ELBA wishes USA bound members all the best
“I know you will do well because you will be flying the SA flag and more importantly the Edenvale flag and the Edenvale Lions flag.”
Festivities and celebrations were the order of the day when Edenvale Lions Basketball Academy (ELBA) held a farewell ceremony for two of its members who signed with an American basketball academy earlier this year.
The duo, Edenvale residents Samukelo Radebe and Luke Bondonno, signed with Westlake Preparatory School and Academy, Florida, in March.
The Lions are two of three SA basketball citizens who will join the Florida academy.
The 18-year-olds, who matriculated last year, visited Washington DC in 2020 as part of the Trax Sports Nation programme and tour.
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In March, Trax Sports Nation and basketball players from the USA visited SA and selected several players to go overseas.
The ceremony was held at ELBA’s home grounds at Edenvale Sports Grounds on May 15 and had guest speakers such as former Holy Rosary School for Girls learner Edith Venter and Ward 18 Clr Heather Hart, who assisted in establishing the court.
Luke and Samukelo said they are looking forward to the journey and are busy working on travel arrangements.
“It’s a very sad day but at the same time it’s one of the happiest days for the academy so we are excited about what’s to come,” said co-founder and coach of the academy Byron Pinheiro.
Hart applauded the academy for what it has achieved.
“We are incredibly proud of you, your coaches and your team for making you what you are. I know you will do well because you will be flying the SA flag and more importantly the Edenvale and the Edenvale Lions flag.”
Born and raised in Edenvale, guest speaker Edith said it felt great to be a part of the farewell ceremony.
She commended founders and coaches Edson Makavan and Byron for the work they did to establish the court.
“You guys have walked the walk and talked the talk and given these young gentlemen something to aspire to.”
She congratulated Luke and Samukelo for their perseverance and following their dreams and encouraged more to follow suit.
Makavan said although it was a momentous occasion, deep down he was emotional.
“Yes, you are leaving us, it is great. But at the moment I can’t imagine running around shooting the ball without you guys on the court. I wish you the best, may the Lord enlighten your path.
“Go out there and show the world where you are from, you are Lions and you are having a great future ahead of you.”
He reminded the pair to stay humble and to be true to themselves.
The academy thanked all of its sponsors, namely Build It, Flash Harry, Dlala Music and Elm Street Cafe for assisting in making the day possible.
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