Tshilidzi Nephawe wins another trophy with his Japanese side

Tshilidzi “Big Chilli” Nephawe from Makwarela in Limpopo has won another trophy with his Japanese professional basketball side, Hiroshima Dragonflies.

Nephawe and his side won the East Asia Super League after a 72-68 victory over the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots from Taiwan in Macau, China. They racked up five wins and one loss in the Super Cup this season.

ALSO READ: Broos names Bafana final squad for Polokwane match

Nephawe’s team has become the number one team in Japan and Asia. In 2024, the 35-year-old won the Japanese Basketball B-League Championship with the same side.

WHO IS TSHILIDZI “BIG CHILLI” NEPHAWE?

Nephawe is a former learner at Mphaphuli Secondary School in Makwarela, Vhembe District. At a young age, he played for Limpopo‘s provincial teams before being scouted to play in America.

Nephawe went on to New Mexico State University after he got a full academic scholarship. He was a teammate with NBA player and Cameroonian Pascal Siakam.

In Japan, Nephawe is also known as Tshilidzi Kawata. This is after he also secured his citizenship in the Asian country.

Since his arrival in Japan, Nephawe has played for teams such as Kumamoto Volters, Sendai 89ers, Bambitious Nara, Kumamoto Volters, Fukushima Firebonds, Niigata Albirex BB and Kyoto Hannaryz.