Ntungwa Nkgaswa: from village boy to international basketball star
“You could literally come out of the village and make it international.”
Who is he?
Ntungwa Nkgaswa IV, a passionate 25-year-old man, was born and bred in Serowe village, Botswana. He is a skilled basketball player who rose to international prominence.
His Basketball Journey
Ntungwa finds it amusing how a simple encounter in the school hall led him to basketball. His journey began unexpectedly. Nkgaswa was a 13-year-old student at Junior High School when he started playing basketball. He and a friend, similar in body type and height, were passing the school hall when they were called in. They were given a ball and told, “Now, you play basketball. Come for training tomorrow.” It was a new position, and he developed a love for the sport later on.
During his developmental stage, Nkgaswa trained with national team coaches. He believes this training was crucial, instilling in him a winning mentality and confidence in his basketball career. “I’ve been fortunate to have good coaches (Coach Kepalechwe and Coach Tnyse) in my developmental stage,” he confirms.
Inspirations and Driving Force
Nkgaswa found his basketball coaches to be the most inspiring individuals in his life. Coach Baletswa, now an international coach, and Coach Pnice, who unfortunately passed away, played a significant role in shaping his passion and skills. Despite lacking exposure and role models in his early years, these coaches provided necessary guidance and support, influencing his love for the sport and skill development.
Ntungwa’s love for his people and continent drives him. It motivates his determination to make a difference, using his experience to uplift others and contribute to the progress of his homeland.
Notable Achievements and Goals
One of Ntungwa’s notable achievements was his debut in his first league game in Zimbabwe and a league in Botswana. In these games, he showcased his talent, leaving a lasting impression on teammates and opponents. Despite being a newcomer, he made a name for himself by delivering outstanding performances and scoring the most points in the team.
Ntungwa’s long-term goal is to establish his own basketball foundation in Botswana in honor of his coaches. He also aspires to be a change agent for Africa in the near future.
Challenges and Breakthroughs
Ntungwa’s journey has been marked by obstacles, including financial difficulties, lack of proper training facilities, and injuries. “I once had a period in my life where I couldn’t walk for like 4 months. I had a back injury that was a major setback in my career,” he reveals. Coming from a village, these challenges were daunting, but his coaches – Kepalechwe and Tnyse – sacrificed, providing essentials such as food, shoes, and clothes, boosting their confidence.
Work Pressure and Time Management
Ntungwa copes with pressure by showing up on the court, regardless of success or failure the next day. During training, he doesn’t overexert himself but engages in mental activities like reading and playing games. This helps him focus and expand his skill set.
Regarding balancing his personal life with his career, Ntungwa explained that there are times when he devotes his full attention to basketball, unable to attend anything else. During his spare time, he attends church, grounding himself in his faith.
Ripfumelo is an ambitious and self-motivated individual who thrives on challenges and constantly sets objectives for herself. She's always looking for an opportunity to do better and achieve greatness.
