Her Time to Play 🏀

More Than a Game, A Glimpse into Africa’s Sporting Future

There are moments in sport that go beyond the scoreboard, moments that remind you why the game exists in the first place. Witnessing “Her Time to Play”, an initiative by the Basketball Africa League in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Africa, was exactly that kind of moment.

At its core, the programme combines foundational basketball skills with leadership development, giving 100 young girls the rare opportunity to step onto a BAL court. But what unfolded was far more than drills and structured activities, it was joy, confidence, and possibility in motion.

It was beautiful to watch. Young girls, many of whom are only just being introduced to the game, moved with excitement and curiosity. They weren’t just learning how to dribble or shoot; they were learning how to carry themselves, how to communicate, and how to believe in their place within the sport. For many African children, especially girls, this is the kind of opportunity that once felt out of reach, something you could only dream about.

Basketball on the continent is undeniably growing. With more facilities being built and initiatives like this taking root, the pathway is slowly becoming clearer. But growth is not just about infrastructure, it’s about access, mentorship, and early exposure. Her Time to Play gets this right.

Her Time To Play Video

The programme featured a series of engaging activities led by individuals who have walked the highest levels of the game, including the National Basketball Association. Having figures like Ian Mahinmi and Pops Mensah-Bonsu on the court added depth and inspiration to the experience.

Mahinmi, an NBA champion who played a key role in the Dallas Mavericks’ 2011 title run, continues to shape the future of African basketball through mentorship and development programmes. His work as a BAL Ambassador and through the IAM Foundation in Benin reflects a commitment that extends far beyond his playing days.

Similarly, Pops Mensah-Bonsu, also a BAL Ambassador, has transitioned from an international playing career into a powerful advocate for youth development. Through initiatives like SEED Academy in Ghana, he continues to invest in the next generation, proving that impact off the court can be just as significant as success on it.

Then there was Fatou Diagne, whose presence brought something uniquely powerful to the programme. Fatou, known for her work in basketball development and youth empowerment across Africa, connected with the girls in a way that went beyond instruction. She spoke to their confidence, their identity, and their potential. In many ways, she represented what they could become, not just athletes, but leaders.

More than anything, Her Time to Play was a reminder of the importance of nurturing talent from a young age. And even more crucially, it highlighted the need to intentionally create spaces for young girls in sport spaces where they are seen, heard, and developed.

These are the moments that stay with you. Long after the court is cleared and the whistles are silent, the impact remains. The confidence built, the dreams sparked, the sense of belonging created, these are things that don’t fade.

The BAL is doing something right with initiatives like this. Because beyond the league, beyond the competition, it is building a legacy. One where a young girl who stepped onto that court for the first time might one day return, not as a participant, but as a professional athlete.

And when that day comes, it won’t just be her victory. It will be a testament to the power of starting early, dreaming boldly, and finally, having the space to play.