A Paarl basketball player has reached his dream of slamming dunks for a USA team but needs help getting there.
Nabihl Liebenberg, 21, received a basketball contract to play for the Purple Jags in the M3BA league and says the opportunity has been his childhood dream.
The M3BA is a semi-professional league and feeds talent to the elite National Basketball Association (NBA) League in America.
He is due to leave next month but is still in need of financial assistance.
Nabihl says he started dribbling when he was nine, and spent most of his high school career taking part, and winning, every league he played for at New Orleans Secondary School.
“This year after going for try outs, I received two Basketball National League (BNL) contracts with the Northern Cape Zebras and Eastern Cape Windbreakers and chose to play for Northern Cape Zebras in the BNL,” he says.
“In South Africa, the BNL is considered as the only semi-professional league.
“I was the only one from Paarl to play in the BNL this year and the youngest player from Paarl to ever make it to the BNL at age 20.
“We have a lot of basketball players in Paarl, but I am one of only a few players that can say they made it as far as the BNL, that's why I am truly blessed.”
Nabihl is raised by a single mom and although he only stands at 1.72m in his sokkies, he says his agility makes him stand above the rest.
He says he was overcome with joy when he was contacted by the M3BA to play for them in Texas and now needs to raise R150 000 to live his dream.
“Making it to go play in the USA has always been my childhood dream throughout my whole basketball career.
“After reaching out for several years to different countries and clubs, my prayers have finally been answered,” he says.
The money will be used to pay for travel expenses, living expenses and accommodation.
Nabihl still needs to raise R145 000, and anyone willing to sponsor him can call 081 723 8883.