Cape Town Tigers
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The Cape Town Tigers are a South African basketball team based in Gauteng. The team is located in the Johannesburg suburb of Sandton but represents the city of Cape Town.
Established in 2019 by three American business partners, the club has won the South African national championship in 2021 and 2022.
The Tigers currently play internationally in the Basketball Africa League (BAL), besides competing domestically in the Basketball National League (BNL), the top-flight league in the country, and the federation-organised South African National Basketball Championship.
History
The team was founded in 2019 by the organisation Severus LLC, founded by American business partners Chante Butler, Raphael Edwards. Dia Martin, and William McFarlan. The Severus company was established in order to develop a professional basketball team that could play in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) within 5 years.
Its first roster featured two former NBA players in Billy Preston and Ben Uzoh. Several players for the South African national team were also on the team, such as Pieter Prinsloo, Christopher Gabriel, Thabo Sithole and Lehlogonolo Tholo.
In September 2021, the Tigers won their first national championship. The team beat Jozi Nuggets after overtime in the final, behind Ben Uzoh who scored 22 points in the championship game. Later in the year, the team competed in the qualification games of the BAL for the first time. The team finished as third without playing its last game which was forfeited by opponent New Star after players tested positive for COVID-19.
On August 22, 2022, the Tigers successfully defended their national title. Three months later, on November 26, the Tigers clinched their second consecutive BAL spot after beating City Oilers in the Road to BAL semi-finals.
In January 2023, Nigerian singer Mr Eazi purchased shares of the organisation. The Tigers were quarter-finalists in the BAL once again in 2023, as they lost to Stade Malien in the playoffs.
Since June 2023, the Tigers have joined the Basketball National League (BNL), the most notable private men's league in the country. They won the 2023 championship, following a 5–0 record in the group phase and wide-margin wins in the semi-finals and finals.
The team is known for its fast-paced, high-scoring style of play, which is led by their star point guard, Sipho Mbatha. Mbatha is a dynamic playmaker who can score from anywhere on the court and is also a skilled passer and defender. He is supported by a talented roster of players, including shooting guard Thabo Mokoena, small forward Ntando Mthembu, power forward Bongani Ngcobo, and center Sibusiso Dlamini.
Off the court, the Tigers are active in the community and are committed to promoting basketball and healthy living among young people in Cape Town. They regularly host basketball clinics and camps for kids, and also partner with local schools and community organizations to provide resources and support.
Overall, the Cape Town Tigers are a dynamic and exciting team that is beloved by fans in South Africa and beyond. With their talented roster and commitment to community engagement, they are sure to continue making an impact both on and off the court for years to come.