Basketball expands development programme
Dumisani Ncube | Thursday August 25, 2016 14:40
BBA development coaches have been mentoring school teachers and students in places such as Maun, Kasane, Shakawe and Samochima. BBA is working with the Botswana Integrated Sports Association (BISA) for school basketball as part of youth development.
“This year we have supported 35 teachers with introduction to coaching initiative. We are also working on supporting these 35 teachers to complete FIBA Coaching level I course,” said BBA development director, Mothusi Thipe.
He said there are 65 FIBA Level I coaches in schools around the country. Thipe said with the ongoing development programme BBA’s objective is that by 2022, at least 350 schools around the country should have Level I accredited coaches.
The mentorship programme is an annual initiative whereby national team coaches travel around the country mentoring students and teachers.
Thipe however said they face challenges. “It takes two months to complete the circuit, there is a short supply of equipment such as basketball balls and training aids. There is need for more vehicular support,” he said.
A recent development programme that will be taking place is the Giants of Africa (GoA) training camp. This is a non-profit foundation created by Masai Ujiri, the general manager of NBA outfit Toronto Raptors. GoA’s main objective is to promote basketball in Africa. Through the programme Toronto Raptors coaches will host a three-day training camp at the University of Botswana.
The training camp will see 50 junior players aged between 15-18 years-of-age and coaches taking part.
Meanwhile, the BBA has announced that Botswana will host the Zone VI Club Champions tournament next year.