The first-ever ExxonMobil Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA League Mozambique Finals came to a close on Saturday, September 28, at the Clube Desportivo da Politécnica in Maputo, Mozambique, with five-time NBA (www.NBA.com) champion Ron Harper in attendance. The girls’ division champions were the Golden State Warriors (Escola Secundária Francisco Manyanga) and the boys’ division champions were the New York Knicks (Escola Secundária Josina Machel).
Operated by the Clarisse Machanguana Foundation (CMF), an organization founded by former WNBA player and Mozambican basketball legend Clarisse Machanguana, the league aims to empower Mozambican youth through sport, education, and health. It launched last April and impacted over 8,000 youth in its first season. The league also featured all-girls basketball clinics as part of the NBA’s Her Time to Play program, providing opportunities for girls and women in basketball and leadership roles, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) sessions for boys and girls.
The STEM program, which will include a series of theoretical and practical Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics lessons over the next six months, began last month at Josina Machel and Trisciard Secondary Schools. The program includes educational experiments related to sports science, such as measuring heartbeats and understanding the dimensions and rules of basketball courts.
The ExxonMobil Jr. NBA League in Mozambique has been led by top coaches, including Leonel Manhique, who participated in the NBA 2K25 Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada, earlier this year.
Executive Quotes
Frank Kretschmer, Lead Country Manager of ExxonMobil Mozambique Limitada: “Hosting this program in Mozambique and benefiting 8,000 students, including promoting STEM, has been a rewarding experience that aligns with our community development strategy.”
Kita Matungulu, NBA Africa Director of Basketball Operations: “The partnership between ExxonMobil and NBA Africa has been key in making basketball more accessible to Mozambique’s youth and empowering them through STEM. We are grateful for ExxonMobil’s commitment and support and look forward to further youth development initiatives in Mozambique.”
Ron Harper, five-time NBA champion: “Being in Mozambique for the first time, I was impressed by the energy and talent displayed by both teams on the court and during the STEM Showcase today. Basketball has a powerful impact, and I am excited to witness its influence in Mozambique.”
Clarisse Machanguana, former WNBA player and Mozambique basketball legend: “We are dedicated to preparing Jr. NBA participants to excel both on and off the court. This year’s STEM program enhances our foundation’s mission of nurturing future leaders. We are thrilled about the opportunities created for our youth.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).