NBA whistle stop at BNL games on Friday
The Basketball National League (BNL) has joined forces with the National Basketball Association (NBA) in hosting prominent NBA dignitaries and players on Friday 31 July 2015 at Wembley Indoor Arena in Turffontein as part of the South African Legacy programme. This visit by NBA stars will form part of the BNL league games scheduled to take place on Friday.
The continuing support in growing Basketball in South Africa, mirrors the commitment undertaken by Minister of Sport and Recreation Mr Mbalula who, in 2013, gave an undertaking to the people of South Africa that it was the intention of Sport and Recreation department to revive Basketball in the country as a sport of choice amongst young people.
With BNL now running for its third season, this commitment by the Minister has become a visible and tangible product in growing the basketball sport.
Two key games have been lined up for the evening of Friday 31 July 2015: North West Eagles will be up against Soweto Panthers at 16h30 followed by Tshwane Suns which will go up against Egoli Magic at 19h30. It is befitting that these clubs should be playing on this honorary evening as Tshwane Suns are the reigning BNL Champions whilst Egoli Magic is noticeable a team in top form this season. These games will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
The whistle stop by NBA players on Friday at Wembley Arena enables prominent NBA players in the country for the NBA World Team as well as those forming part of the Africa Team to meet players from the BNL teams. In addition, these NBA players will give basketball fans the opportunity to engage with some of the world’s top players at Wembley.
“The NBA’s hosting of its first game on the continent in South Africa puts South Africa on the global map as a destination of choice for major sports events and sports tourism”, Minister Mbalula affirmed.
Forming part of the NBA’s whistle stop schedule will be an elite coaching clinic which will take place on Thursday the 30th of July for 45 under 18 players as well as local BNL Coaches and National Team Coaches at Wembley. The starting time for this coaching clinic is 5pm.
The partnership which Sport and Recreation has forged with the NBA is already starting to show results.“The NBA has also joined forces with Basketball SA in rolling out mini basketball in 40 primary schools as a pilot programme”, Minister Mbalula said.
Echoing Minister Mbalula’s sentiments, Chairman of BNL, Mr Albert Mokoena applauded the Department of Sport & Recreation as well as Basketball South Africa as integral partners in driving the growth of Basketball domestic game with both the local and international basketball communities.
“Basketball South Africa has been instrumental in creating a competitive basketball environment in which top-flight local talent is showcased at the BNL games, and we are excited to take this next step in displaying our organisational and on-court capabilities in front of the NBA dignitaries and players,” said Mr Albert Mokoena.
The NBA’s first match on African soil signals more good things to come in promoting and advancing Basketball in South Africa.
“More important we are hopeful that this occasion will also help in the transfer of skills and expertise to our own basketball administrators as well as to the benefit of our basketball players”, concluded Minister Mbalula.
Media Inquiries:
Mr. Mickey Modisane: Chief Director - Marketing and Communications
Sport and Recreation National Department
E-mail: Mickey@srsa.gov.za
Cell: 082 992 0101
