Nhlanhla Dlamini

Our feature player of the week is arguably one of the best point guards KZN and South Africa has ever produced. Nhlanhla has a keen eye for the game and is the dictionary definition of a floor general. He can memorise the floor and run any play given to him on the go. With his unique one hand, deadly jump shot and impeccable floor reading ability Nhlanhla can give any player on the floor a run for his money. Also well respected around the country and southern Africa he now coaches at a top 10 school in KZN at Kearsney College alongside Myles Delport.

I got in touch with Nhlanhla this week to find out more about his lengthy service on the national team.

Full name

Nhlanhla Dlamini

Age or birthday

02 September 1986

Years played on national team

+- 20 years

Games played on national team

100+

Best player you’ve played against at national level

Myself (gotta love the confidence)

Your favourite/standout game at national level

Playing against Tunisia at African Championships in Algeria, we won the game and secured our top 8 spot.

A favourite story from national team

My favourite story must be from Afrobasket in 2007. We showed up to the hotel we were supposed to be staying at only to find our federation hadn’t paid for our hotel. To make things worse the hotel staff tried to keep our passports from us... this infuriated our coach, Craig Gilchrist who wouldn’t leave them alone until he had his passport in his hand.

A message to the kids

I believe everyone has a chance to excel at anything they are passionate about. Hardwork, determination and a desperation/deep desire to achieve your life goals. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail! Anything in life is possible if you really want it and you plan accordingly.