FLIPPING BOOK CHRONICLE 2024

BASKETBALL Back Row: Lufuno Kanyongolo, Ziyanda Hlongwa, Max Rautenbach, Ike Githinji Middle Row: Benjamin English, Cameron Schwegmann, David Moodie, Richard Grant Front Row (seated): Angelo Nkosi, Kyle Farndell, Mr Nkululeko Mthalane, Ntando Mbhele, Thando Makopo

Similarly, our U15As attended the annual St John’s College tournament in February, and played some excellent basketball. They played three pool matches, winning two and losing one. They lost in the quarter-final to KES (36-27) and finished eighth overall out of 24 teams. In the U15 Northwood tournament they played six, winning three and losing three. This saw them finish tenth out of 21 teams. The experience was a valuable one for this promising group. The second Michaelhouse U14 Invitational Basketball Festival, contested during the October holiday, and was a resounding success. The boys thoroughly enjoyed the event, and some very good basketball was played. We again entered our U14A and U14B teams into the tournament. Both teams showed great courage and played seven full-length matches over the course of the two-day event. The festival format meant there were no placements. The spirit of these teams

was excellent, and the boys made big strides in their own individual skill levels.

Boys and coaches alike have thoroughly enjoyed this busy and productive year on the courts. I would like to say a final word of thanks to all the coaches and players involved. We are very privileged to have experienced coaches on our teaching and intern staff, as well as the services of a number of top external coaches. We were delighted to welcome three new coaches, Mr Ayanda Mthembu, Mr Simphiwe Dubazana and Mr Wandile Duma to the club and look forward to many happy years with them on our coaching team. We bid farewell to Mr Mfundo Gumede, Mr Anele Cebo and Mr Sinethemba Mabaleka at the end of the year. Although the year has been testing for the club, we are more motivated than ever to see our boys playing their best basketball, and look forward to the challenges of 2025. 135