Vikings in need of funds as they head to Soweto

Montana Vikings Basketball Club are on a mission to send a team of 40 boys and girls, along with management and coaches, to take part in the Soweto Basketball Uprising festival and tournament in June.

To get there, they need help to cover expenses including transport, accommodation, meals, and equipment.

“We need to raise a total of R300 000 and every contribution will help,” said Shafiek Allie, Montana Vikings chairman and junior boys’ coach.

One of the Montana Vikings ambitious goals is to enter the South African Basketball National League (BNL) and subsequently the Basketball Africa League (BAL).

As a stepping stone toward this objective, Montana Vikings are planning to send a team to Soweto Basketball Uprising from Friday June 14 to Monday June 17.

Allie described Montana Vikings Basketball Club as a cornerstone of local communities, serving the areas of Montana, Charlesville, Gugulethu, Nyanga, and Valhalla Park.

“Our vision is to utilise basketball as a powerful tool for outreach and youth development, providing a positive outlet for young individuals and keeping them engaged in constructive activities away from the streets.”

Allie said having a chance to play in Soweto will give the players an opportunity to compete with the best.

He said the club does not only focus on basketball but also gives players a quiet space to study with the assistance of tutors.

Matsepe Thato, captain of the under-18 girls’ team, described the club as a family.

“Going to Soweto will mean a lot to us as we will be able to showcase what we have learned here as a club. A sponsor’s assistance can even help us win the tournament.”

Boys’ captain Joshua Scott said if they get to Soweto they will show South Africa that Vikings is not just a basketball club but a family and they will be flying the flag of Cape Town.

The team has created a BackaBuddy account for those who can donate or contact Allie on 084 650 8771 for more information.