Wed, 04 Nov
Building the Next Generation: A Camp with a Bigger Purpose
The December holidays can be more than a break from school. They can be the beginning of something bigger.
Our first Top 10 Development Camp in Johannesburg, from 7 to 11 December 2026, is a chance to sharpen skills, enjoy the game and compete. It is also an opportunity for coaches to identify promising talent and start building meaningful pathways for players beyond high school.
Doing the work now, for a lasting impact
Coach Thesline Davids is passionate about doing things now that will have a lasting impact on players — and on South Africa’s readiness to compete regionally and across Africa. That means looking beyond the next match and asking what a young player needs to become better prepared for the next level.
Coach Thesline Davids: building skills today with the next generation in mind.
Better fundamentals, decision-making, fitness, discipline and confidence all matter. So do the conversations around education, development opportunities and the steps players can take after school. A camp should help connect those pieces, not treat them as separate parts of a player’s life.
What the Road to BAL asks of us
In our view, what we are seeing after the Road to BAL is a reminder that there is a huge amount of work ahead if the next few generations of South African players are to be better positioned to compete. Our response cannot begin only when players reach the elite ranks.
Camps have to be part of a longer-term plan to prepare South African basketball for the global stage. They are not the whole answer, but they can provide focused time for teaching, competitive repetitions and the relationships that help players keep developing when the camp ends.
A place for coaches to see potential
We welcome visiting coaches from clubs and universities to drop in, spend time courtside and see what we are building. The evening games offer a chance to watch campers compete, respond to pressure, work with teammates and put the day’s learning into practice.
For a young player, being seen is valuable. Being better prepared for the next opportunity is even more important. The aim is to begin constructive conversations and build connections — not to promise selection, recruitment, scholarships or a professional career.
Skills, fun and competition — at the right age
The camp is open to boys and girls in U12, U14, U16 and U19, with a maximum of 40 campers per age group. Younger players will develop fundamentals through high-energy activities and games. Older groups will focus on individual skills, competitive play and life skills that support readiness beyond school.
Daytime sessions focus on skills and development. Afternoons allow time to rest and relax before evening sessions bring fun, games and music. Competition matters, but so does giving players an experience that strengthens their love of basketball.
The coaching team includes Coach Thesline Davids, Coach Tsakani Ngobeni, special guest Coach George Makena, Coach Emmanuel Cudjoenu and Coach Kgaugelo “Kage” Phiri.
The first camp, not the last step
This December will be our first Development Camp. We want it to lay a foundation we can build on: developing players, strengthening relationships with coaches and creating a more connected pathway from grassroots basketball to bigger opportunities.
Lasting progress takes more than five days. It takes consistent work and people who are willing to start now. This camp is our first step towards bigger things to come.
Join us in Johannesburg
- Dates: Monday 7 to Friday 11 December 2026.
- Venue: Emeris Sandton (TBC).
- Options: R600.00 per day, R1,800.00 for three days or R3,000.00 for five days.
- Places: 40 campers per age group; camp T-shirt and reversible playing vest included.
Bring your own ball and water bottles. Lunch and dinner are not provided; food trucks will be on site, and campers can purchase their own food and drinks at the venue. Please do not bring cash or valuables.
Coaches and visitors can find the programme and booking details on the camp page. Venue confirmation will follow.
William Price
Director, Top 10 Tournament