Time: 14:00 to 17:00 (Please note that this meeting WILL start on time)

Venue: Holy Family College, 40 Oxford Road, Parktown.Agenda:

Feedback from the Basketball South Africa (SA) General Assembly (held at Cosatu House on 30 January 2010).
GBA Structure & Roadmap
GBL 2010
Registration of Players, Coaches, Referees, Clubs and Teams in 2010
GBA Commissions (Coaches, Technical, Athlete’s, Competition, Development etc)
Team GBA
Preparation for the GBA AGM on 30 May 2010
Basketball South Africa Strategic Plan 2010 – 2014
Basketball South Africa Annual Calendar 2010

Please note: Attendance is compulsory for GBL 2010 team registration. Furthermore, only registered players and coaches who are actively participating in GBA programmes in 2010 will be eligible to represent Gauteng (Team GBA) in 2010 inter-provincial events.

RSVP to the Secretary General at basketballgp@gmail.com, by 11 February 2010 to receive the relevant discussion documents in preparation for this meeting.

Yours in Basketball,

Nthato Selebi

Gauteng Basketball Association

Chairperson

Information provided by Kornelia (GBA secretary general)

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GBA meeting ‘09

victor — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:19:04 +0000

Notice is hereby given for the General Meeting of Gauteng Basketball Association

DATE : 21 November 2009

TIME : 10h00

VENUE : Wembley Indoor Stadium

ATTENDEES : All Concerned about Basketball in Gauteng

AGENDA : BASKETBALL IN GAUTENG

Information supplied by Tsepo Nyewe

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GBL league playoffs 2009

victor — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:16:43 +0000

Article by Victor Shakineza

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Pro Sport pulls out of GBL 2010

victor — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:13:23 +0000

With the prospect of playoffs looming large for some of the teams in the Gauteng Basketball League (GBL), basketball in Gauteng has suffered another major blow with the decision by Pro Sports Consulting to pull out of the 2010 edition due to the reason listed below.

Pro Sports Consulting have been running the 2009 edition of the GBL on a skeleton budget and gave ballers in the province and outside a taste of what they could do if given the proper funding and support. Like any organisation there might have been some ups and downs but the games were played and there was excitement around the different divisions with some competitive games throughout the year. It is disappointing that we keep suffering these major blows to a sport that is so simple to administer and much harder to play.

I have attached the letter sent by Pro Sport Consulting to the various team managers in the league. Let’s hope that there is light at the end of this never ending tunnel we call “basketball in South Africa”.

To Pro Sports Consulting and those involved in making GBL 2009 the success story it has been so far, thank you for the wetting our taste buds and lets hope we get the full meal from the powers that be very soon. Let’s go out there and support the teams that qualify for the playoffs and give the 2009 edition the proper sendoff.

Letter to Managers:

“GBL Teams Managers

We trust this finds you well.

The following is a basic report of GBL (www.gbl.co.za) for 2009. Also contained herein is commentary by Pro Sports as well as decisions for next year. TEAMS
(please note that 2007 and 2008 Pro Sports structures have been added just as a comparison)

2007
Men: 6 (1 Division)
Women: 4 (1 Division)
No of games
Men: 15 (regular) 3 (playoff)
Women 6 (regular) 3 (playoff)

2008
Men: 14 (2 Division)
Women: 6 (1 Division)
(110% growth)
No. of Games
Men: 84 (regular) 6 (playoff)
Women: 30 (regular) 3 (playoff)

2009
Men: 34 (4 divisions)
Women 15 (2 divisions)
(133% growth)

Regional Breakdown
City of Johannesburg – Central: 50%
City of Johannesburg – Soweto: 10%
Tshwane: 24%
Vaal: 10%
Ekurhuleni: 2%
Free State: 2%
Mpumalanga: 2%

Club Type Breakdown:
Sports Clubs 54%, Institutions 43%, Companies 1%

No of Games
Men: 258 (regular) 12 (playoff)
Women: 98 (regular) 6 (playoff)

PLAYERS
Gender
Male: 510
Female: 225

Age Analysis
O-17: 14
18-21: 134
22-25: 191
26-29: 181
30-33: 46
34+:10

Race: Black 89%, White 8%, Coloured 2%, Asian 1%

VENUES
Wits University (2 Courts) – 246 games
University of Pretoria (2 Courts) – 58 games
Vaal (1 Court) – 3 Games (30 planned)
Grace Bible (1 Court) – 102 (63 planned)

Match Allocation Regional Breakdown
City of Johannesburg: 73%
Tshwane:14%
Vaal: 1%

Venue Cost Analysis (100% Match allocation)
Wits University: R34,000
University of Pretoria R145,000
Vaal: R305,000
Grace Bible: R0

Notes:
1. Venue allocation was based on cost and the number of games that could be accommodated – On that analysis Wits proved to be best location because of its ability to host many games at low cost even though Grace Bible was best cost option.

2. Vaal venue
Despite costs several games were allocated to Vaal which were cancelled or postponed several times due to venue readiness and availability

3. For the most part relationship with venue owners has been good with few cancellations or disruption during the year

Calendar
8 Mar – 30 May + 20 July – 10 Oct

Notes:
(A) Fixture Integrity (Overall: Poor)
1. Failure of institutions and clubs to submit their calendars – only 1 club (University of Johannesburg) completed full analysis of calendar prior to season commencing.

2. Compromised due to failure of BSA and GBA to communicate national or provincial call-ups.

3. Administration failures contributed to several incidences which compromised integrity

General
1. Institutions not available to play from Jan to March, throughout May June and July and into mid October because of holidays and exams.

2. Teams outside of Gauteng unable to play mid-week due to travel requirements.

FUNDING
Fees: R5500 (2006 Metro League R6500)

Highlights (lowlights)

October 2009
Pro Sports secures R1.2 million funding for GBL (to be allocated to GBA)

Feb 2009
Dept of Sports cancels R1.2million grant to GBL due to Gauteng Basketball Association’s lack of financial documentation

May 2009
Pro Sports secures R500,000 funding for GBL (to be allocated via GBA or BSA)

June 2000
BSA unable to assist due to lack of financial documentation

July 2009
Dept of Sports cancels grant due to GBA and BSA lack of financial documentation

September 2009
Dept of Sports issues letter declining any support to basketball for foreseeable future.

OFFICIALS
With matches still to be played no analysis is given.

GAUTENG BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

1. Involvement and interaction with GBA has been poor

2. All requirements of GBA with regards GBL have not been met.

PR0 SPORTS CONSULTING COMMENTARY
Analysis of the league and basketball in general shows that the game has grown in Gauteng since our initial involvement in 2007. We believe that has been the case due to improved management of league structures.

The game however is hampered by management at strategic level where the association is involved. In short without sound management at those levels we believe that commitment at lower level (such as league) will always be compromised.
Unfortunately blame for these short comings can only be leveled against ourselves, the coaches, players and club administrators that all profess to love the game. In truth the associations from local to regional and finally national all claim to represent the above mentioned stakeholders. And yet the very membership that is represented plays no part in ensuring that they are appropriately represented. Our country comes from a rich history of activism where people have fought for what they believed they deserved. With that historical background the current culture of entitlement within basketball remains disappointing. Perplexing even. In South Africa those who love basketball must fight for it, for it to truly grow.

Our fight continues.

Pro Sports Consulting is pulling out of the Gauteng Basketball League immediately after the close of GBL 2009.

To the teams still involved in playoff contention good luck to you all.

Regards,
Tshiamo Ngakane

General Manager”

Article by Victor Shakineza with insert from Tshiamo Ngakane

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GBL 2009 log standings

victor — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:46:40 +0000

Here are the latest Gauteng Basketball League log standings for 2009:

For more information visit www.gbl.co.za

Information provided by Peter Makhubela and edited by Victor Shakineza

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BSA vice president on SAfm

victor — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 11:54:30 +0000

Just before our national team went over to Libya to represent the nation at the African Championship 2009, I was listening to SAfm when to my surprise I heard that they would have an insert on Basketball which would touch on the upcoming NBA-Basketball without borders Africa and the sport in South Africa in general… I decided to track down that particular interview and share it with the basketball public…

Speaking on SAfm Sport Special on Sunday 2 August 2009, Dr Ralethe, who is one of the BSA vice president, touched on a few topics during his interview…Some of the major things that were discussed in this interview was:

1. NBA’s-BWB trip to our shores

2. Making basketball a sport of choice in schools

3. National team coach, Flosch Ngwenya’s trip to Budapest for a coaching clinic

4. SA very own national convention apparently to be held after BWB

5. Relationship with the rest of Africa

6. How does 2010 World cup play a role as far as basketball is concerned.

I have included the two clips so feel free to download and listen in and voice your opinion on BSA’s plans.

Part 1:

[See post to listen to audio]

Part 2:

[See post to listen to audio]

I would like to thank SAfm for providing us with the sound clips… Look out for an interesting article tomorrow on the recent trip of the national team to Libya for a better idea of what happened there and how the team got treated on and off the court…

Article by Victor Shakineza with contributions from Helen Mittwoch

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Bees just another fairy tale story

victor — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:08:13 +0000

Once upon a time in a place about an hour away from Joburg; buzzed the Mamelodi Bees, a team oozing with talented players such as the likes of Lebo, Sophie and young players like Makgotso Moloantoa, Takalani Mfamadi and Matlala Mokoko. This team was very hard to beat and every woman’s team scheduled to play Asnath Makena’s swarm needed to bring their “A game”, then Lebo had a baby and the younglings flew off to varsity and the fear factor that other teams had went with them…

The once lethal Mamelodi Bees had their first clash with some of their ex-players in what one may call a “boring basketball game” where the only action was a crying baby on the Bees bench.There is a cry for help from the Tshwane team regardless of Fikile Shabangu’s 21 points out of their 37; UJ’s, Kgaugelo Phiri’s steady hand made it almost impossible for Bees to match up. They didn’t have enough sting to stop UJ from bagging another win… The season looks bleak for Mamelodi Bees. Final score was 93-37 in favour of the University of Johannesburg.

Having watched the UP girls bag a close win against Phumla Sathuli and the Wits team missing a few players; The UP boys’ team was surprised to hear that their game was moved from 17h00 to 15h00. After an exchange of words from the officials and coaches, the Tuks boys had no choice but to play with the players that had arrived early.

The first half was quite a bore for the spectators, Wits schooling Tuks and all, but a minute into the third period; the rest of the Tuks calvary arrived in the hall. It was as if Tuks Coach Danny had seen Michael Jordan walk into Wits when his star players arrived. Tuks Guard (Tim) wowed the crowed with his amazing jumps and athletic ability and ‘The Super Subs’ from Tuks managed to bring down the huge gap that the bench players opened; to at least a 30 point deficit.

Although the all star attempt from the “Super Subs” livened the game a little; the win against Wits Alumni a week earlier might have been the last win Tuks would see for the remainder of the season.

Article by Nthabiseng Mushi edited by Victor Shakineza

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GBL… The big upset

victor — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:02:05 +0000

The Gauteng Basketball League is running on a relegation system and teams in the premier league are fighting for a spot in the playoffs. Egoli Magic is leading the pack; having played eight games with no losses and by the looks of things; they’re going to remain unbeaten for the 2009 GBL season.

This past Saturday Wits Alumni thought they didn’t need to bring their whole team to the game against Tuks; who are currently standing at seventh position on the log. Little did they know that The University of Pretoria is just as hungry as their soccer team and don’t want to get relegated. They came out fighting this past weekend.

After a short interview with Wits Alumni Captain Tshepo Ditshego last Sunday; some heavy comments were made, “The only way to move up is by playing and beating weak teams” this being said after winning against Pretoria Heat. Well, that didn’t really play out as planned… A five player’s team was not going to beat the student team from Pretoria, though the “bench playing” Alumni team gave Tuks a good run; Mfundo and Tshepo weren’t enough ammunition to beat the boys on their home turf. A 88-83 victory by Tuks; the first upset of the weekend.The second “upset” was straight after Alumni’s loss, when the talented UJ ladies team encountered their second battle against the ladies Tuks team. With player coach, Nicki de Villiers, out due to injuries; it was up to Sibongile Maswanganye to lead the team to victory. The problematic Taki Mfamadi was too quick for the UJ guards, averaging twenty points in that game. Veteran Sibongile Maswanganye hasn’t lost her ball swag at all! She showed why she’s still in the game and still going strong…

Both teams were at each other’s necks from jump ball, but yet again it was the team who were mentally tougher to win this battle. The last period was the most entertaining of the four; Ellen Poopsie Mothlwatsi stepped it up for The University of Johannesburg; being an offensive threat and sending the game to overtime. The five minutes were a tough and nail biting experience for the teams, but Takalani Mfamadi kept at it; drawing those fouls; sending Kgaogelo Phiri to the bench and hitting a buzzer beat to give Tuks a one point lead; sending coach Mandla Ngema and his girls back to the drawing board before the game against VUT in two weeks. Outstanding performances from Takalane Mfamadi and Ellen Mothlwatsi!

Not much of an upset, but a let down. ‘Under Dogs’ C.U.T; a team that can cause some riff raft in GBL but like Braamfortain Blues, don’t quite make it; were disbarred of their ‘Under Dog’ status with a 107-68 loss to Egoli Magic. Braamfortain Blues like C.U.T play hard, but reach a point where they can’t really push themselves anymore an end up settling for a loss… But then again, who can blame them? With players like “The Mountain” who is almost impossible to get around and Tsakane Ngobeni; strong on both offence and defense; not even Tshiamo’s drives and grand shots can carry Bram Blues out the gutter… Wits Alumni covered for their embracing loss, winning 88-83 to Braamfortain Blues.

Every time any team plays Scorpions; they predict a win before jump ball. A mistake The Vaal University of Technology’s ladies team made this past Sunday. Having played for Wits, then VUT and now Scorpions; Emma Ledwaba had a point to prove to Zed and his girls. Countless shot blocks, 15 points and running point for most of the game. Emma couldn’t be stopped by anyone from VUT; though many tried; they’d just bounce off her granite body (Rehquel Molema can testify).

Charity Chigumba’s 21 point score was the only girl from Vaal who could come close to matching Emma’s 15 point score and do a decent job guarding Ledwaba. Vaal led for most of the game but not far enough for Scorpions to catch up to them. Though Scorpions had no big names on the score sheet, they put up a good fight till the end and with 29 seconds on the clock and Scorpions leading by one point, Nombulelo got fouled out. Vaal’s victory was at her disposal… The noise and pressure from the crowd didn’t make it easy for the young girl; nutshell, air balls in a crucial stage sent Vaal home with their first loss for the season. A 45-44 victory by Scorpions was inspired by an all star performance from Coach Willy and the Scorpions ladies.

All the results from the weekend (25/26 July 2009)

Momentum 67 Midrand Pride 46 (D1 men)

Raptors 55 Monash 47 (D1 men)

UP Men 78 Wits Alumni 72 (Men Premier)

UP Men 2^nd 20 Soweto Warriors 0 (D3 Men)

VUT Ladies 2^nd 20 MGI 0 (D1 Ladies)

UT ladies 55 UJ Galaxy 54 (Ladies Premier)

Soweto Raptors 20 Middleburg 0

Pta Heat 59 UJ Men 61 (Men Premier)

Tlou MGI 77 VUT Men 2^nd 76 (D2 Men)

Midrand Pride 50 Monash 48 (D1 Men)

Wits Alumni 88 Braamfontein Blues 83 (Men Premier)

Scorpions Men 84 Boston Media 63 (D1 Men)

VUT ladies 44 – Scorpions 45 (Ladies Premier)

Egoli Magic 107 – CUT 68 (Men Premier)

Soweto Raptors Men 2^nd 55 – Grace Bible Church 63 (D2 Men)

Article by Nthabiseng Mushi

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Blues stay blue and Alumni rewrite the script

victor — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:51:58 +0000

The Gauteng Basketball League is back in action and teams are already fighting for a spot in the final four. Games officially started on the 18^th of July; a very special day for Mzansi’s living legend former president, Tata Mandela… While some were doing their bit in serving their communities; others were at The Grace Bible Church in Soweto Pimville, getting ready for the season.

Wits Alumni vs. Pretoria Heat

On Sunday the 19^th at Wits hall 29, the test to see which teams might make the final four was on! LOP champions, Wits Alumni, battled Pretoria Heat for the second time this season; in a quest to see if Heat’s first win was a fluke or not. It took a while for both teams to get the momentum going after jump ball, but soon after the three point shoot out between KP Ndlovu and Heat started; one could tell that both teams weren’t in good shape, especially with the number of turnovers by PTA Heat due to fatigue and then some… Was Neo Mothiba going to support his comments on facebook, “The Matrix is reloaded and ready to inflict some pain! Lawise tre complike!…” or was Alumni about to turn it up a notch?…

Able to stand the heat, Alumni in turn led for three periods of the game; a thumbs up to their strategy of making Neo take forced shots; sending the Matrix to Zion before heading into the last period. The Mountain seemed to be handling business for Alumni since former coach Lebo Maepa wouldn’t be on the bench for the remainder of the season.

A win was looking very fatal for the Tshwane boys after a steal was made by Alumni; this was until Neo tied the game at 73-73 (Buzzer beat) sending the game to over time. It was any man’s game now… Only the mentally tough would take this home… Turnovers, fouls and forced shots continued from Pretoria Heat, sending them trotting back to Pretoria with an 82-75 loss to Wits Alumni. “We can be the top team in the League and we will definitely be in the final four.” said the confident Tsakane Ngobeni from Wits Alumni after the game.

Egoli vs Braamfontein Blues

On the other side, Bram Blues weren’t doing much to put themselves in a safe position for a spot in the final four. They faced Egoli Magic in a not so magical game and for a team with so much potential, Bram Blues were not doing much to get themselves out of the gutter. Playing a team like Egoli who always maintain a certain pace and hardly alter their game, Bram Blues had no control over the Magic. “We are a good team defensively and if a team beats us by 100 points and more, it means we were not playing defense.” Says Tshiamo Ngakane (Captain of the Bram Blues).

What a way to start off the second leg of the season, well done to Neo Mothiba scoring a season high 38 points. Though the first game might have been a fluke for Pretoria Heat; Wits Alumni managed to add another win to their log, preparing them for their next game against Tuks. There is still an outside chance at that the Blues will make the play offs; but the 103-78 loss will still hurt. Hope the boys don’t get too caught up in the blues; only high notes ahead for the ‘09 basketball symphony!

In other results from the weekend (18/19 July 2009)

Scorpions 60-44 Mamelodi Bees (Premier Ladies)

Grace Bible Church 56-60 Spinners (D2 Men)

VUT Alumni 78-62 Scorpions (D1 men)

Midrand Pride 74-83 Raptors (D1 men)

Braam Blues 25-18 Grace Bible Church (D1 Ladies)

Pta Heat 75-82 Wits Alumni (Premier Men)

Phantoms 55-64 Momemtum (D1 men)

Egoli 103-78 Braam Blues (Premier Men)

Article by Nthabiseng Mushi

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