A Stellenbosch University (SU) student recently earned a spot on the South African under-18 national women’s basketball team. Nina Kabalin is currently competing at the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) AfroBasket tournament in Pretoria from 1 to 14 September.
Nina Kabalin, player for the Maties women’s basketball team, has made the national under-18 women’s basketball team. PHOTO: Supplied/Wian van Wyk
A first for Kabalin
Kabalin said that she was overwhelmed upon learning that she had been chosen for the team.
“I was really happy. I felt very privileged to be chosen to be a part of the team over all the amazing candidates that we do have,” she said.
Kabalin, who has never before played against other countries, was excited about the opportunity to play with “the best of the best”.
“[…] I think that exposure will be really good,” she said.
Nina Kabalin, player for the Maties women’s basketball team, explains why she loves the sport.
Support system
While Kabalin is the youngest player on the Maties women’s basketball team, she is also the tallest in the team, said Nathaly September, coach of the Maties women’s basketball team.
Kabalin played basketball in high school and has made numerous provincial teams, according to September. “She is one of our key players and is one to look out for in the future,” she said.
“We are super proud of Nina for being selected […],” said Kabalin’s mother, Tanya Kabalin. “She has worked so hard to grow her basketball talent while also achieving amazing things in all spheres of her life, and still being a down-to-earth and loving person.”
“We can’t wait to see them give it their all [this] week. Go [South Africa]!” said Tanya.
The tournament is featuring 12 female and 12 male national teams, and the South African women’s team has been divided into a group with Tunisia, Cameroon, and Rwanda, according to the department of sports, arts and culture’s website.
Nina Kabalin, a player for the Maties women’s basketball team, has been playing basketball since grade six, and will now represent South Africa in the upcoming FIBA (International Basketball Federation) AfroBasket tournament. PHOTO: Antoinette Steyn