BRAVEHEARTS Women’s Club have made the BASMAL domestic championship their own for over five years, and their success has heightened the team’s ambition. The desire to compete now stretches beyond the home comforts of Malawi and into the continental realm. With the FIBA Zone 6 (Southern Africa) Women’s Basketball League Africa Qualifiers likely to take place this year, that dream could soon become a reality for the Bravehearts.
One of the club’s most experienced players, Tadiwa Mabika from Zimbabwe, shares the club’s ambition of stepping into the bigger arena of club basketball.
It also helps that the 24-year-old Mabika knows a thing or two about top-level basketball. In her mid-teens, she represented Zimbabwe at the 2017 U16 Women’s AfroBasket. Six years later (2023), she would suit up for her country’s senior national team in the Zone 6 FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers.
Tadiwa Mabika in the colours of Zimbabwe at the 2017 U16 AfroBasket. Pictures: The BTO and FIBA
Mabika, who spoke a day (Sunday 31 July) after her club won back the recently concluded Bravehearts International Basketball Challenge (BIBC), intimated her desire to return to playing in the upper reaches of African basketball.
“As an individual, it’s something I aspire to. I consider it the highest level of basketball. That is something I want to compete in for experience and exposure,” said the BIBC MVP. “I think it will be a learning experience. Hopefully, if we get another opportunity, we can do better. Then we will know what we are getting ourselves into. So as a team, I believe we all share that ambition. Even if it takes time to get there.”
From her own experience with Zimbabwe’s senior national team and playing club basketball in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mabika says her Bravehearts teammates should prepare themselves for an aggressive approach from their potential opposition.
“It is going to be hard. It is going to be tough. Having played with the national team and my experience in the DRC, there is a certain level of physicality that teams play with, so we must be prepared for that,” said 24-year-old Mabika. “The one disadvantage we have is the lack of height, so we must utilise what we have to our advantage. So, if you are short, you must be quick and be able to outrun the bigger players.”
Apart from capturing the national championship and winning the BIBC, the Bravehearts women’s team has triumphed in recent tournaments held in South Africa this year. Mabika says those wins at the Ashraaf Loedewyk and Wits Lady Bucks tournaments down South were a confidence booster. But she correctly pointed out that they will need better competition to compete against much stronger teams.
“Winning in South Africa is a confidence booster. But we should not be overconfident because we won tournaments over there. Qualifying for the WBLA requires playing against much better competition. The BIBC is a much stronger competition because it brought teams from outside Malawi, which was good for us,” said Mabika.
Bravehearts player Tadiwa Mabika looks forward to competing in the Zone 6 Qualifiers.
The power forward feels the Zone 6 qualifiers will bring together a mix of players that will allow her to expand on her playing repertoire.
“I have never played in the club qualifiers. I have only played with the national team, and it was good exposure. But I think playing in the club qualifiers will be different because clubs can sign players from overseas. It will be a completely different level and an important learning curve for my career. I look forward to that,” said Mabika.
Mabika’s ambition is undeniable, and with Bravehearts determined to compete on the continent, the experience of the Zimbabwean power forward will count.
SPORTS in Africa are seldom seen as a pathway to opening doors to education. However, one of the clubs working to change the narrative is Malawi’s Bravehearts Basketball Club, which operates through their scholarship program. Two hoopers who have experienced the impact of the program are Mtendere Manyozo and Hope Chimwaza.
Identified for their basketball talent and academic excellence, interestingly, the basketball bug bit late in their lives. Before switching to basketball, Manyozo was a netball player, while Chimwaza played football.
Chimwaza is a first-year university student who harbours dreams of graduating to the Brave Hearts senior team, picked basketball as a 15-year-old, and when the world was going through the most.
“I was a football player because of my dad. Before I discovered I could play basketball, I loved football. I started playing basketball at the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Chimwaza. “I have grown to love it, and it has made me more focused.
Mtendere Manyozo believes Bravehearts is ready to venture into continental basketball. Pictures: Supplied
Originally from Blantyre, Chimwaza joined Brave Hearts in 2022, while still a high school pupil. He says changing from football to basketball was not an easy leap.
“It was hard changing sports. I think the levels of physicality were different. That was the biggest change for me,” said Chimwaza.
Manyozo, in her final year of Business Administration, explained that she started the game late in life. “I used to be a netball player. I got into basketball once I started college, I was 19 at the time. That was in 2020. After a year, I joined the Brave Hearts program,” said Manyozo, the Bravehearts women’s team captain. “It was a hard change, now it has become a part of my lifestyle.”
Both players spoke in the same vein that the scholarship program has lifted the financial burden on their families.
“Basketball has been a blessing in my life. Bravehearts has paid for my schooling since form four, and they are still doing it now, which is a good thing for me and especially my parents,” said Chimwaza. “They handle other things, such as paying school fees for my siblings.”
On the court, Manyozo has won multiple domestic championships with Brave Hearts, and while she enjoys putting the team on the map, she has also appreciated the relationships she’s built.
“It’s been great contributing to the team’s success. It’s been an important part of my life and career,” said Manyozo. “It has given me a chance to know people. To form friendships here at home and outside. Another thing is that the club is ambitious, and it has brought players from outside the country to build on its success. It’s been great for me to be part of this process.
Chimwaza, on the other hand, has dreams of being part of the successful men’s senior team and aspires to compete in international competitions.
“I want to move up to the men’s team. I am working hard to make that dream come true. Every time I get an opportunity to be around them, it motivates me,” said Chimwaza. “Our senior team gets a lot of exposure because they travel. I would really help the team get to the Basketball Africa League.
“Last year they made it to the Elite 16. I would like to see them go further this year.”
Hope Chimweza says basketball has given him more focus.
Manyozo also looks forward to the potential for her and her teammates to play in continental competition. “As a team, we would be happy to get an opportunity to play in bigger competitions. We have won almost everything in Malawi,” said Manyozo.
The duo of Manyozo and Chimwaza are entering different points of their playing careers, but their objectives remain the same. To continue putting Bravehearts on the map.
BRAVEHEARTS owner Griffin Kalua’s love for basketball courses through his veins to the extent that, while planning a major tournament in his country, Malawi, he still made time to take a trip to neighbouring Mozambique for a youth team tournament. Ahead of the fifth edition of the Bravehearts Basketball International Challenge, BIBC (August 28-31), he embarked on a journey with the Bravehearts U18 men’s and women’s teams to a tournament in Mozambique, from which they returned on Sunday.
Despite his busy schedule, Kalua professes love of the game, which includes creating opportunities for young talent to thrive.
“Passion and commitment. I have loved basketball since I was introduced to it many years ago. Working with young athletes and helping them achieve greatness on and off the court is my ministry. It’s something that I dedicate myself to,” said Kalua.
Last year’s BIBC women’s tournament champions were UNILIL Ark Angels from Malawi. Pictures: Supplied
Just as he is hands-on with the club’s programs, he will adopt a similar approach with the upcoming tournament. The BIBC is a tournament Kalua conceptualised to grow the Brave Hearts brand.
“The BIBC challenge was a door for the world to know about Malawi’s basketball. It is a way of showing my players that there is more out there,” said Kalua. It is also a chance for our fans to watch international basketball. But my aim is for the players to aspire for more in this game.”
The growth of the tournament is also significant for Kalua, as teams from Kenya and Angola will travel to Malawi for the two-day event.
“When you come, you will understand what the BIBC is doing for Malawi basketball. There will not be an empty seat at the venue, I doubt you will find a seat,” chuckled Kalua. “Kids look out for this tournament for inspiration. It’s a chance for them to watch the best in Africa. For the first time, we have teams from Angola, Kenya and South Africa.”
Another advantage of the tournament is that youngsters have a platform to exhibit their talent.
“I intend to introduce a youth category for agents to use the tournament to scout young talents,” said Kalua.
Zambia’s Matero Magic won the BIBC last year.
With continental qualifying tournaments like the Road to BAL and the FIBA WBLA being around the corner, Kalua also emphasised that the tournament will serve as part of the Bravehearts’ preparation.
“For our men’s team, we have invited a couple of American players and a player from Zambia to see if we can have them for the Road to BAL,” said Kalua. “On the ladies’ side, we have a player from Zimbabwe and another from Kenya that we are having a look at. If they fit the team, then we can consider them for the qualifiers.”
THE Silverbacks of Uganda are a team in transition, one with a focus on the future given the composition of the squad of players heading to the AfroBasket in Angola (12-24 August). While the youthful vibe is encouraging for the Ugandans, a dash of on-court experience will be present to guide the new faces in the team.
Representing the East African nation’s generational mix are veteran sharpshooter Robinson Opong and rising star Tejan Rugette, respectively, the present and future of the Silverbacks.
Wise head Opong, 36, has played in three AfroBaskets for the Silverbacks, while Rugete, two months from his 18th birthday, is entering the grown man ranks of international competition for the first time.
The duo spoke to The Big Tip Off on Tuesday morning after the team’s shoot-around at the Mandeville Sports Complex in Johannesburg, South Africa, where Uganda has set up camp ahead of the AfroBasket.
The Present
Opong, the most experienced player in the Silverbacks setup, is looking forward to what he termed “a celebration of African basketball culture”.
Robinson Opong brings a wealth of experience to the Silverbacks. Picture: The BTO
“I’m excited. The AfroBasket is the biggest basketball tournament in Africa. Everybody is going to bring their best,” said the former MBB player. “It’s a celebration of basketball culture in Africa. So, we have to bring our A-game and represent as best as we can.
From his first AfroBasket in 2017 to the present, Opong says he loves wearing the Silverbacks vest. He spoke with a sense of happiness at having the opportunity to don it again.
“Man, it’s the best feeling ever. Whenever you put on the Ugandan jersey, there is a feeling of everybody supporting you… your friends, family and the fans… There is nothing like it,” said Opong.
He is also one of the three surviving players from the 2021 AfroBasket, where Uganda finished at the quarter-finals. Opong, American-born Ishmail Wainright and John Geu Deng will be the guiding hands for the rest of the team. Canada-born Opong says they are to take on that responsibility.
“We bring continuity to the group. We know each other and have played in many tournaments together. So, it is up to us to lead this new team. We have to play as a collective and be solid,” said Opong.
On the court, Opong is one of the Silverbacks players whose game will be studied in the opposition’s scouting report. His lethal weapon, the three-point shot, saw him set an AfroBasket Qualifiers record in February when he scored 39 points, 24 of which came from behind the arc in a victory over Nigeria.
Who could forget his clutch three for MBB against Nairobi City Thunder in the Nile Conference leg of the BAL? Opong says he is aware that his ability to score from three is no secret, and while teams plan around that, it will allow other strategies to take shape.
“I think it can help a lot. The teams prepare against that. They don’t want me to shoot. So that opens up the game for my teammates,” said Opong. “One of the things I use is my strength, so that opens up a lot than just me shooting. It will open up doors for guys to cut and dunk.”
With the days passing and the AfroBasket nearing, how has the camp in South Africa helped the Silverbacks?
“It’s been great. Things are going fast. In a couple of days, we will play our first game against Senegal. Our focus is on tactics, on offence and defence. I think we are doing a great job as a group,” said Opong.
The future
Rugette, one of the youngest members of the team, knows a thing or two about international basketball, having played for his country’s U16 and U18 teams at the age group AfroBaskets.
Tejan Rugette has been elevated to the Silverbacks senior team.
Those junior competitions cannot compare to what he could potentially experience in Angola. Despite his youth, Rugette feels that making the final 12 for the AfroBasket affirms his talent.
“It’s one of the biggest confirmations I have had in my life. I was so happy,” said Rugette. “I was spending time with my family (when I got the call). It tells me how the people of Uganda and the coaching staff see me.
“Their feeling that I can play at this level means everything to me.”
His being part of the team speaks volumes about what Rugete’s coaches see in him. While he welcomes the advancement of his career, he has set measured expectations for himself at the AfroBasket.
“Coming in, I know it’s going to be difficult. For me, it’s just keeping a positive attitude, to push myself and to learn as much as I can from the older guys,” said Rugette.
Staying on the subject of acquiring insights from the veterans, what has he learnt from spending time with players like Opong?
“These guys have helped me a lot with everything. They have told me not to take the back seat. Try to stand out, play and compete. They have given me confidence in every way,” said Rugette. “So, working with guys who play at high levels that I aspire to is amazing for me and my game.
“In the future, hopefully, when I am their age, I can compete at that level too. I want to help the team and be one of the best players for Uganda.”
The Silverbacks are certainly in transition. It is encouraging to see how the present and the future are cultivating a sense of sustainable team culture.
MALI has a rich history in African basketball, especially at the youth level. The exceptionally gifted players produced by Mali’s talent conveyor belt have gone on to achieve remarkable success in their careers, cementing the West African nation as a hotbed of basketball talent. One of those players is Sira Thienou, who has built a glittering career in Mali’s junior ranks, leading to a great knock-on effect.
Thienou, a winner of Women’s AfroBasket titles at the U16 (2019) and U18 level (2022), is building a name for herself in the US college circuit. That is not all. She has since elevated to the senior ranks and has remained on the selectors’ radar for major competition in recent times.
At the AfroBasket in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, concluding on Sunday night, Mali will battle it out for the ultimate prize. Interestingly, the 21-year-old Thienou is part of a generation of players trying to bring glory to a nation that has been starved of success in basketball at the senior level. Before discussing the business of the AfroBasket final, Thienou reflected on the journey of playing for Mali’s youth teams and described those teenage years as transformative.
“Growing up and coming through the Mali national team setups from U16 to U18 and then U19 was an amazing journey. Each level brought its challenges, but also growth, both on and off the court,” said Thienou. “Winning the AfroBaskets at U16 and U18 was special. It felt like all the hard work, sacrifices, and hours spent training paid off not just for me. It was the same for the whole team and our country. Being part of those winning teams taught me discipline, leadership, and how to push through difficult moments. Representing Mali is always an honour, and those experiences shaped who I am as a player and as a person.”
Sira Thienou says Mali are hungry and want to bring the Women’s AfroBasket title home. Pictures: FIBA Africa
Thienou’s first taste of senior team basketball was in Mexico at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-qualifying tournament last year. Adjusting to top-level basketball has been a challenging process for Thienou, who notes that the guidance of senior players has helped her navigate this stage of her development.
“Moving up to the senior team has been a big change, but a good one. The game is faster and harder, and the players have more experience,” said Thienou. “At first, it was a little tough, but I’ve been learning a lot and trying to keep up. The older players and coaches have helped me feel comfortable. I’m proud to be part of the team. I want to continue working hard and do my best to help Mali.”
On her journey of forming part of the Malian women’s team, Thienou has reunited with some familiar faces she played with in Mali’s youth ranks. They include Maimouna Haidara and Elisabeth Kamite Dabou, who have been part of the senior set up, and Mama Cisse with who she won youth continental championships back in the day.
Thienou says the trio have formed a sisterhood over those glory years, and she is grateful to have joined forces with them at this year’s women’s AfroBasket.
“It is special for me… We’ve been playing together since we were young, so there’s a strong bond between us. We’ve won so much together before, and now to be on the senior team with them is like a dream. We understand each other on the court, and we push each other to be better. It also makes me feel more confident and comfortable knowing they’re by my side at this new level. Those are my childhood best friends,” said Thienou.
While her three teammates took the professional route early in their careers, Thienou’s path saw her journeying to the home of basketball, the United States. Thienou, currently part of the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) women’s basketball team, says playing for her country and Basketball Without Borders in 2022 made the dream move possible.
“Playing for Mali and going to the BWB Camp opened doors for me, and I’m so grateful it led me to Ole Miss. College basketball has been a big learning experience. The game is very physical, fast, and the level of competition is high. It took some time to adjust, but I’ve grown a lot both as a player and as a person. Being at Ole Miss has helped me get stronger, smarter on the court, and more confident in myself. I’ve also met great people who support me. So it’s been a good experience,” said Thienou.
The shooting guard, who made a brief stop at Virginia’s Shining Stars Sports Academy before landing at Ole Miss, admitted it’s still hard to believe she’s playing college basketball, especially since she hadn’t even been familiar with it before.
“To be honest, while in Mali, I did not know anything about college basketball. After moving to the USA for high school, college was for sure a dream. So, being there now feels special. I’ve worked hard to get to this point, and sometimes I still can’t believe it’s real. It makes me proud. It pushes me to make the most of the opportunity,” said Thienou.
She has also boldly accepted the challenge of playing in the cut-throat college scene. She emphasised how the experience is confirmation of how much she loves the game. Thienou says she has matured as a person and player.
“Since I came to the US, I’ve gotten a lot better. I’m stronger, quicker, and I understand the game more. Playing here has challenged me and helped me grow. I’ve also learned a lot about myself. I realised I can handle more than I thought, and even when things get hard, I don’t give up. It’s shown me how much I love the game and how far I’m willing to go for it,” said Thienou.
At the ongoing Women’s AfroBasket in Cote d’Ivoire, Thienou has, as she says, gone for it. And Mali have too, and it has led them to a third AfroBasket final, which will be on Sunday night. Thienou played her part in the quarter-final victory (86-68) against Mozambique and the semi-final triumph (76-50) over tournament debutantes South Sudan on Saturday night.
In her cameo appearances in both knockout games, she scored 13 and 14 points, respectively. What is impressive about Thienou is the number of minutes she had and the resultant output (19 minutes against Mozambique and 11 versus the East Africans).
She had this to say about her performances against Mozambique: “I’m happy with how I played against Mozambique. It was an important game, and I gave my best for the team. Of course, there are always things I want to improve… Overall, I’m proud of my effort and how we worked together to get the win,” said Thienou.
Sira Thienou has made an impact for Mali in knockout games against Mozambique and South Sudan.
Ahead of the game against South Sudan, whom they had beaten in the group stages, she said Mali would do everything to make the final.
“We know South Sudan is a good team. The game won’t be easy. We beat them in the earlier rounds, but this is the semi-final. Everything is on the line now. We’re focused and ready,” said Thienou. “It feels good to be here, and we’re going to give everything to reach the final.”
It is the last hurdle. Thienou and Mali have reached one part of their goal, and Nigeria, victors over Senegal on Saturday night, are waiting.
Can Mali win a second title at the Palais de Sports des Treichville? Thienou responded with the following: “We’re motivated to bring the AfroBasket trophy back to Mali. It’s been a long time since 2007, and everyone on the team feels the same,” said Thienou. “We know how much this means to our country and our fans. We’re working hard everyday, and we want to make history by winning again.”
THE Women’s AfroBasket semi-final battle on Saturday at the Palais de Sports de Treichville pits together two of the greatest to have bounced a basketball in Africa, Senegal and Nigeria. Nigeria is the new force in African basketball, the six-time champions and is gunning for number seven. Senegal is Africa’s most successful team with 11 trophies, and they will look to reclaim lost glory.
Interestingly, two West African giants will meet for the first time in an AfroBasket semi-final. In recent years, Nigeria and Senegal have contested the last four finals of the biennial women’s tournament, with the spoils of those victories going to the D’Tigress of Nigeria. Apart from having Senegal’s number in the four finals, Nigeria has five more victories, which include another final in 2005, while the Lionesses have managed four wins in head-to-head battles between the two nations.
Route to the last four
Nigeria
From the group stages, the ferocious D’Tigress had no desire to play the role of the hunted. They understood that their title defence required them to be on the prowl. The starter in Group D for the Nigerians was Rwanda, which showed little resistance as the D’Tigress feasted on them (92-47).
Up next was Mozambique – a stubborn prey that battled to the bitter end – but Nigeria managed to wrestle them to the ground and eked out a 60-55 win.
It was a perfect start for the five-time champs, who secured their quarter-final spot with a 2-0 record.
Statement win over Cameroon
The D’Tigress would have thought that Cameroon would give them a fight of their lives in the quarter finals, but it was not the case. Nigeria made light work of the Central Africans, beating them 83-47.
Amy Okonkwo and the D’Tigress will have Senegal’s number. Pictures: FIBA Africa
The key players and their numbers
Amy Okonkwo
The MVP of the last Women’s AfroBasket, Okonkwo, has been the sharp point of Nigeria’s attack. She had her best game against Cameroon, scoring 18 points and crashing 15 boards. Okonkwo’s presence in the paint and ability to stretch the floor give Nigeria the edge over any opponent. She 2/2 from three-point range, 4/10 in the paint area and 8/10 from the free throw line. The 28-year-old Murjanatur will be expected to produce more of the same when the D’Tigress face off against Senegal.
Murjanatu Musa
Musa has seen her production levels increase with every international competition, and in this AfroBasket, she is one of Nigeria’s statistical leaders. The power forward had 12-point games against Rwanda and Mozambique, and in the opening game, she had 10 rebounds. Wakama will expect more from Musa in Côte d’Ivoire, and given her improvement, the 25-year-old will demand more from herself.
Musa has a superb mid-range shot, and she is a good pick-and-roll player, which always puts her in scoring situations. Her rebounding and defensive prowess are a plus for the D’Tigress as they look to defend their title.
Route to the last four
Senegal
Senegal must have left fans wondering if they will do well in this year’s AfroBasket. While their followers may have been concerned, the players would know that the AfroBasket is a marathon and not a sprint. They started strong in Group C by dismantling a lowly Guinea 92-48, but as they did two years ago, they fell again to Uganda (73-70). Following their second-place finish on the log, they had to go the playoff route. The Senegalese masterfully took down Rwanda 80-37.
Senegal spoiled the party for the Ivorians
Against a strong host nation and its partisan fans, Senegal showed heart after trailing in the first three quarters. From the fourth, the Lionesses showed their experience and were worthy 66-60 victors.
Cierra Dillard and Senegal have overcome the mental block against Nigeria.
Key players and their numbers
Cierra Dillard
The American-born point guard has made the point guard position hers with the national team. In the quarter-final victory against Côte d’Ivoire, Dillard posted 16 points, six defensive rebounds, four assists and three steals. Dillard has led the team with her ability to dictate play, find teammates and get buckets. After the disappointment of the final in Rwanda, Dillard will aim to set things right against Nigeria in Abidjan.
Yacine Diop
A veteran of three AfroBasket and knows the feeling of coming second best to Nigeria. As the leader of the team, Diop has to rally her team against a foe that has had the best of them over the years. Her 13 points, eight rebounds, and four assists will boost Senegal’s morale and her confidence going into the semi-final against Nigeria.
Outlook
The D’Tigress is the hot favourite in this. Form and history favour Nigeria, but they will face a huge test. Senegal knows they face a mental battle. Should they cross that hurdle, they could finally prevail against Nigeria.
SOUTH Africa is among the giants in Rwanda. A team of 16 youngsters (boys and girls) is in the Land of a Thousand Hills for the ongoing Giants of Africa (GOA) camp to learn, compete and be part of a cultural exchange at the Masai Ujiri-led program, which began last Saturday (26 July – 2 August).
GOA, which is in its 22nd year, will see 320 youths from 20 countries participate in the festivities, changing the lives of the young hoopers.
MBB player Lebesa Selepe, who has been developing as a coach and took over the coaching reins of the first team at his alma mater, Jeppe Boys High School, will lead the South African boys’ team at the Rwandan capital, Kigali.
Selepe, who will have North West-based coach Teboho Rakoloti as his assistant, told The Big Tip Off he is proud to be flying the flag for South Africa again, even if it’s in a different capacity.
“It’s a different set-up altogether because I’m not playing. However, it’s just as special and I feel equally as honoured to represent the country from the sidelines,” said Selepe from Rwanda last Wednesday.
Lebesa Selepe is coaching the South African team at the GOA Camp. Pictures: Giants Of Africa
The 33-year-old, who has played for South Africa at the AfroBasket in 2017 and suited up for his club MBB and former club Cape Town at the BAL, did not expect to coach internationally so soon, and he feels the exposure will do him and the travelling contingent a world of good.
“I definitely didn’t see myself coaching at this level so soon in my coaching career. I’ve fortunately learned throughout my life to roll with the punches, stay in the moment and always put my best foot forward,” said Selepe.
He continued: “I’ve always felt that South Africa has the talent to compete at this level, and what I’d like to gain from this experience is that affirmation. It’s important that our youth get the opportunity to consistently play basketball outside of their comfort zone from as early as possible and for as long as possible.”
As the man leading the young men to this opportunity of a lifetime, what does Selepe want his team to learn from the GOA experience?
“I’d like for all these players to do what they do. They were all selected on merit at the GOA trials and throughout their high school careers,” said Selepe. “As coaches, our job will be to put them in positions to display what they do well. Most importantly, I’d genuinely like them to grow from here as people, young leaders and basketball players.
Among the group of eight boys who Selepe will coach at the GOA is Thomas Fagas, a shooting guard from Pretoria High School for Boys. Fagas, speaking in April, said the news of his selection came as a shock. His feelings at the time are understandable, given that the trial for GOA had taken place in December last year.
Luckily, Fagas performed well enough to get the nod during the trials in Soweto.
“I was shocked because the trials were held in December. Every day after that, you are just nervous, waiting for the message,” said Fagas. “When I got the message, it was just amazing. The coach messaged me to let me know that I was part of the team.
“Now the nerves are down, I just have to put in the work until camp starts in July.”
Thomas Fagas is part of South Africa’s GOA team.
Fagas says what is eye-opening about GOA is the number of players in the squads representing their country.
“I learnt that there are only eight players in a team. It’s surprising because in basketball, there are usually 12. Taking eight to Rwanda is going to be a challenge. There will be many obstacles, but we will show out,” said Fagas.
TWO years ago in Rwanda, Uganda’s rising Gazelles stunned the basketball world with a historic, unforgettable, and hard-fought victory over the fierce and highly regarded Senegalese team at the Women’s AfroBasket. Many would have opined that the group stage victory was a fluke, that the Lionesses had an off day, and the result would not repeat itself.
For Hope Akello and her teammates, the thoughts of the majority would not have mattered then as they backed themselves in that win over the 11-time champions.
This year at the same stage, in the lush green setting of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Akello and the Gazelles wrote an even better script for themselves. They shook out of the tight squeeze and claws of the Lionesses to win 73-70 in overtime at Palais des Sports de Treicheville, which guaranteed Uganda avoided the playoffs this time around and leapt straight to the quarter-finals.
Uganda, victors over Guinea in their opening game, achieved another first as they topped the log for the first time in their history. Akello, who was part of the Uganda team that triumphed over Senegal in Rwanda, intimated that the win this year over the same opposition was sweeter because they skipped the hurdle of the playoffs.
“We feel great because we played our hearts out. We topped the group and qualified for the quarter-finals,” said Akello, who scored 15 points and crashed six boards in the Monday afternoon win. Unlike two years ago, when we finished second in the group, our results have improved, and we are first in the group. We came to compete and leave everything on the floor.”
Hope Akello and the Gazelles have brought smiles to Uganda’s hoop fans. Picture: FIBA Africa.
What else is different about this year’s Uganda team, and how motivated are they to go even further than in 2021?
“Our objectives are higher with each tournament. We are taking one game at a time. We are also playing till the final whistle,” said Akello.
She continued: “We have been putting in the work. Everyone who steps on the court or comes from the bench gives their best. We want to make our country proud.”
While Uganda has improved as a team, Akello has also upped her production (eight points and seven rebounds) from their last encounter against Senegal. Akello also played almost double the minutes that she had against the Lionesses in the equally gruelling encounter.
She was happy with her performance, especially against the most decorated country in African women’s basketball. She also welcomed the day off on Wednesday after the battle against the West Africans.
“The game was physical. However, we have a rest day to recover. We have a team of doctors and physios who will get us ready for our next game. I am happy about my performance, because Senegal is a good team. They have won several AfroBasket trophies,” said Akello.
Her teammates, Jane Asinde, who posted a double-double (18 points and 10 rebounds), and Paige Robinson, who put up 19 points, five rebounds, and three assists, both put in a 40-minute shift in the final group game. While the trio were the top performers, Akello says each player is aware of their job on the team.
”I like the fact that everyone is doing their job. From starting five to bench to technical team. So, I really want to appreciate everyone for that,” said Akello.
While the win over Senegal two years ago showed that Uganda were becoming a competitive nation, winning the Zone VI AfroBasket qualifiers in Cairo, Egypt, in February has potentially set the tone for them to go further this year. Akello, on the other hand, believes the success in the Zone IV qualifiers enhanced their self-belief.
“Winning the AfroBasket qualifiers was great for us. It was a head start to start to believe in ourselves and work on our weaknesses,” said the power forward.
The Gazelles are strutting with an extra spring in their step. They will need that extra bounce in the quarter-final clash on Thursday against fellow East Africans, South Sudan, who will have grown in confidence after beating Egypt in the playoffs on Wednesday.
SENEGAL last sat on the throne as queens of African basketball in 2015. Fast forward to 2025, can they reclaim the crown? In Group C of the Women’s AfroBasket, the West Africans are the favourites and contenders for the title. Uganda are on the rise and has the knack to cause an upset. Guinea has its doubters, and it is those voices they will be determined to silence in the AfroBasket.
Senegal
Road to qualification
The Senegalese qualified for their 25th AfroBasket after losing to Nigeria in the 2023 final.
Team history & previous tournament run
Senegal is the most decorated country in the Women’s AfroBasket with 11 trophies, and the Lionesses have appeared in most finals in the tournament’s history – 18. They finished winless in the group stages last year but managed to reach the final against Nigeria.
Amazing as Senegal’s run in this tournament has been, in recent years, they have played second fiddle to Nigeria, a team that has six titles to its name. In 2025, can Senegal throw the spanner in the works and make the prestigious title theirs again?
With the talent at their disposal, there is no doubt that they can.
Cierra Dillard will dictate play for Senegal. Pictures: FIBA Africa
Players to watch
Cierra Dillard
The American-born Dillard first made her mark on the African scene, winning back-to-back Women’s Basketball League Africa titles with Egyptian club Sporting Alexandria and scooping the MVP trophy in 2023.
Since donning the Senegal vest, the 29-year-old Dillard has done wonders. In her AfroBasket debut in 2023, she flat-out balled, posting 20.7 points per game, 3.8 rebounds per game and 5.5 assists per game. While she fell short in the final two years ago, the floor general will look to make things right this year.
She is the complete floor general, ensuring that while she gets buckets, she can also put her teammates in a position to carry the scoring load. Her 10 assists against Nigeria in the final are an indication that Dillard loves sharing the ball as much as she is a pure scorer. This attribute will be a plus for Coach Otis Hughley as Senegal tries to capture a 12th trophy.
Yacine Diop
Being the team captain means carrying a lot of responsibility. Diop is due for a big tournament, and having the leadership mantle could inspire her to step up for Senegal. The 30-year-old can put up good numbers, like she did in 2021 (13.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists).
She was 7/11 in the paint against Nigeria two years ago, and she can put it up from three-point range when necessary. So Senegal can trust that their captain will not shy away when the heat is on.
Uganda
Road to Qualification
Uganda finished at the top of Zone 5 AfroBasket qualifiers earlier in the year.
Team History & previous tournament run
The East Africans are a rising force, and their dominance of the zonal qualifiers, which included beating powerhouse Egypt in February, is a signal that Uganda have hit a new curve.
After beating Senegal in the group stages in the 2023 AfroBasket and finishing seventh out of the 12 teams that year, it’s clear the Gazelles were ready to take a new leap. They will face a different Senegal this year, but the Ugandans will also have grown in confidence. Given their performance in the qualifiers, they are going to be a tough match-up this year.
Jane Asinde will lead a rising Uganda team during the AfroBasket.
Player to watch
Jane Asinde
The Gazelles team captain has had a rise in stock from the 2023 AfroBasket. After posting 13 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists two years ago, Asinde saw her numbers improve significantly in the qualifiers for this year’s tournament (18.8 points, 10 rebounds and 4.8 assists).
If Asinde, who plays her club basketball in Spain for Duran Maquinaria Ensino, can match those numbers in Cote d’Ivoire, then Uganda can make significant inroads this year.
Paige Robinson
Robinson, who joined Uganda through naturalisation, showed her quality at the Zone 5 qualifiers, averaging 15.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists. Uganda will count on Robinson for buckets at the AfroBasket. While she got points in the paint (21/37) during the qualifiers, her shooting (11/36) from three-point range was at times sketchy. She will want to improve on that going into the tournament.
Guinea
Road to qualification
The West Africans qualified for this year’s AfroBasket through a wild card.
Team history & previous tournament run
Guinea are a far cry from the team that made the final of the tournament in 1966. The Guineans managed one win in the 2023 tournament, beating former champions Angola in the group stages. Not much is expected from this Guinean side, and given the strength of the group, it will be hard to see them beat Senegal and Uganda. Since finishing fifth in 1970, Guinea have not fared any better in the preceding tournaments.
Masseny Kaba will look to dominate in the paint for Guinea
Players to watch
Masseny Kaba
Forward Masseny Kaba had a great 2023 AfroBasket (17 points and 9.3 rebounds), and the Guineans will cross their fingers that she can replicate that form this year. If Guinea is to have a fighter’s chance at the AfroBasket, a player like Kaba has to be at her best.
Fatoumata Jallow
Shooting guard Jallow also saw her performances improve in the 2023 tournament. Jallow’s 12 points and 4.2 rebounds in Rwanda two years ago were an improvement from her first tournament in 2021.
DAVID Craig has enjoyed his time in South Africa, and being temporarily out of the bright lights of competitive basketball, but he has not rested on his laurels. During this off-season, Craig, a first-time free agent, has put in the hard yards, living up to the adage often used in basketball that says, “If you stay ready, then you don’t have to get ready.”
Even with a career-defining move overseas signed and sealed, Craig ploughs on and quietly fine-tunes his game as his new German club awaits his arrival.
The 7ft2 (2.18m) Craig, who would be hard to miss in a crowded room, was going through his paces last Friday in the humble settings of the Mandeville Sports Complex. Settings which are a far cry from the spotlight and aesthetics of the BAL and NCAA basketball. Training with former Made By Basketball (MBB) teammate Nino Dim, they perfect their shooting form with baseline drills inside and outside the arc.
Craig also focused on his post-up game, working with his back to the basket and practising a series of hook shots. He and Dim then wrapped up with a scrimmage session before heading into Craig’s interview with The Big Tip Off. Twenty-two-year-old Craig spoke with great excitement about joining German third-tier club TSV Nuestadt Temps Shooters. The centre, who started his college career with Mercer, is seemingly content with closing that chapter of his life. At the same time, he felt his stint with MBB at the BAL prepared him for the professional ranks.
“I couldn’t be happier. It was the right time for me. I felt I had got everything I could from the Division I level. At this point, this is the right move for my career,” said Craig, who last played for NCAA Division I college Tennessee Tech. “After playing at the BAL level, I felt I could get a bit more out of my career by making the jump to the pros.
David Craig says playing in the BAL opened his eyes to a bigger basketball world. Pictures: The BTO
Craig says he has already had discussions with Temps Shooter coach Allen Ray about how he fits into the team’s plans. “I looked forward to working with the coach over there. I have had several discussions with him. It’s been positive. He is big on meeting players at their point and being able to help them grow their game,” said Craig. “From the discussion we had and learning about the club, I feel I will be a good fit.
“I also have a lot I can learn from the older players. I look forward to this experience and how it will help to evolve my game.”
He went on to elaborate on his experience with MBB at the Nile Conference of the BAL. He says rubbing shoulders with some of the wise heads in the team was humbling for him.
“It was one of the biggest blessings to have happened in my life… Being able to represent South Africa while also achieving a lifelong dream of playing professional basketball… Playing with some of the people who laid the ground for up-and-coming South African players like me. Guys like Neo Mothiba and Lebesa Selepe… Getting a wholesome and genuine experience of them and being in Kigali. Those moments I will remember for the rest of my life,” said Craig. “Just like the guys I mentioned, I hope to be an inspiration for the coming generation… Continue to pave the way and bring back expertise and information for kids who want to pursue basketball at any level in the future.
“It (the BAL) showed me how big the possibilities can be, especially from a professional perspective.”
He says another thing the BAL did for him was to improve his temperament. Craig recalled starting in the most-watched game in the BAL (MBB vs APR), which had 168000 views on YouTube according to FIBA Africa.
“One thing the BAL taught me is to always embrace the big moments, like playing in the second game against APR, where I got to start. It was the most-viewed BAL game, and what it did for my career. There is no telling how many of those I could have in Germany. So you have to grab every big opportunity with both hands because you don’t know when you will get the next one,” said Craig. “I never thought Germany would happen. There was just the BAL, and we had to figure out the next move.
“The other thing I learnt was to stay professional and consistent regardless of what happens. You can’t let results dictate your work. You must show up every single day and maintain consistency. Don’t be results-oriented. It’s better to embrace the process.”
Each passing day means Craig is coming closer and closer to the cut-throat world of professional basketball. As he prepares himself for a career leap, he speaks with fondness about being home.
David Craig has a new appreciation for South Africa and the support system available to him.
“Having this time does so much more than it seems on the surface. Firstly, South Africa is a very special place. It takes you leaving here to understand that – being around people who appreciate and understand you. People who respect your journey. It does more for you as a person than you can imagine,” said Craig. “The pressure now is for me to rest and improve… Get ready for Germany.
“There are a lot of people who will be watching me… As they have been, and that will never change. Right now, not having the pressure of performing in this very moment is relieving because being in that spotlight can sometimes be a lot to carry.”
Craig continued: “I think anybody coming up and wanting to make a career out of basketball needs to know that because it does take a mental toll… More so than it would physically.”
These are wise words from the big man, given that he is well-versed in high-level basketball, they carry weight. As he enters this next phase of his career, those words can hopefully guide him in navigating what awaits him in Germany.
