DREAM CHASERS BASKETBALL ACADEMY MAKES ITS MARK AT CAMP DISCOVERY 2026
Dream Chasers Basketball Academy from Polokwane, Limpopo, proudly took part in the prestigious annual Camp Discovery Basketball Tournament held in Dikoneng, Pretoria.
The tournament brought together schools and basketball academies from different provinces across South Africa, as well as international representation, creating a highly competitive platform for young basketball talent to test themselves against some of the country’s established programmes.
Among the participating teams were Richards Bay Christian School, Crawford College, Reddford House The Hills, Waterford Kamhlaba UWC of Southern Africa from Eswatini, King Solomon Basketball Academy, and Dream Chasers Basketball Academy from Limpopo.
With several age groups competing throughout the tournament, the U19 category featured more than seven teams, while the U15 competition had four teams battling it out for honours. For Dream Chasers, this was another important step in our journey. Having started our basketball academy only in December 2025, our boys walked onto the court knowing that they were facing schools and academies with considerably more experience and established basketball programmes.
Dream Chasers Basketball Academy did not come to Pretoria simply to participate. They came to compete. The Dream Chasers boys gave everything on the court, displaying determination, discipline, teamwork and a hunger to learn. They represented Polokwane and Limpopo with pride, becoming the only team from Limpopo to make the journey all the way to Dikoneng for this prestigious event.
🥉 U19 BOYS — 3RD PLACE | BRONZE MEDAL
U19 boys produced an outstanding campaign, finishing 3rd overall and bringing home the Bronze Medal in a highly competitive field.
U15 boys also put up a strong showing, finishing 4th in their category after competing against experienced opposition. For a young academy still in the early stages of building its programme, these results are significant. More importantly, the boys gained something that cannot be measured by a medal alone: experience. They saw what high-level school and academy basketball looks like. They experienced the intensity, discipline and standards required to compete at the next level. And now they know exactly what they need to work towards. View all the results here.
We had a minute to talk to the head coach, Mr Malatji. Here is what he has to say. What was your objective as a coach when going to Camp Discovery? “The main objective was to expose the players to the intense competition that comes with a tournament format, while assessing their strengths and weaknesses up against unfamiliar yet more challenging opponents. My goal was also to observe the different playing styles and determine the skill gap between my players and players from different provinces.”
Did you expect the results you achieved as the academy? “No, I expected to get at least 1 win in the tournament. I was impressed to see the boys win 3 out 5”
Considering that Dream Chasers is still new and already achieved a lot, is your plan inviting new players or develop the current players? “The plan is still invite new players, because I believe in strength in numbers. Having more options will make the team more competitive. A focus on brining in younger players will be good for the contingency of the academy, and the growth of basketball in the city.”
What advice may you give to the young players who want to be improve the skills? “My advice to young players is watch the sport as often as possible, part of improving is also being a good copy cat and I believe replicating what they see professionals do can add to their skillset. Attending practice is most important above all.”
Quick one, Michael Jordan or LeBron James? “Easy, Lebron James.”
A MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER
“I am extremely proud of these boys. We may be a young academy, but we are building something that is bigger than one tournament. They travelled from Limpopo, stepped onto the court against established schools and academies, and showed that Dream Chasers belongs in these spaces.”
“The bronze medal is a great achievement, but for me, the real victory is seeing the boys gain confidence, experience and belief in themselves. This is only the beginning. We will go back, work harder, improve our weaknesses and prepare for the next opportunity.”
“To our parents and everyone who supported this journey, thank you. You believed in the boys, and they represented you proudly. The journey continues. Camp Discovery 2026 is now part of the Dream Chasers story.”
The vision of the academy is to continue developing competitive boys’ teams across different age groups while expanding the academy and introducing a Dream Chasers Girls Basketball Team.
DREAM BIG. WORK HARD. CHASE GREATNESS.
If you would like your child to become part of the Dream Chasers Basketball Academy, or if you would like to join our growing girls’ programme:
📞 078 443 5141
Dream Chasers Basketball Academy
📍 Polokwane, Limpopo
