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Johannesburg - Castle Lite Unlocked’s highly anticipated meet-and-greet with US National Basketball Association (NBA) legends Bruce Bowen and Ronny Turiaf had The Zone in Rosebank buzzing on Friday.
The former players gave fans a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to take pictures and selfies with them and had the hashtag #CastleLiteUnlocked trending on social media.
The stars are in the country to help promote basketball, one of the US’ favourite sports and one which is increasingly gaining popularity around the world, including in South Africa.
The brand is a sponsor of the NBA Africa Game – a match between Team Africa (made up of players who were born on the continent or are second generation) and Team World which took place at the TicketPro Dome on Saturday night. Both teams are made up of NBA players.
Football legend Thierry Henry made a special appearance and was accompanied by Senegalese-born singer and businessman Akon.
Akon said the African continent was the future and encouraged the growth of basketball.
“Everyone had their chance, so it is time for Africa. It is important to invest in basketball in Africa,” he said.
The event saw local stars playing a fun game of three against three. And it didn’t take long for them to start sweating.
Rapper Riky Rick’s skills clearly go beyond the mic as he showed onlookers that he knows his way around the court too. He led his team, which included his friend and fan-favourite Cassper Nyovest, to victory.
On Thursday the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders, a development and community outreach programme, was in Lenasia with 200 volunteers including NBA players to help build 10 houses. They also visited the Apartheid Museum and other popular sites.
Castle Lite hosted a star-studded “extra cold affair” at an exclusive NBA Africa Game afterparty at The Venue in Melrose Arch right after the game
