ELIJAH-Taye Saifaleupolu is the latest signing for the Castec Rural Supplies Pioneers for the 2026 NBL1 South season, coming to Mount Gambier on the back of playing for the Hume City Broncos in the Big V last season.<\/p>\n
Known as Eli, he has continued to rise in his development through Basketball Victoria\u2019s semi-professional system and looks to continue his development in his first jump to NBL1 South competition.<\/p>\n
Last season, Eli averaged 12.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game \u2014 all while shooting an impressive 47.6% from the field and 37.2% from three-point range.<\/p>\n
Having progressed through the Broncos program since 2021, Eli\u2019s year-on-year development reflects his commitment, work ethic, and leadership at both ends of the floor.<\/p>\n
His ability to create opportunities offensively and defend with energy makes him a strong addition to the Pioneers\u2019 roster.<\/p>\n
Head coach Pete Godfrey expressed enthusiasm for what Eli will bring to the team and the wider Mount Gambier basketball community.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s arguable that Eli\u2019s Big V Club, the Hume City Broncos, has been \u2018the Pioneers\u2019 of that League,\u201d Godfrey said. \u201cThe State Championship Men\u2019s team has had incredible continuity and quality in its coaching ranks and has been a championship contender every season for the past seven or eight.<\/p>\n
\u201cKnowing Eli\u2019s Hume background and his Coaches, added to sitting in on semi-pro off-season runs that he was involved in, his talent stood out.<\/p>\n
\u201cEli also won Big V Youth titles at Hume and captained the State Championship Men\u2019s team in 2025. With his best basketball well ahead of him Eli is an exciting prospect for 2026 and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n
Eli shared his excitement about joining the Pioneers and stepping into a new chapter in his basketball career.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m super excited to be joining such a well-established club in the NBL1 South like the Mount Gambier Pioneers,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s a great opportunity and I\u2019m really looking forward to developing my game under head<\/p>\n
coach Pete Godfrey and learning from his many years of experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m also thrilled to become part of the local Mount Gambier community and can\u2019t wait to get started.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ELIJAH-Taye Saifaleupolu is the latest signing for the Castec Rural Supplies Pioneers for the 2026 NBL1 South season, coming to Mount Gambier on the back of playing for the Hume City Broncos in the Big V last season. Known as Eli, he has continued to rise in his development through Basketball Victoria\u2019s semi-professional system and […]<\/p>\n