KWANOBUHLE-BASED side, Uitenhage Kings Basketball Club, has put its house in order, following five years of inactivity in the Nelson Mandela Bay Basketball Association League.
Established in 2001, Kings experienced some major challenges that resulted in them withdrawing from the regional league. Kings’ coach, Mongezi Lugodlo, informed PE Express that some of their challenges included finances and transport for the players. Lugodlo stated that the majority of Kings’ membership were learners.
Lugodlo said, “Our challenges that we were faced with were the transport for players to go to play fixtures, finances and facilities as well as the players who come from the less fortunate homes. The court that we use for practices has lots of cracks which pose risks to our players.”
Lugodlo, chairperson Lukhanyo Zendile and five senior players had to dig deep into their pockets to revive their club.
Lugodlo highlighted that their aim was to keep the youth in sport, which is why they decided to support their club financially. Zendile said that their players showed keen interest in basketball and some parents were very supportive.
He urged the community business people to support the community clubs. He thanked Lovelife for equipping their players with life skills.
