Wits basketballers head to Botswana

by | May 18, 2018

Wits mens and ladies basketball players to participate in the Confederation of University and Colleges Sports Associations games in Botswana

Eight Wits basketball players have been selected to represent South Africa at the Confederation of University and Colleges Sports Associations (CUCSA) teams 2018.

The games are scheduled to take place in Botswana this June. Ten countries are participating and Wits is amongst the ten South African universities chosen to represent South Africa.

Wits sports officer, Ntshembo Vukeya, told Wits Vuvuzela that it is always good to have Wits athletes selected for an international competition.

“It is great that we have eight players selected from both male and female teams. This shows that Wits sports and Wits basketball is a force to be reckoned with, it shows good quality coaching staff we have and, lastly, the talent of students in our campus,” he said.

Vukeya added that the Wits players are now representing all South African Universities.“It is a big responsibility for the selected players, the players will now have an opportunity to play in a high competitive tournament,” he said.

PhD student, Lungile Mtsweni, said she has been selected before for the CUCSA teams in 2010 but it’s always a pleasure to represent South Africa.

“Only the cream of the girls can get selected. I can never get used to it, it always humbles me,” she said.

Mtsweni also said that being selected was evident that she is growing as a player. “I’m growing as a player, my profile is getting enlarged, and this opens new doors internationally.

“I really hope to play better than I have played before. I hope to help my team, my country and represent my university. I expect to be the best player in the tournament,” she said.

Second-year Bcom Accounting student, James Owen, who plays for the Wits Bucks, said it is the first time he’s being selected to represent South Africa and his first time at a high-level competition.

“It’s obviously a privilege and honour to be representing your country at any kind of event and I’m thrilled to do so. Most players only dream of playing for their country and it is now a reality for me,” he said.

Owen believes that this will bring out the best in him and that these games will give him invaluable experience.

“Playing on this level also means playing in a spotlight in front of countless coaches and fans from different countries. This kind of showcase can bring a lot of attention to you as a player and as a team,” Owen said.

James expressed that they wanted to put up the best performance from a South African team.

FEATURED PHOTO: Wits basketball ladies preparing for the international tournament.     Photo by: Nokuthula Mabena

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