TVT postponed to the end of November
“Failing to plan is planning to fail and we are planning this tournament properly.”
After facing delays in its programme due to a broadcasting schedule, Edenvale Lions Basketball Academy’s The Vale Tournament was postponed to the end of November.
The event was originally intended to be held between August 23 and 29.
Following the delay, the tournament set to take place at Ellis Park Arena will be held between November 29 and December 3.
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Co-founder of Elba Edson Makavan said the broadcasting schedule as well as the academy needing to finalise sponsorship caused the the delay.
“We have people who are 100% in. They want to sponsor, so now we need to sit down and discuss the packages.”
With R1m in prize money up for grabs, Elba hopes this tournament, which is Basketball SA endorsed, will be the biggest basketball tournament.
Limited to eight teams the preference will be given to local teams before the tournament is opened to teams from the African continent.
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Makavan said there were six South African teams participating at this stage, with the possibility of two West African teams taking part.
Earlier this year, co-founder of the academy Byron Pinheiro said if the tournament is a success, Elba will be able to further develop itself and its players.
“We can then look at building an indoor court as we had previously planned.”
Pinheiro explained the club’s plans to expand, highlighted in previous years, were put on hold so it could focus on the tournament.
“We believe this is going to be an awesome tournament,” said Makavan.
Speaking about the delays, Makavan said the academy did not mind as it allowed them to fully prepare.
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“I always say failing to plan is planning to fail, and we are planning this tournament properly.”
With this event three years in the making, Makavan said this year’s TVT is history in the making.
In preparation for the TVT, Makavan said the Lions have been hard at work.
The academy’s senior team made a clean sweep when it participated in a Heritage Day tournament hosted at its home court on September 23 and 24. Teams such as the Wattville Watts, Sharpeville Trojans, Wanderers, Scorpions, Royal Russel’s and hosts ELBA compete.
It was the Lion’s first Ekurhuleni Championship victory.
“The tournament was good. We never lost a game onn the way to the finals,” said Makavan.
Hosted in preparation for the TVT, Makavan said it saw the Lions polish up their skills against some of the best teams.
Additionally, Makavan said the academy has welcomed one of its own, Benji Ngandu, as its new technical coach.
Speaking about his new position, Ngandu said it felt like the next step for him.
“Getting this position gives me the confidence to keep helping the academy. It is a great feeling,” said Ngandu.
