Following the recent 20th edition of the St John’s College Basketball Tournament, Kuda Tebeila, the basketball captain of St John’s College, sat down for an exclusive interview with SuperSport Schools Plus.
During the conversation, he shared his enthusiasm for basketball, discussed his journey, and reflected on the privilege of leading St John’s College.
Tebeila expressed pride in serving as captain of the St John’s College first team, a unit filled with talent and commitment, which was on full display during the St John’s College Basketball Tournament where the hosts finished as the runners-up after going down to the reigning champions, Northwood, in the final.
Despite the loss to the top team in the country over the past two years, St John’s College demonstrated a never-say-die spirit, battling through until the final whistle. Tebeila’s poise and leadership stood out as the hosts fought the odds.
“Being the leader on the court has taught me the importance of teamwork and selflessness,” he said.
Tebeila believes that true success in basketball comes from playing for and with your teammates. “With the growing culture of one-on-one play and individual highlights, it’s very easy to get caught up in showcasing personal skills. Leadership, to me, means elevating those around me, ensuring that my teammates improve alongside me, and always keeping the collective goal in mind, which is winning together as a team,” he explained.
Tebeila articulated that, for him, basketball transcends merely being a sport. It is a passion that ignites his competitive drive, enabling him to continually surpass his limits. Nevertheless, he emphasised that, at his core, he remains a humble individual who possesses a genuine love for the game and all that it embodies.
“My passion for basketball stems from the intense energy and competitive atmosphere surrounding the sport, he said.
He described basketball as a fast-paced, high-adrenaline game that demands both skill and mental toughness. From electrifying poster dunks to mesmerising ankle-breaking crossovers, every moment on the court is packed with excitement for both players and spectators.
“This dynamic nature of the game is what draws me in and continues to keep me motivated,” he said.
He shared his pre-game routine, which includes mental preparation, meditation, and prayer.
He spends approximately 10 minutes centering himself through prayer and meditation before participating in the pre-game activation led by the coach. Before taking to the court, the team gathers for a final prayer, which strengthens their unity and concentration before the first whistle blows, he said.
His strong points, he said, are ball-handling, playmaking, and finishing. These strengths allow him to navigate through defences efficiently, create scoring opportunities for his teammates, and execute well under pressure.
As a student-athlete, Tebeila said his days are structured and demanding. “I wake up at 04:30 for an early morning workout before heading to school. After classes, I attend team practice, and once I get home, I shift my focus to academics. Balancing both aspects requires discipline, but I embrace the challenge because I love both learning and basketball.”
Teamwork is the key to success in basketball, Tebeila emphasised, saying he does not operate in isolation when he steps onto the court. His coaches and teammates are instrumental in his growth and development, he acknowledged.
“My coaches and teammates have played a huge role in my development. My coaches have taught me how to handle the ball effectively, read defences, and make the right plays based on different defensive sets.
“Their guidance has not only improved my game but has also helped my teammates excel. My teammates have reinforced the importance of leveraging each other’s strengths, whether it’s drawing defenders to create open shots or supporting each other through tough moments.”
Basketball, like any other sport, offers life lessons. One of these, the St John’s captain shared, was that achieving victory involves more than talent. It necessitates focus, resilience, and collaboration.
He characterises basketball as a team-oriented endeavour, asserting that individual brilliance is insufficient for success unless all players are united in pursuit of a shared objective. Consequently, Tebeila identifies his teammates and coaches as his primary sources of motivation, as their enthusiasm and commitment inspire him to strive for ever-greater effort.
As a point guard, Tebeila acknowledges the significant influence of his role models, Allen Iverson and Chris Paul. He draws inspiration from Iverson’s exceptional ball-handling skills and his audacious scoring mentality, which enhanced his offensive play. Paul’s remarkable court vision and capacity to create opportunities for his teammates have been instrumental in developing Tebeila’s playmaking skills. Analysing those players’ performances has been crucial in honing his own style as a point guard, he said.
Tebeila also talked about the experience of captaining his team, St John’s College, during a very successful season. “Leading my team to the St John’s College Basketball Tournament finals was an unforgettable experience, showcasing teamwork and drive despite our loss,” he said.
“Our season featured five finals, including a victory at the American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ) Tournament, proving our status as a top Johannesburg team. This event highlighted the importance of mental toughness and resilience in achieving success.”
His primary goal, Tebeila concluded, is to keep improving as both a player and a leader.
In a thrilling conclusion to the Jenny Orchard Invitational Basketball Tournament, Westville Boys’ High School came from behind to snatch a 65-63 victory from Maritzburg College in Sunday’s final in Pietermaritzburg.
