WATCH: A safe place to shoot the breeze – and some hoops

In 2013, a group of Soweto locals focused their attention on an old, dilapidated sporting facility in Jabavu, with the hopes of turning the property into a place the community could use. At the time, drug dealers and users infested the area and muggings were common in the popular pedestrian corridor.

Today, it is one of the leading basketball academies in South Africa.

“It seems this place has a spirit,” explains Monwabisi Dlamini, co-founder and coach of the Soweto Basketball Academy. “In the 1970s, these were the first official basketball courts in SA. Unfortunately, over the years it fell into ruin. We just wanted to clean up the facility and create something the community could use. But it seems our fate was predetermined.”

Coach Monwabisi Dlamini poses for a photograph inside his office. Dlamini is a co-founder of the Soweto Basketball Academy. Picture: Michel Bega

Though he had never played basketball and was more adept at traditional local sports like rugby, soccer and cricket, “Coach Mo”, as he is known to his students, found himself drawn to the court.

“In Soweto, there are limited sport choices. Everybody plays soccer, or you don’t play sport at all, which leads to bored children and to trouble. We wanted to give children an alternative.

“We started with nothing. We had to make a basketball hoop with patched-up pieces of metal. And we bought a cheap basketball from Shoprite. We thought any ball would do – we didn’t realise you needed to spend money to get quality.”

The Soweto Basketball Academy also offers students life skills training, dealing with issues such as bullying, hygiene and respect for others. Picture: Michel Bega

They also didn’t realise how quickly the community would take to shooting hoops.

Today, the Soweto Basketball Academy has 260 students in its programme. The academy has claimed many local league titles and tournaments. Four of its students represent SA in the junior national basketball team.

The colourful murals that decorate the Soweto Basketball Academy were painted by Soweto artist Senzo. Picture: Michel Bega

“I had to teach myself very quickly how to play basketball and how to coach,” explains Dlamini. “I watched many YouTube videos to get me to where I am now. And I have received guidance from other coaches along the way.

“But I still have a long way to go.”

The academy also offers life skills training, which is overseen by co-founder Jacob Tsiane.

The Soweto Basketball Academy competes in the Junior NBA League, which has been running for three years. The academy has won the league twice. Picture: Michel Bega

Life skills classes are offered twice a month, covering subjects like dealing with bullying, self-confidence, hygiene, discipline, how to work in a team and teaching students to respect their peers and fellow community members.

“You’ll be surprised – some children don’t even know basic life skills,” explains Dlamini. “Being situated in Jabavu, 80% of our students come from impoverished backgrounds.

The Soweto Basketball Academy has titles such as the St Stithians U13 and U16 tournaments, the American School U12, U14 and U16 tournaments, the Soweto Basketball Uprising, the Junior NBA League and the Soweto Basketball League among others. Picture: Michel Bega

“But as they represent our school, we want them to represent us at the highest level in all aspects.

“We try to groom the child holistically – through their physical ability, as well as educationally and spiritually.”

Primary school students vie for the ball in a Wednesday afternoon match. Picture: Michel Bega

Masonwabe Mene, 15, trains at the academy daily.

“I grew up with an abusive stepfather, so it was hard for me to concentrate on school work,” he says. “Before I came across the Soweto Basketball Academy I didn’t play any sport, but the academy has helped me through basketball [to] focus on my school work.

“I’d like to achieve my dreams of playing in the NBA [America’s National Basketball Association] one day, to help my mother and brother and lift them up out of our current living situation.

The majority of students training at the facility are at primary school level. According to Coach Dlamini it’s imperative to develop children from as young as possible. Picture: Michel Bega

“Basketball has brought me happiness. Without basketball I can’t smile.”

The academy is a registered non-profit organisation and does not receive payment from parents. Dlamini and Tsiane receive no salary – even though coaching takes up a large portion of their day.

Additionally the coaches fund some of the running costs, including travel expenses and kit requirements.

Two hundred and sixty children train at the Soweto Basketball Academy. Picture: Michel Bega

“It’s my duty to make sure the children are exposed to the sport and benefit from the programme,” states Dlamini. “I don’t want these children to be denied access to something that could be their talent.

“It makes me proud to say we are providing a high standard of basketball training – so much so that if you come through this academy you could even play for the national team one day.”

Students interact on the sidelines of a game. The colourful mats that make up the court were donated by American NBA star Carmelo Anthony. Picture: Michel Bega

In 2017 the academy received a boost from American professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers Carmelo Anthony.

While on a holiday tour of Soweto he came across the facility and recognised what Dlamini and Tsiane were attempting to do with their meagre resources. Anthony donated an upgrade to the court, which included the colourful surface the students practice on today.

Children often play in their school shoes. Coach Monwabisi Dlamini indicates there is a need for donations of basketball sneakers as these are unaffordable for most of the children of Jabavu. Picture: Michel Bega

Dlamini and Tsiane would love to see one of their prospects reach the same heights as Anthony.

“One of our long-term goals is to see a South African-born child play in the NBA or the WNBA [Women’s National Basketball Association]. It will happen,” says Dlamini confidently.

Video: Carlos Muchave

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