Lions dig their claws into 2020
“We hope to provide several full and half sponsorships to some players to cover their monthly costs.”
With the start of 2020, members of Edenvale Lions Basketball Academy are well rested and prepared for the year ahead.
According to coaches and founders Byron Pinheiro and Edson Makavan, the year ahead is set to be a memorable one.
Looking back, 2019 itself was a landmark year for the academy. Its court was resurfaced, lines repainted and new hoops and seating areas were installed.
The coaches said none of what was achieved in 2019 couldn’t have been done without the support of the community, Edenvale Build It, Edenvale City Improvement District and its other sponsors.
Since the academy has become more established, Pinheiro said a monthly fee of R700 has been introduced per member per month.
Looking forward the academy hopes to have The Vale Tournament (TVT) in March.
Pinheiro said like last year the prize money will again be R70 000 and entrance into the tournament will be R3 500.
In the course of 2020, the academy plans to host a prize-giving where awards and sponsorships will be handed to players in need.
“We hope to provide several full and half sponsorships to some players to cover their monthly costs,” said Pinheiro.
Lastly, the academy hopes to be part of an international basketball exchange programme.
Pinheiro said he is in discussions with a business partner and hopes to have the programme in place by the end of 2020.
