GABORONE - FIBA Africa and the Botswana Basketball Association has expressed great sorrow and deep sadness following the passing of Dele Akpata on Friday 29 January. He was 60 years old.

Born and raised in Nigeria, Akpata dedicated 23 years of his life to basketball as a coach and referee. He served as FIBA Africa Coaches Instructor and led many clinics in different African countries for FIBA and as part of the Olympic Solidarity programme.

He served as Secretary General of the Confederation of University and College Sport - Zone 6 from 2006-2015. 

In 2012, he was named Chairman of the Coaches Commission of the Botswana Basketball Association.

Since 2011, as a representative of Botswana, he had been a part of the International University Sports Federation's (FISU) International Control Commission, having previously served as a member of the Sports Regulations Commission (2007-2011).

Additionally, Akpata was a lecturer at the Department of Physical Education, Health and Recreation at the University of Botswana, where he also served as Director of Recreation and Culture.

FIBA