Snipers eager to play ball
Hout Bay Snipers Basketball Club founder and chairman Bryn Mbulawa, 30, from Imizamo Yethu, is keeping a close eye on the soon to be unveiled basketball court currently under construction, at the Hout Bay Family Park.
Understandably so, as Mbulawa and his young charges can hardly wait for an opportunity to sharpen their skills.
The club, established in 2014, has six teams with 55 players in total and caters for both girls and boys.
“I started playing basketball in 2002 when I was 12, playing for my primary school team and throughout high school and college,” he said.
“When we established the club our main aim was to grow future leaders and superstars through education and use the game of basketball as a vehicle to success as well as uniting the youth from all Hout Bay communities.
“For me getting into coaching was just a way of contributing to society and also sharing the passion and love of the game.”
He said the club has affiliated to the Cape Town Basketball Association (CTBA) since 2015 and won back-to-back championships in 2018 and 2019.
Like all sporting codes, Snipers was dealt a heavy blow due to the ongoing Covid pandemic and restrictions placed on sports activities.
Suddenly they had bigger concerns than just playing ball.
“2020 was a tough year for us just like how tough it was for everyone.
“Because of the pandemic we didn’t play any competitive games and we could also not practice.
“During the lockdown period we partnered with some of the organisations and some of our club sponsors who have helped us with some food packages which were given to all our players to assist their families at that difficult period of time.
“At the moment we are waiting for CTBA to give us the green light about when games will resume,” he said.
Having a brand new court makes the prospect of playing again all the more appealing, he said.
“We approached the City’s sport department asking for space to put up a basketball court, but the City and with the support of ward councillor Roberto Quintas we were able to secure upgrading of the family park and the new multi-purpose courts.
“And now finally it's happening, we’re so delighted as the courts will help a lot to develop the players and help them to achieve their dreams.
“On behalf of our basketball club and the basketball fraternity we would like to give thanks to all involved in making this a reality,” he said.
