By Lwandile Hlekwayo & Minenhle Zikhali
Durban basketball enthusiasts have been left in awe after Moët Hennessy, in collaboration with a local art painter, unveiled its third in-the-paint basketball court on Florida Road, which is the first of its kind in the province and the third in the country.
Through this initiative, Moët Hennessy said that they want to empower the community through sports and recreation.
The general manager and marketing director of Moët Hennessy, David White, said that the project is designed to give back to local communities.
He added that he hopes that by refurbishing the court, they will bring new life and energy to the local community, and that people will feel more passionate about playing here and enjoy the local artwork displayed on the court surface.
On why they have chosen this specific location, White said that: “Florida Road is part of the urban culture in Durban where people come to see and be seen. It is already a vibrant community and Hennessy is already a part of the neighbourhood, so it felt like a natural fit.”
Siphephelo Mnguni, a local artist who has been commissioned to do the artwork, said his childhood memories and the music his father listened to inspired him to create something that resonates with his identity.
He said: “As a kid growing up in Umlazi, I never thought I would make it this far. I grew up in a household where my dad used to play maskandi a lot. He had VHS cassettes of Umfazomnyama, so the leopard print is something I got introduced to at a young age, and I wanted to make something that I would identify with.”
The unveiling would not have been complete without an exhibition game. Players got the opportunity to showcase their skills during a dunking contest and exhibition match.
KwaZulu-Natal Marlins coach, Craig Gilchrist, said that the team that won played well despite being the youngest. “They put on a good show for the crowd and showed the older guys how it’s done,” he said.
Asked about winning the game, Inathi Masinga said: “The way we played today shows that we deserved to win. We showed more effort and we hope that this court inspires more young people to achieve great things in basketball.”
The court will play an integral part in the growth of the sport in Durban.
