Back in early September when East Africa Television began promoting and covering the ever-popular outdoor Sprite Bball Kings basketball tournament, the photo used for one of the cover pieces was a story that jumped off the page. A team of young African basketball players waited eagerly to check into the game, while donning custom made red, orange, and white uniforms with black and white Wooter Africa lettering across the front sublimated jersey. It was a timely reminder just how far Wooter Africa and Wooter Apparel have come over these past three years.  

Rooted in a love for sports, supporting, and giving back through the game of basketball, Wooter Africa’s now poised to go even further in East Africa. 

“We are excited to announce that Wooter Africa has become an official 501c3 non-profit organization. Our mission is to bring together communities and support the youth in Africa with sports,” said Wooter CEO, Alex Aleksandrovski. 

“We've been growing our basketball program in Tanzania over the last three years, all funded by Wooter, and reaching thousands of kids. Basic things such as enjoying the beautiful game of basketball are not easily available. Our goal is to change the lives of the youth through sports. After today, we're able to take Wooter Africa to the next level by working directly with the local government and getting support from people who believe in what we're doing. Stay tuned for some big news coming soon and throughout the upcoming third season of Wooter Africa.”

Within the last three years Wooter Africa truly has become a feel-good-story around East Africa and on the courts of cities like Morogoro, Tanzania.

That’s when Hamid Suleiman Ahmad -- the young vibrant Commissioner of the Zanzibar Basketball League -- reached out to Wooter Apparel about creating customized basketball uniforms for the grass roots youth and adult basketball league that would compete on the outdoor courts in Tanzania and Zanzibar. Not only did Wooter Apparel design a collection of sublimation jerseys based off of Hamid’s own design, but Wooter soon became the official apparel sponsor last year. Wooter Apparel colorfully created and outfitted teams with uniforms for the 12-team Zanzibar Basketball League, providing a professional look for the talented athletes who proudly wear Wooter Africa across their chest. The jersey and uniform color selection was a tribute to Zanzibar’s national flag with the tricolor of blue, black, and green, and Tanzania with the addition of yellow. Wooter Apparel kept the entire league covered by also designing and producing an apparel line that included full referee uniforms, polo shirts for coaches and staff members, and jerseys and uniforms for Wooter Africa women’s basketball as well.

Heading into Season 3, players in the Zanzibar Basketball League will wear jersey and uniform designs inspired by both Africa and the NBA, with the Toronto Raptors themed “We The North” chevron on the front and the Wooter Africa logo featured on the shorts and back of the jersey.

Thanks to Hamid’s dedication, drive, and determination, the Zanzibar Basketball League has become an inspiration for aspiring and dedicated players who want to grow as players and showcase their basketball skills in East Africa. Along with featuring weekly games, the Zanzibar Basketball League also partnered with professional basketball player and trainer, Joshua Cuylar of JC Sports Training. The partnership not only placed an emphasis on players developing strong basketball fundamentals, but it also improved the level of competition as they head into Season 3 of Wooter Africa.

For Hamid, the goal has always been to grow Wooter Africa to become more than just a basketball league. It’s about bringing a deeper connection to one another through sports in his own community.

“I needed it (the Zanzibar Basketball League) to be a platform which changes lives for players, teams and brings something different to the table from any other basketball leagues that happen around Africa,” he explained about the positive influence Wooter Africa is having.

“Last season made me realize how our work is very impactful. Take one of our young players at Wooter Africa with the Usolo Basketball Club — Munir Iddy Jakka, who is from Morogoro. Everything he needs from school and basketball is taken care of and only benefits his career further as he continues to grow. He’s now one of the best players on the team, has made friends, and has gained exposure to a new Zanzibar environment.”

As talented young Wooter Africa teams like Usolo and Don Bosco lead the way for MVP worthy play and by claiming a junior basketball championship, Hamid wants to leave his own legacy around the game with Wooter Africa. In many ways he already has. During the planning for the start of the 2019-20 season, Hamid’s Mother — Shukuru Issa Kaduma —passed away.

The heartbreaking moment quickly reminded Hamid that all of his work and efforts in shaping Wooter Africa was about something much bigger than himself.

“I had a lot of promises for her after this season. I wanted her to witness all of that success while she was still here. I owe her a lot. I hope she is proud of me and how we are changing lives,” Hamid added, while shifting the attention back to basketball.

“The more I continue this league and seasons with Wooter Africa, the more impact I know we will have on being a bridge to help people grow and get better together.”