Alumni begin a Mentorship programme

Team Alumni took on their responsibilities of passing knowledge and experience by beating Hoop Stars 54-50. Hoop Stars had the upper hand by winning the first two quarters and drawing the third. However Alumni emerged victorious by mentoring their opponents on the theme “How to win a game in two minutes?” Alumni opened the scoring with a lay-up by Tshepo Phamotse who was assisted by Ikaelelo “Bixx” Likhi. Teboho Busakwe immediately made it even with a jumper. With three minutes into the game, Jabu Cebekhulu assisted Likhi with a beautiful back pass. In this early stage of the game, Alumni were disciplined and focused, non verbal communication which exposed their moods on the day. Nevertheless Hoop Stars were too quick and accurate in their jumpers. The led the first quarter by a basket and increased their lead to five points at half time. With the way they played in the third quarter, it was apparent that Alumni wanted to keep the score as tight as possible. Hence it ended even at 13 – 13.
Alumni started the fourth quarter with a lay-up by Likhi who made 20 points in this game. But it was the events in the last two minutes where Alumni took it upon themselves to mentor Hoop Stars on the game of basketball. After their time-out, Hoop Stars’ Mojalefa Lemao made a three but Sechaba Leroala failed to do likewise in a turn over. When Hoop Stars attempted a man-to-man defense, Likhi made a full court assist to Phamotse who made a basket while under the hoop.  Then Moruakgomo Keebine assisted Jabu Cebekhulu with a backdoor pass. By this time Hoop Stars where attacking but the zone defense of Alumni was not to be penetrated. Neither could they take any shot. Moeketsi Matima got a backdoor assist from Cebekhulu for a winning basket. The sms that Likhi sent to his players the night before was truly inspirational to their championship mettle. The players only brought their game to their matches.

Dynasty consolidated their position at the top by beating Khayalami 55 – 46. This was one of the best games for Khayalami. They showed positive signs in the game and are poised to reach the Best Four Finals on 18 October.

Results of the rest of the games

Firebirds 52 – 49 Tswelopele
Dynasty 85 – 26 Tswelopele
Firebirds 37- 82 Hoop Stars
Alumni 98- 43 Mangaung Snippers

Continue reading »

Khayalami hostel of the University of the Free State continued with their fine form when they beat Hoop Stars 59 – 54 this past weekend. Khayalami had a slow start to their game losing the first quarter 7-12. It was the introduction of the candidate of Rookie of the Year award Papi Radebe which changed the complexion of the game. From going in circles, Khayalami became more organised in their attacks from the beginning of second quarter. They were also helped by Hoop Stars who were in a charity mood. They cost themselves no more than 12 turnovers. They hardly made a successful jumper, mistakes that saw Khayalami leading 26-25 at half time. Hoop Stars came back to the game late in the fourth quarter to decrease the winning score to 5 points.
Dynasty had an easy game against Mangaung Snippers by winning 71-46. It was the second string of Dynasty who opened the score with 5 minutes on the clock. This came from the threats from the bench to substitute the entire first five.  But it was number 7, Tshepo Kgosi of the opposition who stole the limelight. Ending the game at 20 points, the young Kgosi would have a bright future in basketball were the Professional Basketball League on progress. It takes watching players like these to realise the atrocities committed by the stagnating pro basketball.  The introduction of Motaki Madimabe changed the complexion of the game. Although he came in with a directive to motivate the second team, he was in far many positions to make every basket count.

The rest of the scores are: Dynasty 48 – 44 Hoopstars; Firebirds 25 -21 Mangaung Snippers.

Commentary

Continue reading »

Khayalami marched on another victory in the KBL by demolishing Tswelopele Hostel with 27 points. This is the second biggest margin by Khayalami is as many weeks. The flagship of University of the Free State basketball must be commended for their gradual improvement. This has come through tremendous efforts of the team manager, Ntlantla Mloyeni to lure talented players to his team. Moreover these players are residing at the hostel. Commenting on their performance, Mloyeni said no one has seen their best yet. This statement must be taken seriously since the team never had time to go practice despite the basketball courts being a stone’s throw from their house. It was Masotja “Soldier” Nkosi who opened the score for Khayalami. This forward is also gaining momentum on his game which has improved. His positioning became the order of the day as he managed to score 16 points to help Khayalami win the game 41-14.

Despite the absence of Mollah Sefotlhelo, Dynasty continued with their unbeaten run by beating Raptors 55-34. The plays that the Dynasty team uses makes them a marvel to watch. They combine their winning ways with the beautiful exhibition of the sport of basketball. It is interesting to note that the quality of their performance is also based on the development plan the team from Thaba Nchu strictly adheres to. They continuously allow young players to practice with them. These youngsters develop an intellect of the sport earlier in their youth in preparation of the future. For them it is not the passion of the game that spurs them. It is the pedigree of the game of basketball.

Information supplied by Setlogelo Lucas Radebe