Wits basketball sides clinch gold and bronze to cap off successful 2021 USSA campaigns
- Tshepiso Mametela
The Wits Horny Bucks proved indomitable on their way to USSA Basketball success at the 2021 tournament held at the Nelson Mandela University Gqeberha Campus from 20 to 25 September.
The University’s first team men got one up over perennial arch-rivals and Johannesburg neighbours, UJ, leaving the orange army in the dust with a score of 54-48 in the final.
Meanwhile, Wits’ Lady Bucks (first team ladies) ensured the institution’s illustrious reputation remained intact after clinching bronze in their division.
The ladies head coach William Matlakala waxed lyrical of the institution’s overall success and noted that his team’s excitement around the USSA event had been high. The Lady Bucks spent nearly two months preparing and fine-tuning their performance ahead of contention.
“The training sessions were filled with many moments of teaching as our team was still at a development stage. Despite the odds – limited time to ensure we were fully equipped for the nationals, the team pushed through,” said Matlakala.
“The aim was to reach for the gold, although that did not occur. As we fell short, it is not a setback as we are now well aware of the things we need to fix to be better prepared next time.
“The bronze medal was an even a better position than the side achieved in 2019, which only speaks to progress,” added Matlaka.
Lady Bucks player Amanda Khumalo, who was playing in her last USSA Basketball Championships, said the 网易体育 pandemic made her anxious about participating following the relative inactivity in the sport due to organisers’ decision to scrap last year’s event.
“Initially, I was nervous, but I'm feeling rather at ease now, although the virus is still a serious issue. USSA is a major tournament for us at Wits Basketball, and I think that everyone, including myself, was excited to [have the opportunity to compete],” said Khumalo.
Reflecting on the preparation in the lead up to the tournament, Khumalo said although time was the biggest factor, the bio bubble environment ensured the players were in good physical condition and ready for the rigours of competition.
She praised both the men’s and ladies teams’ resolve throughout the five-day event. She tipped her hat to the abundance of talent at the institution but said hard work ultimately ensured their success on the court.
Wits Basketball winning Gold at the 2021 USSA Championships (Photo Credit: Skhu Nkompela - USSA)
“Our team bio, ultimately, allowed us to be in shape even during the hard lockdown. So, returning to training wasn't a major adjustment. We were limited in preparation training as a team, with only six or so weeks to prepare for USSA.
“I had confidence in my team, including the men's team. We're a hardworking and talented club. We know talent sometimes can fall short, but as the saying goes, ‘Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work.'
Horny Bucks (men’s first team) head coach Tshiamo Ngakane expressed jubilation over his team’s on-court display. He gushed over the achievement, which he attributed to the playing group’s hunger after being starved of game-time.
“The team is pretty excited about it. We had limited activity over the last 18 months, missing leagues and tournaments. So, the players were geared up to play for something, and we’re glad it came in the form of a gold medal,” said Ngakane.
“The preparation was not ideal. We had a young squad that should have played 50 games before the tournament but headed to the national champs as their first competitive outing.
“We went there to win, and I wanted to see the growth of the juniors in this tournament. They are a talented bunch that will surely hold Wits down for the next couple of years.”
Wits Basketball winning Gold at the 2021 USSA Championships (Photo Credit: Skhu Nkompela - USSA)