The NBA and the Royal Bafokeng Nation (RBN) have launched the Royal Bafokeng NBA Development Programme, a multifaceted school-based basketball development programme focusing on developing the game in the North West Province of South Africa.
The Royal Bafokeng NBA Development Programme teaches basketball fundamentals and life skills through Royal Bafokeng Sports’ “Sports in Schools” programme, which emphasises the value of physical education and sports as part of a holistic approach to education.
The programme tip off featured Luc Mbah a Moute (Cameroon) of the Milwaukee Bucks, WNBA legend Dawn Staley, one of the most accomplished and decorated USA women’s basketball players in history, along with NBA All-Star performer and Guinness World Record Holder Joe Odhiambo.
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His Majesty King Leruo Molotlegi of the Royal Bafokeng Nation, NBA Vice President, Development – Africa Amadou Fall, Managing Director Royal Bafokeng Sports (RBS) George Khunou, and President of Basketball South Africa Malesala Maleka were present at the launch.
“Community partnership is at the core of our approach to developing basketball in Africa and reflects our belief that local investment in the game is the key to its global growth,” said Fall. “The Royal Bafokeng Nation’s eagerness to better its communities through the game of basketball is evident in the speed at which this programme has come together with courts, coaches and community support already being developed.”
“Basketball is a physical and competitive game that will engage our girls and boys in healthy activity, and also provide lots of fun. The Bafokeng vision for development is focused on personal responsibility, team effort, and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence. The NBA shares our values in this regard, which is why they are a perfect partner in our African hoop dreams,” said Kgosi Molotlegi. “We believe the best way to engage with our youth is through sports and this is evident from the recent achievements in the sports arena in our nation.”
About NBA Africa
The NBA has a long history in the African continent and opened its first office in Africa in 2010, appointing Amadou Gallo Fall as Vice President for Development. NBA games, featuring ten players from Africa, are broadcast to fans in 55 African countries and territories in five languages. Through NBA Cares, the NBA has helped create 30 places to live, learn or play in Africa, including technology centers, libraries, youth hostels, dining facilities, health clinics, homes and basketball courts.
For the past eight years the NBA has conducted Basketball without Borders Africa, a basketball instructional camp for young people that also promotes leadership, education, sportsmanship, and healthy living. More than 100 NBA players and team personnel and more than 500 campers have participated in the camps in Johannesburg and Dakar, including former campers Nigerian native Solomon Alabi (Toronto Raptors), Congo native Christian Eyenga (Cleveland Cavaliers), Cameroon native Luc Mbah a Moute (Milwaukee Bucks) and Senegalese native Hamady Ndiaye (Washington Wizards).