MISSIONER NEWSLETTER – Advent 2024

Stephen and Loyce Veryser, Tanzania

Missioner Stephen Veryser interviewed the coach and starting players at Bwiru Boys Technical School in Tanzania about their motivations for playing basketball, hopes for the school program, and their own personal dreams.

MWANZA, TANZANIA—I recently sat down with Hussein Issema, the sports teacher at Bwiru Boys Technical School, and four of the starting players of the basketball team: Abdul Shija, Saidi Karoli, Peter Madaha, and Innocent Lyimo. I asked them about their motivations for playing basketball, hopes for the school program, and their own personal dreams.

I asked the players: “How did you get interested in basketball since most youth in Tanzania play football [soccer]?”

Abdul: “Exposure at this school. When I started here, the older students had a good and welcoming community, and I liked it the first time I tried it.”

Saidi: “I happened to grow up near a court and played with kids from the neighborhood before studying at Bwiru.”

Madaha: “Friends of mine convinced me to start playing.” [Madaha is about 6’4”, an extraordinary height in Tanzania.]

I asked: “Many parents only want their children to study hard and pass exams. Do your parents understand and support your interest in basketball?”

Madaha: “At first they didn’t understand and discouraged me from participating, but they started to support me as I progressed and was selected for the Mwanza all-star and travel opportunities.”

Lyimo: “My dad played basketball himself, so is supportive. If I need shoes, permission, or money to travel, he’s always there for me.”

Abdul: “My mom is supportive and says people can find success in basketball.”

I asked: “How do you see the basketball scene around Mwanza?”

Said one player: “We’ve improved the basketball program a lot since last year. We thought the team might fall behind when older students graduated in November of 2023, but we actually progressed a lot. Having a proper cement court has helped our confidence and skill development.”

Abdul: “Most schools focus on football and there are only a few courts in Mwanza, so there are not many chances to play. People know all the football stars around the world, but in basketball they only know Michael Jordan and LeBron. It would be good to have a regular training program and matches set up with each school. Now the only time we play other schools is for the UMISSETA tournament once a year in May.”

I asked: “What kind of opportunities have you gotten from playing basketball?”

Saidi: “We have travelled to different parts of the country to represent the best Mwanza players to such locations as Mtwara, Shinyanga, Tabora, and Arusha.”

Abdul: “In 2023, Saidi and I were selected to play for the Tanzania youth national team for the East Africa competition, which was held in Huye, Rwanda.

I asked: “How did other East Africa teams compare to Tanzania’s?”

They said: “The competition and organization of neighboring countries is high and we didn’t perform as well.”

I asked them: “What are your dreams for your future?”

Lyimo: “I grew up in the city of Dodoma and was inspired by teams I saw coming from around the country to play in tournaments there. I hope to play on the Dodoma city team one day and also to play for the Tanzania national team.”

Abdul: “I want to be a professional basketball player, because I know I’m the best player on the court.”

Saidi: “I hope to get a scholarship in order to cover college studies.”

Madaha: “I like the team spirit and competition, but my long term goal is to pursue a career in mining after completing my studies.” [Areas around Mwanza are resource rich and include international firms in gold mining.]

I asked: “How do you see the progress of the Bwiru basketball program?”

Abdul: “We’ve improved the basketball program a lot since last year. We thought the team might fall behind when older students graduated in November of 2023, but we actually progressed a lot. Having a proper cement court has helped our confidence and skill development.”

Madaha: “We’ve put in the effort on endurance and skills training, which has paid off in matches.”

Hussein: I liked basketball but thought it was difficult because I didn’t know the rules or strategy. When we were invited to participate in the league Sports Charity organized last year, I figured I’d try it. You were a big help in the beginning and now I’m used to it. It was really encouraging and surprising that we almost won the league last year!” [They were only one point short of first place of eight teams.]

I asked Hussein, the sports teacher: “You invest a lot of time and energy in sports here. What’s your why?”

Hussein: “I like sports so I want to share my passion, which goes back to my own youth as a soccer player. At university, the president of the student body selected me as the student minister of sports. At both schools I have taught, the school principals have noticed my interest in sports and selected me to head the sports department.”

We still need support to put in a fence on the high end of the court, some bleachers, better supports for the baskets, a finish coat to protect the court surface, and lights to play after 7 p.m. 

If you’re interested in investing in the future of the Bwiru sports program, the easiest way to make a donation is through this link.

We have updated our fundraising page with new numbers for the next phase. We need your help to finish the project. The easiest way to make a donation is by clicking the button below.

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