University of Pretoria basketball player Lobisa Maine is eager to close the visibility gap in the sporting code as she says there needs to be more awareness camps for women and girls in communities across South Africa.
At 19, Maine has accumulated outstanding achievements including Player of the Year as she continues to pursue her passion.
When asked about the women’s development in the sport, Maine says that there needs to be opportunities afforded to current players who will be able to visit communities to spread the word about the game.
She is also hoping by sharing her story it will open doors for young girls to aspire to get into sport.
Speaking with Tlamelo Kganakga, Maine takes us back to how she fell in love with basketball and reveals who she draws inspirations from.
Lobisa, thank you for chatting to us. Please tell us about yourself.
Thank you for having me. I’m Caroline Lobisa Maine. I’m 19-years-old I’m from Phokeng in Rustenburg. I’m currently studying Sports Science at University of Pretoria (Tuks). I’m a hard worker; I constantly work to create and maintain a positive atmosphere for players both on and off the court. I’m passionate about basketball and have to work extremely hard to get to where I am.
Where and when did your love for sports begin?
My passion for sports began when I was in fifth grade. I used to sit in front of the television and watch a variety of sports. That’s when I realized it wasn’t healthy to do nothing. I attempted to be sporty by running 100 meters and cross-country. Cross-country was a challenge. As time passed, I became involved in ladies soccer and cricket, and we travelled often which I thoroughly loved. I used to walk past Keledi Secondary School after school every day when I was 12 years old and whenever I saw kids playing basketball, I promised myself that I would attempt it. I went to practice every day after school and worked so hard that I forgot about soccer and cricket. I eventually joined my primary school’s team. We played games every weekend that’s when I fell in love with sports.
Who are some of the sportswomen you admire and why?
Te’a Cooper, she became one of the most essential players for the Sparks this season, putting up one of the best defensive efficiencies in the league while also developing into a scoring guard who averaged 9.1 points per game.
Paige Bueckers, is a pure point guard who shines when she’s in possession of the ball. Her numbers would have been greater if she hadn’t been paired with Van Lith, a conventional point guard (who is also an elite prospect.) It isn’t just the no-look dazzling moves that distinguish Bueckers’ passing ability. Bueckers is an outstanding pick-and-roll and fast-break passer with pinpoint precision who will be a star in the NBA. She’s a master at slinging cross-court dimes over the defense.
You could’ve chosen any sport but you chose basketball. What attracted you to it and what has it done for you?
Basketball attracted me because it is the most popular and widely practiced sports on the planet. Basketball, which is played by innumerable players of all ages and genders, is frequently compared to the emotion of love, with players expressing their deep adoration and affection for the sport. Basketball attracted me because it is a sport that does not discriminate.
Many people feel playing basketball necessitates a specific level of height or strength, but this is simply not the case. Basketball is a game with so many varied elements and skill sets that, with the right mind-set and determination, almost anyone can succeed. Basketball made me learn and master the fundamentals of the game, be prepared both mentally and physically. If the plays aren’t working, re-adjust the game plan, and to be unselfish and a team player.
What are some of the challenges you have faced and how did you overcome them?
I once faced a loss of passion in basketball because I felt like opportunities are scarce but I told myself I have to finish what I’ve started. I remained determined in the face of exhaustion and I had a daily motivation of it’s worthwhile to push myself.
How do you manage your time between studying and sport?
I utilise resources, for instance I take advantage of tutorials whenever I missed a class. I have a personal schedule more like a time table where I plan to manage my time (Time Management). One important aspect – I don’t procrastinate. I plan my time by knowing what time school starts and what time practice starts. Instead of using the weekends to catch up I use the weekends to get ahead so that I make the following week easier for me while I’m busy balancing practice and games and submitting my assignments as soon as they are given.
How important is it to always have something to fall back on when you have decide to move on from sport?
It’s really important to have a solid back up such as qualifications so that if one decides to move on from sport they should pursue whatever their qualification states.
Please tell us about representing SA at the Zone 6 Youth Games and what it meant for your career?
It was an astonishing moments as it boosted my profile and it uplifted my career opportunities as scouters and some high-profile people recognized me.
What are some of your career highlights to date?
As an individual we value different personal development skills depending on our goals. When I started basketball my goal was to see myself in a national team jersey, wearing no6.
2016 and 2020:
Ball in motion camps and MVP of Jr. NBA finals.
2017:
I attended 1st Jr. NBA Africa Festival that was held at Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace.
2018:
I was awarded (Ball in motion) Camp MVP and represented South Africa at the AUSC Region 5 youth games in Botswana.
I attended Royal Bafokeng JR.NBA Awards dinner, where I was recognized as a promising player.
2019:
I represented Northwest the at South African school sport national championship and attended ball in motion All Africa Camp in Sun City.
Attended Royal Bafokeng Jr.NBA Awards dinner, where I was recognized as Player of the Year.
2021:
I played in the Women’s Basketball National League (WBNL).
How do you think we can close the visibility gap in basketball and making awareness of the sport to women and girls?
Creating vacancies and awareness camps as a clinic or a fun day and invite some of the basketball professional players to break the nut by sharing their stories of breaking into professionals – even create loads of tournaments.
What’s your greatest career ambition?
Setting attainable goals that gradually sets another level of success in the world of professional sport, even earning a sufficient income to be able to sustain myself and my beloved family.
What does it mean to be a young woman playing sport in SA?
It boosts the level of confidence and self-esteem, it also has a positive influence in the desire to want to compete in sport. It helps to mature and experience certain aspects, for instance we learn important life skills such as teamwork and leadership.
What’s your advice to aspiring athletes ?
I don’t have much to say but get comfortable with pain, prioritize mental fitness and face your worst fears because there are no concrete requirements to becoming a professional player. It’s just a matter of being consistent and humble, all shall work out.
Thank you for your time and for listening to what I had to say, stay blessed🙏
Photo 1 Caption: University of Pretoria basketball player Lobisa Maine is eager to close the visibility gap in the sporting code as she says there needs to be more awareness camps for women and girls in communities across South Africa. Photo: Supplied
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