Lebone II College Crowned U14 Champions at RBS Jr. NBA Finals
Rustenburg – The 14th annual Royal Bafokeng Sports (RBS) Jr. NBA Finals, hosted by NBA Africa and RBS, took place on Saturday 21 September 2024, at the Royal Marang Hotel Sports Complex. The event marked a significant milestone in the partnership, celebrating 14 years of fostering basketball talent in the region.
Despite the rainfall that called off most of the finals, the U14 boys’ and girls’ finals went ahead, thrilling over 2,500 community members and school learners who gathered for the occasion. The crowd was entertained by a local brass band, school war cries, and on-court action, creating a lively atmosphere.
In the U14 girls’ final, Luka Primary School secured victory over Mfidikwe Primary School, with Mmeti Neo named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the game. In the boys’ final, defending champions Bonwakgogo Primary School were dethroned by Lebone II College, with Reatlegile Rangwako earning the MVP award. During the event, NBA legend Ron Harper, a five-time NBA champion, presented His Majesty Kgosi Leruo Tshekedi Molotlegi, King of the Royal Bafokeng Nation, with a signed Chicago Bulls jersey. Harper encouraged the young athletes with words of wisdom, saying, “Continue to work hard, continue to get education; the more you play, the better player you become.”
Kita Matungulu, NBA Africa’s director of basketball operations, acknowledged the pivotal role of the local community in the programme’s success, stating, “A lot of what you see today is driven by the local community. Their involvement is key to the success of the programme.”
The event concluded with a vibrant performance by BET-nominated artist Maglera Doe Boy, capping off a day that highlighted both athletic excellence and community spirit.
Main photo: Lebone II College’s U14 boys’ basketball team scoring a crucial field goal in the finals, helping secure their title as champions. Photo credit: NBAE/NBA Africa.
