NBA Africa on a mission to popularize Basketball in South Africa

In recent years, South Africa has become one of the African countries that have struggled to perform on the African, and global basketball stages. 

As a result, nurturing talent from the grassroots level has been a challenge, and Basketball South Africa’s current financial state warrants concern. 

In an effort to make a change, NBA Africa’s Head of Social Responsibility, Mthoko Madonda in this interview discusses efforts to grow the sport in South Africa, financial support, nurturing coaches, and interest from young children.

Growing the game:

Basketball in South Africa ranks among many of the unpopular sporting codes, often overshadowed by Rugby, Soccer, and Cricket.

However, over the past 11 years, with the introduction of the South African Basketball National League (BNL), appetite for the sport in the republic has slightly increased. 

It’s at the grassroots level and in disadvantaged communities where many young kids struggle to get their hands on a basketball. Through clinics and coaching activations, NBA Africa says it wants to end the lack of accessibility for the sport. 

“Gender parity is important to us, we want as many girls playing the sport, providing them with equal opportunities as the boys.”

“There’s a wider strategic objective for us, we’ve got various projects around the country and there’s a lot of investments that we are doing as NBA Africa to grow the game from grassroots all the way to elite.”

Financial Support:

NBA Africa has a junior league in Johannesburg which is made up of several private schools, and public schools in communities like Soweto.

The aim is to at least have a running league in every province; however, they’ll need serious financial backing from the government and stakeholders to achieve that specific goal.

“We want to grow the sport, but we can’t do it alone,” added Madonda.

Nurturing coaches:

For NBA Africa to get the grassroots structures operating swiftly, one of the important aspects of growing the game would be to ensure that coaches are well-equipped to assist young players on and off the park.

This includes making sure that coaches are knowledgeable about the game, have the necessary tools and resources to coach, and are upskilling themselves regularly. 

Madonda says it’s a key area they’ve invested in. 

“Without good coaches, we can’t grow the game, let’s be honest,” he said.

“It’s very important we provide local coaches with skills, and tools, so they can become the best coaches possible.

“It’s part of our key strategic pillar, we want to do more in terms of helping coaches. We want to have more coaching clinics, and training sessions with them, and encourage them to study the game, and improve their knowledge.”