A year ago, Otef Darom had only managed one victory all season. In dire need to change their fortune, they turned to one of Africa's most electrifying talents, Samelo Cele. They did in one season what other teams spend years trying to achieve. It may seem like a Cinderella story to many but Cele's impact is inevitable as he continues to blaze a trail for many coming after him.
Last Updated on
July 21, 2026
.jpg)
Born and raised in Durban in South Africa, Samkelo Cele first made his name in football before discovering basketball in high school. With support from his community, he moved to the United States to attend Bull City Prep Academy in North Carolina, where his potential drew college attention. He went on to play across the junior college, in NCAA D1, and NAIA levels, culminating in a breakout season at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma where he averaged 20.8 points ad 5.2 rebounds and earned NAIA All-American Third Team honors.
This was only the beginning of his illustrious career. He returned home to play for the Cape Town Tigers where he made his name on the continent. He remains the only South African player to date to make the All-BAL First Team while making back-to-back all defensive selections. This earned him an invitation to play in the NBA Summer League with the New York Knicks. The journeyman then continued to play in Angola, China, and Spain before landing in Israel. Despite all these achievements and records, Cele achieved one of, if not, his biggest feat whilst in Israel playing for Otef Darom BC. The team that had won only one game the year before can now boast of their incredible rise in just one season. The catalyst? Samkelo Cele.
It was his first time in Israel but the South African guard is not a stranger to foreign lands. It was a new challenge that demanded quick adaptation and to be malleable enough to make adjustments. However, he embraced that with an eager mind. He added the things he leaned on for his game:
At pro level, you know who you are and what you are capable of. You just have to figure out the speed you need to adjust to. You need to trust your athleticism and technical abilities, then you will be successful.
Cele has always been known for his versatility and two-way playing abilities but he had to put them on full display this time. He was the person they looked to offensively when they needed a spark or to be pulled out of a rut. On the other end, he was also the man they looked to when they needed to stop the other team's best player. Needless to say, the responsibilities bestowed on him required a strong-minded player to accomplish.
The Israeli league is very competitive and well organized so his assignments were not so straightforward. Nevertheless, he managed to overcome them. He had to grow and become a vocal leader too. They had a good group of young players and his experience and vocal contributions were paramount. There were very low moments and he just knew to stay with it, to weather the storm and continue to push through.
He led the team with an average of 16.7 points per game. He shot an impressive 38.9% from beyond the arc and 81.9% from the free throw line. Despite these highs, there were moments of intense lows and insecurity. Then he was evacuated to Egypt then to Serbia. Despite this, he was determined to return and continue on this impressive run. Upon his return, he continued to lead the team in a manner only he can. They managed to secure playoff berth - a feat that seemed impossible just 12 months ago. With that belief, they won their first round of the playoffs before succumbing to the eventual champions, Ashdod, 3-1 in the series.
While Otef Darom's remarkable rise will be remembered in Israel, its significance stretches far beyond one club or one season. For aspiring players across Africa, Cele's campaign is another reminder that success overseas is not defined solely by scoring titles or highlight reels, but the ability to influence winning. Helping lift a team from a single victory the previous year to a place in the semifinals speaks to leadership, consistency and trust - qualities that continue to shape the reputation of African players abroad.
Every successful African player abroad expands the market for the next one. Coaches and general managers recruit with the precedent in mind. Seasons like Cele's do not just enhance his own reputation - they help reshape perceptions of the quality, professionalism and winning mentality that African players bring to clubs across Europe and beyond.
[Photography and Imagery Courtesy of Samkelo Cele]
.jpeg)
