A RISING STAR

He has played basketball for seventeen years for 4 different teams in 3 different countries. The thirty four year old Public Health student chats to us about his career in Basketball and how he continues to rise to the top.

A Loving Father, husband, student and basketball player, cheerful Chikondi Andrew meets with us at the comfort of his living room. This young man is currently doing his PhD in public health at the University of Pretoria, yet he is only 34 years of age. Weighing ninety-five kg and six feet tall, his build evidently spits out basketball player. It is no doubt that this tall masculine star lives and breathes out basketball. Chikondi has certainly come a long way. Born and raised in Malawi, the rising star takes us on a journey through his life as a basketball player.

With a graceful smile on his face, Chikondi describes himself as a fun loving person who enjoys meeting new friends. During his free time when he is not chilling with friends or family you can mostly find him on the courts. Growing up as the only boy in his family of four kids, basketball became his 1^st love. His Mother Ruth Chirwa said ‘as a child Chikondi would switch to the basket sports channel and watch it the whole day’. Chikondi also has a large collection of basketball sneakers. He began collecting them since he was a child.”…First thing he thinks of buying is basketball equipment, he has a lot of boots for playing basketball…” said Mrs Chirwa.

Chikondi started playing basketball seriously in 1998 for a college team in Malawi. It was called the poly bobcats. Since then, he played basketball for a couple of international teams. Once he finished his degree his family moved to Swaziland, but that didn't stop him from shooting hoops. He continued to play basketball for the Sonics team and became their star player.

There after he moved back to Malawi to further his studies in a Master’s degree. There, he played for ‘Bricks’ one of the top National basketball teams in the country. Five years later Chikondi moved to South Africa to do his PhD and is currently playing for the TUKS basketball first team. It seems that joining a basketball team for him is no hard task. But what keeps this rising star on top of his game?

He practises 5times a week and believes that keeping fit is most crucial. ‘I have to makes sure that I am always on top of my game. I have to keep fit and train hard.’ Chikondi tells us.

Every star has its shining moment, and for Chikondi that moment happened at a young age. Back in 2001, Chikondi once went on of the biggest matches of his life as substitute; the All Stars National Competition which occurred in Malawi. Nevertheless he managed to win the most valuable player award as well as player with the most baskets scored in the game. Despite being a rookie he brought his team to victory as they ended up winning the National Competition. “Back then I was just a youngster and when I came in, I changed the game…” He says proudly. Chikondi is certainly a rising star.

When asked what his biggest challenge as a basketball player is, he said having to meet new teams especially on an international level. “My main challenge is when I meet new teams from other countries” says the player. “But eventually that motivates me to play focused and play on my game.”

As a sports player especially in basketball, one is bound to get injured once in a while, and Chikondi is no exception. He recently injured his knee whilst jogging but other than that Chikondi has never had any major injuries on or off court. Such a talented star must have some inspiration that he draws from. When asked what was the best advice he has ever received, Chikondi says was to never give up and to make sure that you work hard and you will end up realising that you can be able to do anything. Chikondi also lives by the motto ‘Never undermine yourself. When you have the potential, you have something nobody can take away.’ The player also imparts a few words to youngsters travelling his journey. He said “The main issue is to focus in life, if one is focused, you know what you are striving to achieve.”

Well Chikondi is definitely a player to watch out for. In the future Chikondi plans on proving himself more and more to the TUKS basketball team. He hopes to help them win the league and become recognized as a top Basketball team in the country. No doubt he’ll shine his light and continue to be a rising star here in South Africa.