The South African Masters Basketball Tournament (SAMBA) was held at the Brixton Multipurpose Centre from 22 to 25 September 2022. “This was the biggest SAMBA tournament so far. Teams came from six SADEC countries such as Angola, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, pitched a total of 36 teams, made up of 336 players.
“It was great to host this 38th annual tournament in Johannesburg,” said Cllr Alex Christians the President of SAMBA and the Secretary General of SA Masters Sports Association.The final games saw SA teams win the most gold medals.
The men’s gold medallists are M30-39 Vest (SA), M40- 45 Spartans (SA), and M46+ Young Legends 46xeres (SA). The ladies’ gold medallists are L30-39 Blazing Lilies (Zim) and L40= Nutcrackers (SA). Cllr Christians played in various age groups and won two gold medals for Spartans and Young Legends 46xeres (SA).
“I am a member of the Spartans Basketball Team. Twice a week, we have a basketball development programme here in Brixton Multipurpose Centre. We coach players coming from as far as Coronationville, Westbury and Newclare. We even got these players to join the NBA Junior league.”
Pedro Matie, a 54-year-old basketball player from the Electricidade de Mocambique Basketball Team, said: “I am enjoying the tournament and looking forward to winning our next game.”
When asked about how South Africa is, he said: “It is a beautiful country. People are friendly and I will be coming back for this tournament next year.”
Watching elders playing basketball was phenomenal. They ran, scored, from time to time faulted each other, scored and missed and continued running.
“After all, it is about fun, meeting new people and keeping healthy. Thank you, Johannesburg,” said Richard Phillips, one of the spectators.The tournament was hosted in collaboration with the City of Johannesburg’s Sport and Recreation.
27/09/2022