By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
“We had 247 last year, and this year’s numbers increased. Alexandra Basketball Club is a community development that keeps kids out of drugs, streets of Alexandra to a better future. We educate them through the game of basketball,” says Ali Senoamadi.
Ali says that this year they have 4 young people who left the club to study at various universities thanks to basketball scholarships.
“We have two young people that went to represent SA in Lesotho U17 region 5 games, and they’ll be proceeding to Malawi 2022.
“We have 4 graduates that left 5 years ago, one is a teacher at the Wendywood High school from Wits university, one is an engineer, the other’s are still busy with job interviews,” he says.
He says their goal in 2022 is to start an U12 primary school league. The objective is to start developing these children at an early age, keep them occupied and get them scholarships in different private schools through basketball.
“All primary schools are invited at Skeen Primary School on the 27th of January around 14:30, for our meeting with the department of education.
” As the founder of the club, Iam very impressed with the progress of the club, hence the focus now will be U12. So we keep them away from drugs at an early age.
” I want to encourage parents to use this opportunity, support and encourage their kids to join sports at their various schools.
“My goal is to see as many kids from Alexandra primary schools going to different private schools through basketball scholarships in 2023.”
He says that his life and purpose as the founder is to change the lives of young people. “We really appreciate the support from Mme Dipuo from Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust and her team for the support.
” If it wasn’t for their organization, our kids would be stuck in Alex. We also appreciate the support from Epiglo Civils from Kempton Park and Alex FM for their continuous support.
“Mr Blackman and Phandora Mabai, your contribution to this young disadvantaged kids means a lot to them.
“Lastly, we are looking for more sponsors and local businesses to come assist as our numbers are increasing daily.
For more information, please contact Ali on 081 595 3664.