McCoughtry hails programmes like NBA Africa and Basketball without Boarders

Atlanta Dream forward Angel McCoughtry says she was surprised to see that some of the girls that attended her basketball clinics in Mahwelereng and the University of Limpopo in Mankweng lacked basics for the sport.

The American, who is in South Africa on a personal vacation for the very first time, saw the need to reach out to girls who like and play basketball in Limpopo.

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star adds that she was inspired by the girls’ dedication despite their challenges and she promises to help where she can.

McCoughtry knows the sport is not as big in Limpopo, but encouraged authorities to not get impatient with the process of developing basketball.

The two-time Olympic Gold medallist says programmes like NBA Africa and Basketball without Boarders are a good catalyst for the code to grow in Africa. McCoughtry adds that she is working on seeing WNBA also come to the continent.

The 33-year-old says South Africa is a special country and athletes of colour have come a long way in making strides in sports internationally.

McCooughtry cites the rise of Fukushim Firebonds Center Tshilidzi Nephawe as something that should not be taken for granted. – Report by Lethabo Kganyago