Shooting his way up with basketball

Kwa-Thema – Thandokuhle Kunene (30) is a professional basketball player and an entrepreneur.
He started playing basketball at the age of 16, after he was introduced to the game by a group of international players who were on a camp visit in Swaziland, where he spent most of his childhood.
He plays for Soweto Panthers in the Basketball National League South Africa.
Last year he played for North West in the national league.
“The minute I touched the ball I knew there was something special about this sport.
“It immediately felt so natural.
“I truly believe I was destined to grace this stage,” said Kunene.
At the age of 20 he was named captain for the Swaziland national team.

Also read: Local basketball team shines at basketball tournament

Immediately thereafter, he was given the opportunity to play overseas; however, things didn’t go according to plan.
“Unfortunately, due to bad administration we missed out on an opportunity to play in Cleveland, Ohio.
“My heart was shattered, to say the least.
“This was about the same time my mentality shifted, and I realised sport is more than just being on the court and shooting hoops, but the technical aspect of it is very important as well.
“Regardless of how things turned out at that time, it opened my eyes as to how far I can actually take this,” added Kunene.

Kunene’s father is South African and his mom is Malawian.
He grew up in Swaziland, where his father and grandfather relocated for employment.
He said to get support from his parents he had to teach his mother to fall in love with the sport.
“My family started supporting me because I was still doing well at school, while also participating in extramural activities.
“I think once my mom realised I was able to balance my schoolwork and basketball, and her seeing what I could do on the court is when she understood my passion for the sport.”
He moved to Kwa-Thema in 2015, where he joined local team, Kwa-Thema Bulls, and was soon given the team captain position.

Also read: Basketball clinics for the under-13 at KwaThema Sports Complex

“When I joined the team my goal was to revamp the sport through development and community building.
“Fortunately, the team was welcoming and we had the same goals.
“We have been introducing the sport to learners of different ages.
“It didn’t make sense to be shooting hoops in an environment where the youth has fallen into the trap of drugs, substance and alcohol abuse,” explained Kunene.
He said being part of the team helped him understand the fundamentals of what it takes to be a professional player.
His next game will be on February 13.
All games are televised on SuperSport.

Follow us on: