A small basketball club in Montana is creating space for young players to be seen, heard, and valued.
Cape Town, South Africa (14 July 2025) – Basketball has always been associated with a flashy and fancy lifestyle. Think huge crowds, courtside seats reserved for the wealthy, fame, stylish gear and superstars. This is a world away from what one will find on the Montana Vikings court in Cape Town. Here it’s more about community, character and creating a safe space for young people to grow.
The Vikings are more than a team, but a family. Players come from nearby areas like Montana, Valhalla Park, Bishop Lavis and Gugulethu. Places where opportunities can be limited and challenges are part of daily life. The court is more than just a place to play, it is a second home, where they are respected, supported and seen.
Coach Shafiek Allie leads the team with a clear purpose.
“We’re not just building athletes,” he says. “We’re building people. Basketball is just the vehicle.”
From the way the players greet visitors to how they support each other on and off the court, there’s a culture of respect and unity that runs through everything they do.
Practices aren’t easy. Sessions take place outdoors, no matter the weather conditions. Players often travel long distances, balancing schoolwork and family responsibilities just to be present. Despite these conditions, no one turned away.
Coach Shafiek has dreams of building an indoor facility where practices are not affected by the weather. He has other dreams that go beyond the basketball facility. Also, university support for promising players and broader outreach programmes that focus on education and nutrition.
The club also offers more than just weekly training. There is an annual camp that builds skills and life-long friendships, and a 24-hour basketball marathon where players take turns on the court and sleep nearby, forming tight bonds as a team.
“There’s enough out there that these kids are dealing with,” he says. “I want them to have a place where they know they matter. Where they belong.”
At its core, the Montana Vikings is not just about basketball. It’s about building something that lasts. It’s about giving kids a reason to believe in themselves, no matter where they come from or what the world says.
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