Ujiri tops list of coaches for Giants of Africa Nigerian camp

Originator of the Giants of Africa basketball talents hunt, Masai Ujiri will lead the cast of illustrious coaches for the Nigerian leg of the programme slated to run in Lagos from August 21 to 25.

Also in the list released before the Ugandan leg rounded off following the initial tip off in Kigali, Rwanda on August 6 are Jama Mahlalela, Patrick Engelbrecht, Joe Touomou, Godwin Owinje, Harry Ezenibe, Eric Khoury and Arsalan Jamil. Most of these coaches have been working with GOA since inception. They will join Nigeria-based coaches, including Adeka Daudu, Lateef Erinfolami, Emmanuel Odah, Peter Ahmedu and Michael Akuboh in the Lagos leg of the programme.

The talent search programme started by Masai Ujiri and a few partners 15 years ago had Rwandan President, Paul Kagame in attendance during the tip off in Kigali.

Giants of Africa, the not-for-profit programme co-founded by Toronto Raptors president, Ujiri, a fortnight ago announced they will visit seven countries across the African continent this August.

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Giants of Africa has committed to hosting basketball camps and community outreach initiatives in Rwanda, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Senegal.

Ujiri said, “Over the past 15 years, I have seen the impact basketball can have not only on one kid, but also on their entire community. “When I started Giants of Africa, I envisioned providing African youth access to the game and empowering them to achieve their greatest potential. With 63 per cent of Africa’s population below the age of 25, we have a huge goal and responsibility to help them develop.

We are excited that this year we are able to extend our reach further across the continent to help realize that dream.”

Giants of Africa youth camp held in Rwanda from August 6 to 8 and then moved to Democratic Republic of Congo from August 10 to 11. The programme is holding in Uganda from August 13 to 14; Kenya from August 16 to 19, Nigeria from August 21 to 24 and will conclude in Senegal from August 26 to 28.

The organization will host girls’ camps in tandem with its boys’ camps in Kenya, Nigeria and Senegal. Giants of Africa will also activate local outreach initiatives in the communities of Kakuma, Maiduguri as well as Bingereville, Cote d’Ivoire.