South African Womens Varsity Basketball Power Rankings

The women’s component of basketball has probably been the biggest loser, with respect to various crises plaguing the game in South Africa. Regardless, the annual University Sports of South Africa (USSA) basketball tournament has been a testament to the fact that, WOMEN”S BASKETBALL IS ALIVE AND STRONG. In the recent past, USSA has seen players such as Lungile Mtshweni, Takalai Mfamadi and Modiegi Mokoka amongst others, co-opted onto the senior national team as a result of their outstanding USSA performances. This article will present the current top 10 South African female varsity basketball players and ascertain who coaches, players and media believe are the players who can possibly take the next step forward, with regards to their basketball development trajectory, in the forthcoming years.

1. Ipeleng Nyatlo (University of Witswatersrand): At USSA 2021, Ipeleng Nyatlo had a performance only few could dream of having. By leading Wits University to the third position and a 5-1 record at the tournament, Nyatlo consolidated her status as the best active, female South African college basketball player. Nyatlo’s statistics were good throughout USSA, averaging 11.3 points per game (ppg), 4.3 steals per game and knocking down 10 three pointers during the course of the competition. However, the numbers don’t do justice to how impactful she was for Wits University, as her 28 point outing against Vaal University of Technology (VUT) was the stuff of legends and will hopefully be a talking point for years to come. Furthermore, the all round nature of Nyatlo’s game, makes her an even bigger treat for basketball fans to watch, as she can push the ball and control the game on the offensive  end, but is also an excellent defender. Nyatlo probably has the strongest chance to become the face of South African women’s basketball if the relevant opportunities arise.  
2. Amber Sylvester (University of Pretoria): The University of Pretoria (Tuks) is the women’s basketball programme which has made the greatest improvement within the shortest amount of time, going from a 14^th place finish at USSA 2019, to being finalists at the 2021 edition, whereby they lost to VUT. A big reason for Tuks significant progress achieved, is the addition of Amber Sylvester. An unfortunate injury limited Sylvester’s on the court action to Tuks opening match fixture and the USSA final’s. Like her Wits counterpart Nyatlo, Sylvester can shoot, dribble and control the game and does not shy away from picking up the best opposing player on defense. Sylvester is an exceptional talent and although we were unfortunate to not see her in full action, from the little we’ve witnessed, she has the potential be a force in South African women’s basketball in the ensuing years.
3. Olwethu Vacu (Vaal University of Technology): Vaal University of Technology (VUT) has been the staple of South African women’s basketball for almost two decades and confirmed this status, by emerging victorious at USSA 2021. Olwethu Vacu played a major role in this success, averaging 7.1 ppg and providing 3.0 assists per contests for VUT. Vacu, who previously suited up for Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) is another player who can control the ball with ease using both hands. Vacu also takes high percentage shots and has the quality of driving to the hoop and converting difficult baskets. The addition of Vacu will contribute largely to VUT maintaining its position as the South African women’s varsity side to beat. 
4. Phindile Nkosi (Vaal University of Technology): Vaal University of Technology (VUT) is the gift which keeps giving and one of those gifts is Phindile Nkosi, who averaging and making an astounding 64% of her shots from the field. Out of the 65 points she scored during the tournament, Nkosi had 20 second baskets. With an efficiency rating of 94.0, Nkosi is one of the most impactful players for the USSA three time defending champions.
5. Ziyanda Ngcobo (University of KwaZulu Natal): Ziyanda Ncgobo ended USSA 2021 as the tournament’s scoring champion, averaging 19.8 ppg, while hitting 58.8% of her shots from the field. Playing under the basket is Ngcobo’s specialty, while her tenacious play also saw her grab 8.3 rebounds per game (rpg). Ngcobo’s overall contributions saw her rack up a 131.0 efficiency, which contributed to UKZN achieving a respectable fifth place finish at USSA 2021, however, there is room for more personal growth, if she works on improving her three point shot.
6. Ramorwesi Keatlegile (Walter Sisulu University): One of the revelations of USSA 2021 has been the quality of players which smaller and historically less successful basketball programmes have been able to produce. Ramoreuesi Keatlegile of the WSU Bulldogs finished the competition averaging 19.7 ppg (second highest at USSA) 2.5 apg alongside a tournament high 5.6 steals per match. Keatlegile belongs to the growing crop of South African two way players, however, with the lack of competition in the Eastern Cape province, it will be interesting if she can build on her USSA success.
7. Lauren Fredericks (University of Pretoria): Lauren Fredericks is an USSA veteran who previously made a name for herself at the University of Cape Town (UCT), a side she captained for several years. Fredericks is now one the main pieces of a Tuks side, which is ready to stake their claim in South African women’s basketball. Fredericks is a good shooter, who can drive to the basket and plays both guard positions with a high degree of confidence. Fredericks also plays with significant heart and passion….which sometimes leads to her getting into foul trouble. If Fredericks is able to improve on the defensive side, then she can easily break into the top five cohort of South African female college basketball players.  
8. Thina Campbell (University of Western Cape): The University of Western Cape (UWC) has habitually walked in the shadows of its Western Cape women’s basketball counterparts, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), Stellenbosch University and the University of Cape Town (UCT). However, USSA 2021 was UWC’s time to shine and Thina Campbell came to the party, netting a team 13.6 ppg, while shooting 41.5% from the field. Campbell’s strength is her ability to get to the basket and when she’s not scoring, she’s drawing fouls, which enabled her to get to the line 34 times during the competition. Campbell is also a player with high endurance, playing 40 minutes in four of UWC’s six fixtures. Campbell will be key towards UWC asserting itself in its newfound position as basketball contenders at the provincial as well as the national stage.
9. Mihlali Mphako (University of Western Cape): Mihlali Mphako has been the backbone of the UWC for the past few fears and was part of the South African women’s side, which earned silver at the 2018 CUCSA games in Botswana. She finished as her teams second highest scorer, averaging 11.1 ppg, including a respectable 33% from three points. Mpacko is one of the best female point guards in the South African varsity basketball and does well to control the game. Mpacko is quite fearless and isn’t afraid to drive to the lane and draw contact, which she does with relative ease. If Mpacko is able to improve her free throw shooting as well as her passing, she has the potential to take her game to another level.
10. Hope Dim (University of Johannesburg): The University of Johannesburg’s Hope Dim, ended the competition averaging a team leading 10.6 ppg. Dim saved her best performances for the knockout stage games against Rhodes and Tuks, whereby, she scored 17 and 18 points in the respective fixtures. Her efforts, helped UJ to finish fourth at USSA 2021 tournament and saw warranted her selection as an USSA all star. Dim plays well inside and can get to the line, which she did 36 times. Nevertheless, like most of her counterparts who possess the same quality, her conversion rate needs to significantly improve in order for UJ to benefit optimally from her talents.