DESPITE concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, the PE Comets eighth annual Development Basketball Tournament takes place at NU 5 Emadramini Basketball Court and at Raymond Mhlaba Indoor Sports Centre, from today until Saturday.
According to Comets’ president and tournament director, Sibongile Fondini, the tournament is making its come back, happening under level one COVID-19 regulations, which were announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday, which allow for the return of sports activities, but only under strict safety regulations and protocols.
“PE Comets had an opportunity to host this all-important tournament successfully last year during its usual time at the end of January before the pandemic affected everything.
“This year, the tournament was merely delayed in order to allow for safer conditions under COVID-19.
“The eighth edition of the event is now scheduled to run at the Raymond Mhlaba Indoor Sports Centre and NU 5 Emadramini Basketball Park from today until Saturday.
“It has become one of the most anticipated tournaments in junior basketball and already the junior teams that come far–afield from Makhanda and around the Nelson Mandela Bay have confirmed their participation,” said Fondini.
Fondini highlighted that it was ‘all systems go’ now, as preparations behind the scenes had been taking place since 2020.
According to Fondini, the primary objective of hosting the tournament is to promote the growth of basketball.
“We are the only basketball club (in the area) that remains extremely committed to embarking on various developmental initiatives of this nature, which makes us even more determined to organise this tournament,” said Fondini.
Fondini revealed that the tournament would run under very strict COVID-19 safety regulations . They have secured the critical national permission to host the tournament as required by the government and are therefore looking forward in ensuring thqat nothing will go wrong.
The games commence today and continue on Thursday and Friday at Raymond Mhlaba Indoor Sports Centre with the final day being on Saturday, March 6, at Emadramini from 09:00 to 18:00.
