What do you think?
Rate this book
Makeni Homeboys: A Memoir about basketball, friends and family
This memoir is all about my time growing up in Zambia with the main emphasis being on the friendships that were forged in my neighbourhood , Makeni, in Lusaka. It is all about the neighbourhood basketball team called the Makeni Homeboys. I wanted to share the escapades as well as the fun and learning experiences along the way
This book will resonate with Gen Xers who are interested in sports especially basketball by telling them about these escapades and adventures.
This book will resonate with Gen Xers who are interested in sports especially basketball by telling them about these escapades and adventures.
84 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2023
5 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Mulenga
79 books84 followersK.A. Mulenga is an award-winning children's author with a passion for inspiring young minds through storytelling. Born in Zambia and now based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Mulenga has written over 30 children's books and several short stories, three of which have reached the #1 spot on the Amazon Bestsellers’ List. His work is known for its engaging narratives, positive life lessons, and the ability to both entertain and educate.
Mulenga's love for writing was sparked at the age of 10 and was deeply influenced by his late father, Kelvin Mulenga, a pioneering journalist and the first Black African editor of the Zambia Daily Mail. His given names—Kalenga and Mulenga—mean “Creative Spirit” in Bemba, a fitting testament to his storytelling gift.
In 2023, Mulenga was honoured with the Coppa Book Award, earning second place for Best of Children’s Literature for his book Chuck The Cheetah. He is actively involved in literacy programs across South Africa, regularly conducting book readings and workshops to promote a love of reading and writing among children.
When he’s not crafting new stories, Mulenga enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. With his eldest now residing in Cape Town, home is a little quieter—but still filled with creativity, laughter, and imagination.
His short story 'Mbali and The Lantern Men' was published in the award-winning literary magazine F(r)iction.
His books are available worldwide through major retailers and distributors.
Mulenga's love for writing was sparked at the age of 10 and was deeply influenced by his late father, Kelvin Mulenga, a pioneering journalist and the first Black African editor of the Zambia Daily Mail. His given names—Kalenga and Mulenga—mean “Creative Spirit” in Bemba, a fitting testament to his storytelling gift.
In 2023, Mulenga was honoured with the Coppa Book Award, earning second place for Best of Children’s Literature for his book Chuck The Cheetah. He is actively involved in literacy programs across South Africa, regularly conducting book readings and workshops to promote a love of reading and writing among children.
When he’s not crafting new stories, Mulenga enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. With his eldest now residing in Cape Town, home is a little quieter—but still filled with creativity, laughter, and imagination.
His short story 'Mbali and The Lantern Men' was published in the award-winning literary magazine F(r)iction.
His books are available worldwide through major retailers and distributors.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 14, 2023
I liked how this memoir focused on the relationship the author had with multiple people throughout his basketball life. I liked that it was a quick read. As a reader, I was looking for more details and expansion on some of the people and their experiences together. I wanted to be able to watch the story in mind more.
October 4, 2023
Great Read 📚
A story about growing up in Africa, friends, and basketball, and the love of his life. I found the book very interesting, how growing up in another country is so different from mine. Love of family, friends and basketball prevail. I would recommend this book.
A story about growing up in Africa, friends, and basketball, and the love of his life. I found the book very interesting, how growing up in another country is so different from mine. Love of family, friends and basketball prevail. I would recommend this book.
September 13, 2023
I highly recommend “Makeni Homeboys: A Memoir about Basketball, Friends and Family” by K. A. Mulenga. If you have read one of this author’s children’s books then you already know what an innovative writer he is and as expected this memoir did not disappoint.
Zambia is known for its mining and powerful soccer teams. However, K.A. Mulenga associates this beautiful country with his basketball dreams and experiences he’s had since he was a small child.
This book is divided into 19 chapters, each focused on a special memory involving a basketball and/or life experience. Although all of the sections were entertaining, I most enjoyed the one titled ‘Games to Remember where he reminisces about the favorite tournaments he had with his beloved Homeboy team.
Mulenga’s words throughout enabled me to envision the journey from his first steps on a basketball court to the hoop that now hangs above his garage where he teaches layups to his son as he begins his own journey.
The stories told touched a special place in my heart where they turned into a tapestry of family, friendship, and interwoven throughout, the love of basketball.
I give this memoir five out of five stars and recommend this book to high school-age readers and beyond who enjoy basketball accompanied by real-life accounts that spark joy.
I will leave you with one of K.A. Mulenga’s favorite quotes by Michael Jordan, as it depicts the lessons and experiences he gathered through the love of basketball.
“I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.”
-Michael Jordan
Zambia is known for its mining and powerful soccer teams. However, K.A. Mulenga associates this beautiful country with his basketball dreams and experiences he’s had since he was a small child.
This book is divided into 19 chapters, each focused on a special memory involving a basketball and/or life experience. Although all of the sections were entertaining, I most enjoyed the one titled ‘Games to Remember where he reminisces about the favorite tournaments he had with his beloved Homeboy team.
Mulenga’s words throughout enabled me to envision the journey from his first steps on a basketball court to the hoop that now hangs above his garage where he teaches layups to his son as he begins his own journey.
The stories told touched a special place in my heart where they turned into a tapestry of family, friendship, and interwoven throughout, the love of basketball.
I give this memoir five out of five stars and recommend this book to high school-age readers and beyond who enjoy basketball accompanied by real-life accounts that spark joy.
I will leave you with one of K.A. Mulenga’s favorite quotes by Michael Jordan, as it depicts the lessons and experiences he gathered through the love of basketball.
“I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.”
-Michael Jordan
September 16, 2024
Basketball speaks many languages and travels as well, if not better, than any other sport. All you need is a ball, a hoop, and some friends. And that's why I love and can relate to this book so well. It calls to mind the many days spent driving around to courts in our area, joining pickup games, playing with and against our closest friends, making new ones along the way, and having all the fun one could have in his late teens and early 20s.
The author and I have a lot in common: the same age, short stature, glasses, a love for the game and the 90's Bulls, and friends/family who made the journey so much more than just a destination. While I can't recall with the same clarity the author does some of my teammates, rivals, and exploits, and I never played collegiately or in any kind of league, I did play a few tournaments; won a loser's bracket Toilet Bowl trophy in the now-defunct Gus Macker tourney, and learned a lot about life and friendship along the way. That's why I identify so well with this book. It perfectly executes a dunk from the free throw line what that time in his life was and what it meant to him. I may never meet Kal or get a chance to play a game of one-on-one, 21, or Taps with him, but though this and our social media interactions, I feel as though I can call him a friend.
LIMBA, Makeni!!
The author and I have a lot in common: the same age, short stature, glasses, a love for the game and the 90's Bulls, and friends/family who made the journey so much more than just a destination. While I can't recall with the same clarity the author does some of my teammates, rivals, and exploits, and I never played collegiately or in any kind of league, I did play a few tournaments; won a loser's bracket Toilet Bowl trophy in the now-defunct Gus Macker tourney, and learned a lot about life and friendship along the way. That's why I identify so well with this book. It perfectly executes a dunk from the free throw line what that time in his life was and what it meant to him. I may never meet Kal or get a chance to play a game of one-on-one, 21, or Taps with him, but though this and our social media interactions, I feel as though I can call him a friend.
LIMBA, Makeni!!
May 9, 2023
In K. A. Mulenga’s Makeni Homeboys: A Memoir about Basketball, Friends, Family he shares his love for basketball and tells how the game shaped him and his friends in both Zambia and South Africa. It taught him self-discipline, team building and offered him travel to several surrounding areas as they sometimes played with balls that needed constant inflation and dealt with injuries with no doctors’ help. He and many of his fellow players have gone on to play in the game of life and are now doing quite well in a variety of fields around the globe.
He reminded others to never judge a book by its cover because some assumed that his short stature and corrective lenses would deter him from being a great athlete. He continually proved them wrong and Mulenga is now a proud author of children’s books who still uses that self-discipline learned from playing basketball to keep him on a steady path of achievement. His study of role models such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird kept him inspired and they helped pave the way. This is a nice, short, yet powerful read!
He reminded others to never judge a book by its cover because some assumed that his short stature and corrective lenses would deter him from being a great athlete. He continually proved them wrong and Mulenga is now a proud author of children’s books who still uses that self-discipline learned from playing basketball to keep him on a steady path of achievement. His study of role models such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird kept him inspired and they helped pave the way. This is a nice, short, yet powerful read!
September 30, 2023
"Makeni Homeboys" is a captivating blend of basketball, camaraderie, and the vibrant backdrop of Makeni, Lusaka. More than just sports, it's a nostalgic trip celebrating friendship and growth in Zambia. Every tale of the Homeboys' escapades is told with heart and charm. A must-read not only for sports enthusiasts but for anyone who treasures tales of youth, adventure, and community. Highly recommended!
April 24, 2023
Interesting
I enjoyed writing this book and I hope people will enjoy reading it! It brought back so many fond memories!
I enjoyed writing this book and I hope people will enjoy reading it! It brought back so many fond memories!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews