Hopeful to grow its ranks Edenvale Lions Basketball Academy invited community members to join the academy and become part of the Lions family.
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ELBA plans to attract enough players to field an u-12 team and start its master’s programme
With close to 70 players the academy already boasts an u-14, u-16, u-18 and its senior (the Lions) teams.
Coaches and co-founders of the academy coach and co-founder of ELBA Byron Pinheiro and Edson Makavan believe 2022 will be a good year for the academy.
The pair said the academy recently welcomed several new junior players and look forward to welcoming other interested players.
“We are looking forward to the year ahead,” said Makavan.
Pinheiro said if all goes according to plan this year the academy’s main goals are to host The Vale Tournament (TVT) and to construct its new indoor court.
Following the success of last year’s tournament, the academy is hoping to grow the tournament.
The tournament, hosted by the Lions in October, saw numerous teams compete in the tournament.
First place and R25 000 went to the Soweto Panthers, second place and R7 500 went to Randburg Rhinos while ELBA claimed third place and R2 500
Pinheiro said this year ELBA hopes to host a tournament with prize money worth R1 Million.
2022 Also marks the year ELBA hopes to introduce a TVT for its junior players.
Pinheiro said the Junior tournament will most likely have between eight and ten teams competing against each other.
He said the Junior TVT which the academy plans to host in May will have R10 000 prize money up for grabs.
Besides hosting a bigger TVT this year ELBA has its eyes set on building a multi-million Rand indoor basketball facility.
The structure set to be dome-shaped will house two courts and have between 400 and 700 seats inside of it.
Makavan previously told the NEWS that the indoor facility will be built where the academy’s current court is located at Edenvale sports grounds.
“Although these are the academy’s main goals, we can’t give definite dates as there are many variables which may affect them,” said Pinheiro.
Another priority on ELBA’s list this year is giving back to the community and as such the academy is introducing bursaries with the assistance of NPO LadyBug Foundation SA.
“We have had our initial meeting and no we are finalising the date for our next event,” said Pinheiro
“LadyBug Foundation SA has assisted in the past and we look forward to creating a long-lasting partnership with them. “
Pinheiro said other ways in which the academy hopes to help the community include continuing with its food drive, ensuring the talent of its players is recognised and finding additional sponsors for the team.
“A big priority for the academy will be to get a Kombi or similar vehicle to transport players,” said Pinheiro.
To join the academy, assist it to grow or help it with its plans contact it through its Facebook page, alternatively, email byron@biglinkconsulting.co.za
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