Mzansi streetball stars book their spot at Dubai world finals

As basketball continues its rapid rise across Africa, South Africa crowned its first Red Bull Half Court national champions this past weekend. The tournament not only showcased world-class streetball talent but also highlighted the country’s growing presence on the global stage.

The event took place on 13 September at Wits University in Johannesburg.

The best men’s and women’s streetball teams in South Africa competed for national titles and the chance to represent Mzansi on the international stage in Dubai this November, following weeks of intense qualifying rounds in Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria.

With growing interest from foreign leagues and investors, basketball is fast becoming one of Africa’s most dynamic sports industries.

MBB Blue Soldiers captain Lebesa Selepe said he was optimistic about the future of the game in South Africa.

“There is hope, you know,” Selepe said after their triumph. “There are still three champions, Dubai, and Red Bull. Basketball Africa League exists. There are even junior division camps and tournaments. Basketball has a lot of promise. But I believe our federation simply needs to get it right.”

The competition brought streetball to life with its quick, aggressive, and unapologetically audacious style.

According to the tournament’s special “Own the Court” rule, every basket counted - it wasn’t only about winning, but also about scoring the most points.

The Hoop Hustlers (Lauren Fredericks, Monicah Tlou, Khanyi Maphisa, and Liyabona Sahnnon Nondala) won the women’s national championship, while the MBB Blue Soldiers (Nino Dim, Lebesa Selepe, Neo Mothiba, and Rabbi Belolo-Lou) claimed the men’s title.

Both teams will now face some of the toughest and most inventive streetball squads in the world at the Red Bull Half Court World Final in Dubai, proudly representing South Africa.

“We’re simply grateful that we earned our trip to Dubai - you dream of travelling the world. We’re really excited. We prevailed today because we were prepared. But you can never be too prepared. We’ll keep working, we’ll keep pushing our conditioning. Winning in Africa is one thing,” Selepe explained.

Selepe added that the team had been playing together since July last year, participating in five-on-five games at MBP and the club championships.

“We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We practice as a team. But as I’ve said, chemistry can’t be bought. We’ve played together for a long time, and that trust factor is at an all-time high,” he said.