A non-governmental organisation, The Mango Foundation (TMF), has announced date for the second edition of its highly anticipated 80-man basketball camp which is set to take place in Kaduna.
TMF founder, Yusuf O. Yakubu, said the camp, which is aimed at empowering young basketball and aspiring talents from across the 36 states as well as providing them with invaluable training and mentorship will hold between September 19 and 21, 2024.
Yakubu, a former professional basketball player, while speaking during a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, also highlighted the significance of the camp. He said it is high time Nigeria groomed players at home for international competitions rather over reliance on overseas players all the time. He also reflected on his own journey, emphasising the role sports played in his life.
“If we work together and invest in our youth, we won’t need to rely so heavily on overseas talent. We can cultivate a generation of homegrown players who are just as skilled, if not more so. Growing up, sports were our outlet and our hope. They allowed us to dream beyond our circumstances.”
While drawing comparisons to the United States where significant investments are made in grassroots sports to support young talent, he said his commitment to giving back stems from his personal experiences on the basketball court which he said shaped his path to success. Yakubu added that the Foundation’s initiative is particularly aimed at addressing the lack of resources for young athletes in Nigeria.
“We had talent but lacked the systems to nurture it. This camp aims to bridge that gap. It’s about preparing these young players not just for the game, but for the academic and regulatory challenges they’ll face if they want to play at the next level.”
According to him, the empowerment goes beyond basketball as it encompasses academic and life skills including securing sponsorship. He called for broader community support urging parents and families to engage actively while also expressing optimism about future collaborations and community involvement.
“Sponsorship is always a major issue but I believe that with continued effort and support, we can overcome these hurdles. I want to see parents proudly watching their children. Your presence can make all the difference in their confidence and motivation. I want to see parents proudly watching their children. Your presence can make all the difference in their confidence and motivation,” he told Sporting Tribune.
He said the Foundation aims to address systemic issues in Nigerian basketball including favouritism and a lack of opportunity for talented players.
“Basketball should be a meritocracy. Those with talent and work ethic should be given the chance to succeed,” he said.
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