South Africa's basketball on the rise among the youth

South Africa’s Sport and Recreational Department has committed itself to reviving basketball as a sport of choice among young people.

Top schools from South Africa converge at St Johns College in Johannesburg for one of the best junior basketball tournaments in the game’s calendar.

“This is really a blueprint for us and we went to an area where most of those young people have never watched a basketball game. Today there is a striving league for both boys and girls with over 10,000 participating,” Amadou Gallo, NBA vice president and managing director in Africa told Africanews correspondent in South Africa.

Experts say that there is still a lot that needs to be done to make basketball more accessible in the country.

“For a mere effect that it is a product, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t support it if you don’t put yourself out there. So I think basketball needs more of marketing. We are in a high school tournament and there are many parents sitting out there supporting their kids so that should be that way even in the poor level as well,” said Dubravka, a former NBA player and coach.

Much emphasis is now being put on structures, policies, and regulations. Processes are being followed to ensure they are aligned to the highest standards in the sport.