It’s about development on and off the court, says Vikings coach

fuad Esack|Published 6 months ago

Montana Vikings coach, Shafiek Allie, rallies his troops during time-out in the Jr NBA cup final match against Eagles, at UCT, on Sunday. Picture: Fuad Esack

Montana Vikings coach, Shafiek Allie, could afford to flash a half-decent smile and give his players a pat on the back, following their 48-11 demolition job against Observatory-based Eagles, in the Jr NBA finals at UCT, at the weekend.

The third edition of the annual junior tournament featured teams from across the city with Vikings getting the better of neighbours Heideveld Basketball Club to set up an epic final against Eagles, who themselves had been performing well throughout the two-day competition. That is, until they came up against Vikings.

Montana Vikings’ Trust Zvinongoza, looks to spread the ball under the watchful eye of coach Shafiek Allie and the Vikings bench, during Sunday’s Jr NBA final match against Eagles. Picture: Fuad Esack

“At Montana Vikings, we believe that development is key to building a successful club. It's not just about what happens on the court; off the court is equally important,” Allie said.

With 11 teams playing in the Cape Town Basketball Association (CTBA) across all divisions, from under-12 to senior, the most any club in the CTBA has, Allie and his fellow coaches certainly have no shortage of talent at their disposal.

However, he said, instead of just focusing on winning, they try to get the players to get the basics right, trusting that the victories will follow.

Eagles Basketball Club’s Amaan Adams slips past Montana Vikings’ Joshua Tsheke Mvumbi, who was named MVP at the Jr NBA tournament, held at UCT. Picture: Fuad Esack

Understandably happy with the result, the winning coach was quick to commend his counterparts on the good work their coaches are doing at their respective clubs.

“Most of my boys have been together for nearly three years now, we have many losses under our belt but I'm thrilled to see them starting to reap the rewards of their hard work.

“There’s nothing more rewarding than watching the kids I coached now representing their university or a national team. It brings such joy to see their hard work paying off, and I couldn't be prouder. It makes all the hard work we put in as coaches worth it,” he said.

Allie’s side was not the only Vikings squad that did well at the weekend, as their girls’ under-16 team, led by coach Mihlali Mpako, also won their division.

Squad members Ayabonga Jessica Noncunga and Josh Mvumbi were both named MVP in their respective divisions.

Montana Vikings Ayabonga Nonchunga, keeps Hot Shots’ Kelly Paxton at bay during the girls’ under-16 final. Ayabonga was named MVP in the girls’ section. Picture: Fuad Esack

Eagles Basketball Club’s Mark Esselaar blocks a shot at goal, during his side’s Jr NBA cup final match against eventual winners, Montana Vikings. Picture: Fuad Esack

Cape Waves Nkosinathi Vulani looks to distribute the ball during his side’s match against Eagles. Picture: Fuad Esack

Eagles live wire, Raees Jassiem, causing problems for the defence during his side’s Jr NBA cup final match against Vikings. Picture: Fuad Esack

Heideveld Basketball Club’s Keara Bizzare, right, under pressure from Cape Waves’ Anita Goba, looks for support during their sides third place play-off match. Picture: Fuad Esack

Eagles Samuel Lawn considers his options during his side’s Jr NBA final match against Vikings. Picture: Fuad Esack

Nyanga-based Cape Waves Basketball Club’s Siphesihle Vuwani goes on the offence with Heideveld Basketball Club’s Jeanelle Roberts moving in. Picture: Fuad Esack