By Nandipha Twani
A 17-year-old Makhanda athlete is making waves in South African basketball.
Kamvalethu Sibakhulu has already represented South Africa in the U16 and U18 national teams, competing with the dedication and passion that distinguishes him as one of the best young talents in the country.
The young basketballer attends Maritzburg College in KZN, and plays for the college’s first team. He has also represented the Eastern Cape, KZN as well as South Africa U18 and U16 teams. His impressive court performance has earned him national recognition and an incredible opportunity to attend Oakville Prep in Ontario, Canada, on an athletic and academic scholarship.
Sibakhulu’s journey began on the local courts of Rhodes University, playing pickup ball. His Makhanda school did not offer basketball, and weekend games at Rhodes University allowed him to improve his game.
His dedication to basketball was evident from a young age, allowing him to be selected for the Eastern Cape and South Africa U16 teams without playing in a competitive league.
Known for his exceptional agility, court vision and teamwork, Sibakhulu quickly progressed to provincial representation before being called to play for South Africa’s U16 and U18 teams.
He moved to Maritzburg College, with the competitive KwaZulu-Natal leagueand this allowed him to progress and play for the KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa U18 teams. Competing at this level fueled his ambition and provided valuable experience as he continues to refine his skills and set his sights on even more remarkable achievements.
Sibakhulu got an opportunity to embark on a new chapter in his journey at the Enhanced Preparatory Centre, a top Canadian school renowned for developing elite student-athletes.
The opportunity will allow Sibakhulu to train with some of the best coaches and compete internationally, preparing him for potential future success in college basketball and beyond. His scholarship not only recognises his talent, but also his commitment to excelling academically and athletically.
This story is a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and the support of his community. As he enters this next phase, he is also eager to give back, inspiring other South African youth to pursue their dreams in sports.
Sibakhulu aims to return with new skills and insights to help uplift young athletes in his hometown and serve as a role model for aspiring basketball players, he says.
While the scholarship covers his tuition and accommodation, the young athlete still needs support to cover travel expenses, health insurance and other essentials.
His family has set up a Backabuddy crowdfunding page, calling on the community to support this talented youngster as he takes on this exciting new chapter. Every bit of support will help Sibakhulu to proudly represent South Africa and continue his inspiring journey.
Sibakhulu’s rise in South African basketball is just the beginning, and with his upcoming experience in Canada, he has the potential to become one of the country’s greats.
His parents, Thabang and Nomteto Moleko, beam with pride as their son prepares to embark on the incredible journey.
Thabang, a dedicated academic, is thrilled for his son to experience life abroad for athletic training and academic and cultural exposure that will shape his future.
His mother, a former provincial netball player, feels a deep pride in her son’s accomplishments, recognizing the hard work and dedication it takes to excel in sports. She is delighted to see him carry forward the family’s sporting legacy on such an impressive stage.
“As parents, we couldn’t be happier. Watching him work toward his dreams and reach this level has been an inspiration. We look forward to seeing him grow both as an athlete and as a young man ready to take on the world,” they shared.
