AfricaPress-Tanzania: TANZANIA basketball rising star Atiki Ally has expressed his endeavour to become quality player of the world caliber for his and country’s benefit.
The youthful player who currently plays for London Basketball Academy while doing a scholarship at Thames Valley High School in Canada, has emerged among the top Tanzanian youngsters since joining there five years ago.
In his report sent to the media on Monday, Ally said is doing very well there, though insisted he has a long way to go to achieve that goal.
“I want to thank God for everything, I know I am here today just because of Him,” he said.
He said he won’t forget those who helped him and gave him an upper hand to reach that stage.
Ally added: “I also want to take this opportunity to tell Tanzanians that I am still on a journey. “I still have five years ahead of me, to study and develop basketball skills, I have not yet seen my dream as my goals have not yet been achieved.”
Ally is preparing to join Brigham Young University for further studies and stressed that it took a lengthy discussion with his coaches and family to reach a decision to join Brigham as they are sure it is the perfect place for his development.
Hard working Ally has promised to work hard until he achieves desirable fruits. He has asked Tanzanians to continue supporting him.
“I still need your support, your prayers, and please do not give up on me, continue to contact and correct me whenever am wrong, I will be grateful to have any correctively advice.” His advice to local players to tighten their basketball boots and not to give up, though it is not that easy to reach the desired standards.
The youth who emerged from Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (JMK) Youth Park of Dar es Salaam, has been very impressive since joining London Basketball Academy in Ontario, Canada where he secured a scholarship in 2017.
Ally secured a scholarship to study and pursue a career in basketball after doing well during a scouting training held in Dar es Salaam in August 2017. Juco Advocate scouts came for a sports tour after being invited by the then national team coach American Matthew McAllister.
His basketball journey started in Mwanza way back in 2015, at Nyanza Primary School, where he demonstrated all the attributes that would help him to succeed before shifting to Dar es Salaam and now set a good example to local youths.