St Peter’s College basketball player headed to Italy for Tricolore Games

Fourways resident, Scylla Rai Govender is ready to pave the wave in her basketball career.

April 23, 2023

Khomotso Makgabutlane 2 minutes read

St Peter’s College’s Scylla Rai Govender during a match against Pretoria High School for Girls. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

A young Fourways resident and St Peter’s College learner hopes to shoot plenty of hoops for her country in Italy.

Scylla Rai Govender is ready to represent South Africa in the Tricolore Games in Italy in July this year. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

In the point guard position, Scylla Rai Govender (16) will represent South Africa in basketball at the Tricolore Games in Italy from July 24 to 30. She got into the sport thanks to her older brother, Tristan as he also played.
“I was in Grade 6 at St Peter’s Girls Prep. They didn’t have basketball for girls, so when I got to high school, I then took part in the sport,” she said.
“I used to play with my brother and he taught me a lot about the sport.”

Fourways resident Scylla Rai Govender goes to take a shot at the basketball hoop. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Her call-up came from being part of the Gauteng District East schools’ team in last year’s OR Tambo Soncini games in Germiston. She was named one of the top players in the tournament. At the end of the games in Germiston, top-performing players were put in a team set to represent South Africa at the games in Italy.
Scylla said she is excited to represent her country as this is the first time she will be doing so. “It has always been my goal to play overseas, so I’m excited that I’ll get to live my dream. It will be my first time going to Europe, so it’s a new experience. Maybe I’ll get to learn some Italian while I’m there as well,” she said.

Scylla Rai Govender from St Peter’s College with her basketball achievements over the years. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

She has a deep passion for basketball whether she plays or watches. In the professional NBA (National Basketball League) in the United States, she supports the Golden State Warriors. Her second team is the Los Angeles Lakers with her favourite player being Steph Curry.
Scylla plays basketball and netball for her school. In basketball, she was named in her school’s first team in Grade 9. Currently in Grade 10, she recently received full colours in the sport.

Basketball is still in Scylla’s future as she wants to get a scholarship in Europe to take part in the basketball league there while studying. She also for basketball in South Africa to continue its growth.
“Playing in the US wouldn’t be a problem, but I’d like to get involved with the European basketball scene since it’s also getting more and more developed,” she said.