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Hard Work Pays off for Nhlanhla “Lucky” Vela

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One could say it is luck that has helped one Eastern Cape youngster play for his country, in less than 5 years of trying out a new sport. Luck that changed his living situation from destitute to safe and secure. Or perhaps a per-chance meeting of a mentor on the basketball court at Kings Beach in Gqeberha would be considered lucky.

But then, once you meet Nhlanhla Vela, 19, who is fondly known by his nickname “Lucky”, perhaps it is everyone else who gets to meet him and be inspired by his journey as young, rising sport star that are the lucky ones.

At just over 2-metres tall, playing in centre position (12) for South Africa’s student men’s basketball team who is travelling to Chengdu, China, for the FISU World University Games, Lucky couldn’t be prouder to represent his country.

Leaving on his first overseas flight tomorrow, Saturday 22 July, Lucky only discovered his love for basketball five years ago in Mthatha after the lanky teenager failed to make much of an impression on the soccer field. “Basketball saved me from the bad influences we get exposed to as teenagers from tough backgrounds, and it changed my home situation.”

From next week he will be representing Team South Africa to compete in the Men’s Basketball Group A – with among others, hosts China – against the world’s best university students at the World University Games.

However, only a year ago, his future was not as secure and bright. He lived alone in a rented room in the city centre and walked about 8 km’s to practice basketball at the Gqeberha beachfront.

“This is where I found out that Lucky had previously been living on a family friend’s floor, where he was not a part of the family, and later had to find his own accommodation,” said Cameron.

From left are Cameron Parry, Nhlanhla “Lucky” Vela, and Bianca Parry.

Lucky had moved to Gqeberha from East London, and Mthatha, hoping to get more opportunities to play basketball in the Friendly City, and tried to make it on his own as a pupil at Kwezi Lomso High School.

“I met Cameron (Parry) at a street basketball game in the park and he invited me to church. This is where I developed a close relationship with God and I got the family and community support from him and the church,” said Lucky.

For Cameron, who picked up more than just a new sporting hobby that day when he met the then “18-year-old, 2-metre giant”, mentoring Lucky was a new experience for the church finance manager, but one of the most rewarding friendships of his life.

“I gave him a lift to practices and helped a bit with tutoring and schoolwork. My wife (Bianca) and I didn’t have the financial resources to help, but we did have the time and love, and it was very rewarding to open up our hearts to him. We are very proud of all he has achieved despite his hectic childhood,” said Cameron.

Bianca helped Lucky to apply to the University of Pretoria (TUKS), where he is currently in his first year studying towards a Higher Certificate in Sport Science. The church community, Father’s House Church in North End, also raised money for Lucky.

The money was raised by church members, who after the Grace Message Series, was touched by Lucky’s life story when Pastor George Georgiou prayed for Lucky ahead of a national training event last year. The money raised was enough to buy new basketball shoes for the tournament and a laptop to set him up for his studies.

“I enjoy my academics and work hard at it, but I don’t see myself working 9-to-5 in an office. I would love to play basketball professionally and it is my goal to make it to the big leagues, like the NBA or Euro League, one day,” said Lucky.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.