Montana Vikings crowned provincial basketball champs

Montana Vikings Basketball Club were crowned the Western Cape Basketball Association’s Provincial Club Championships champs, at Pinelands High School, on Sunday, June 30.

Both the senior women and men’s teams played against Mbekweni Shaq Squad Basketball Club in the finals.

The women’s team beat Mbekweni 73-40, while the men’s team won 73-30.

The winners qualify to play in the National Club Championships, organised by Basketball South Africa, in Gauteng, later this year.

Vikings and SA basketball player, Mihlali Mpako said a winning mentality played a crucial role before they entered the court.

“The defence helped us to put that space between us and the opposition,” she said.

“From here we are finishing our summer league. We are going to play a seedings for that. We are looking to go to club championship qualifiers in Johannesburg later this year. The moment we get those dates we can prepare for the rest of the season,” said Mpako.

Mbekweni Shaq Squad Basketball’s coach and player, Lindile Sizani said the experience was a game-changer for his women’s squad, as well as his young men’s squad.

“They pushed a lot. What beat them was experience. They played against some professional players, including national players, but they held their own. I am proud of them. The future of basketball is bright in the province. They are the best,” he said.

Sizani said the men’s team, averaging at 17-years-old, showed that they can play against anyone, on any given day.

“It was also their first time playing seniors and for them to perform the way they did is amazing. They will go far,” said Sizani.

Montana Vikings are also celebrating after their under-18 boys’ team returned home from the Soweto Basketball Uprising as champions.

The festival and tournament took place in Gauteng from Friday June 14 to Wednesday June 19.

The Montana Vikings under-18 boys’ team defeated the defending champions, Soweto Academy, 63-45.