Author name: Manyehlisa Lehohla

African basketball enthusiast, founder and editor of The Big Tip Off and a freelance writer.

Konaté itches for more success after historic season with JCA

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DURING his illustrious playing career, El Jefe (The Chef) used to cook many an opponent on the basketball courts of Côte d’Ivoire and the rest of the African continent. The result was a plate peppered with domestic trophies and a sprinkling of continental success for the iconic Stéphane Konaté.

It’s been two years since Konaté called time on his remarkable playing career. Since then, he has traded in his playing sneakers for the coach’s clipboard and, in a short space of time, has tasted success as the coach of Juenesse Club d’Abidjan (JCA).

In an interview with The Big Tip Off, Konaté, who had a triumphant season with JCA, says he was always adamant that he wanted to be a coach after his playing career ended. The Ivorian legend expressed his love for sharing knowledge, which pushed him to pursue his coaching certifications in 2016.

“When I announced that I was retiring, I already knew I was going to be a coach. I believe it was written for me. Also, I am a sports teacher, so, it’s been my job. I love it and I love giving. I love transforming players. Making them better. I love this game,” said the former Côte d’Ivoire captain.

Konate, a 2005 FIBA Africa Champion Cup winner and MVP, continued, “While I was playing, I also prepared for life after basketball. I passed my FIBA Level 1 in 2016, and a few years ago got my Level 2.”

Stephane Konate JCA Ligue d'Or
Stèphane Konatè has exceeded expectations with the JCA club. Pictures: JCA

He says the inspiration to take up coaching came from within and was affirmed by coaches who told him he had what it took to call the shots from the bench. Having the latitude to give input convinced him he was making the right choice.

“No one specific person inspired me to want to become a coach. It came quite naturally,” said Konatè. “One of the things I did well was to find solutions on the court and propose them to the coaches. It is something my former coaches became aware of and told me I would make a good coach. So, I took their advice.”

While Konate headed the counsel of his former coaches to pursue the coaching profession, they also offered words of caution.

“Generally, coaches told me to be careful because good players are not necessarily good coaches. The difference with me, I think, is that I’m a teacher. It changes a lot,” said Konatè.

He says his first coaching role with the Ivorian club, Hypersonics, was a confirmation that he is a capable coach, and while his stay was short at the club, he achieved good results.

“They (Hypersonics) were the first team I coached in the Ligue d’Or last year. They are a team of young people, and I proved I could add value to them. At the end of the first phase of the championship, we finished first and played in the playoffs,” said the two-time AfroBasket silver-medallist.”

He took over JCA under not-so-easy circumstances, as he had little time to acclimate to the team. Konatè expressed that he thrives on challenges, and the opportunity to lead an ambitious JCA club, already boasting two titles – the Coupe de Côte d’Ivoire and the Super Cup – was a compelling prospect.

“When JCA offered me the head coach’s job and to compete for the championship, it was a big challenge for me. I thrive on challenges because they push you,” said Konaté.  “I had a month before the start of the championship. So, I did not have the preparation time I would have wanted, but I accepted the challenge. I remember the first game… The pressure was mounting as we approached that first match. Everyone was waiting for me and my team… To see how we would do.

“I remember feeling the nerves in my body. But I trusted the players and they trusted me too. I think things went well, even if I lost that first match in overtime.”

That early loss provided the right jolt, as it led to Konate masterminding JCA’s exceptional season. They marched to a historic double, winning the cup in April and the league this month. While he hopes to build on the recent success in domestic competition, Konate explained that winning the two championships came much earlier than expected.

“Just amazing. It’s wonderful. I didn’t think it would happen so quickly. At the same time, I was working for it. I worked game after game without thinking about the end of the championship. And it happened… Thank God,” said Konate. “It’s clear that we have achieved something great with this club. The hardest part begins now. The hardest thing is now staying on top.”

Stephane Konate JCA Ligue d'Or
Stèphane Konatè knew he always wanted to be a coach.

The league victory means Konaté, who competed in the 2023 Basketball Africa League (BAL) with the ABC Fighters, will now lead JCA on its first-ever Road to BAL campaign – a path he’s well acquainted with from his time with the Fighters.

“The board started to look at local signings first, and then some experienced players to help us qualify. We will have a month and a half to prepare for this competition,” said Konaté. “If we go through the qualifying stages and we manage to qualify for the BAL, it will serve something incredible for the club and especially for me. To come back to the BAL as a head coach would be incredible.

Konatè had a legendary career as a player. Now, as a coach, he is writing a new chapter and already carving out what is turning out to be another amazing story.

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Putney to bring intensity for Hoopers in playoffs homecoming

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THE gruelling conference stages of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) are done and dusted, and the teams to battle it out in the playoffs in Tshwane, South Africa (6-14 June) have been decided. One player looking forward to reconnecting with South Africa is forward Raphiael Putney, who has been preparing himself for the upcoming and intense duels of the playoff stages, the latter which will determine the team that will claim the coveted BAL baobab-shaped trophy. 

Putney’s Nigerian club, Rivers Hoopers, secured its ticket to Tshwane last month at the Kalahari Conference in Morocco… So he and Hoopers will await their playoff opponent from either the Nile Conference, the Sahara Conference or a team from the Kalahari Conference.

American player Putney, currently in Houston, Texas, is a familiar face in South African basketball, having first tasted the game on the continent as a Cape Town Tigers player. The Virginia-born Putney led the Tigers to a second national championship in 2022 and successfully helped them qualify for the 2023 BAL, which he disappointingly did not play in.

“For me, this is like a homecoming. I made a lot of friends while I was playing for the Tigers. I am looking forward to showing up for the team (Hoopers) and doing my best,” said Putney. “It’s something I am looking forward to…. Coming to South Africa… It’s one of the countries that gave me a chance to continue my career. I wish I could have played with them (the Tigers), but certain circumstances did not allow me to.”

Putney continued: “I said this two years ago, ‘I want to come back and play in South Africa’… It’s going to happen soon. It’s for a different team, but I am going to showcase my talents to people who believed in me while I was there.”

Raphiael Putney Rivers Hoopers
Raphiael Putney led the BAL in blocks at the end of the Kalahari Conference. Pictures: The BAL and Rivers Hoopers

Having navigated the Kalahari Conference with a 4-2 record, how did Putney feel about playing in his first BAL tournament?

“I loved it. It’s been a great experience. A lot better than what I expected,” said Putney. “There were great teams in Morocco. We faced challenges (in the conference) early on, but the team we had was able to do something special.

“We have a good group of guys willing to work hard to win. I bring my veteran leadership. We want to do better than last year’s third place finish. We want to win the championship.”

If Hoopers want to have a shot at the BAL title, Putney, who averaged 13.5 points per game, 1.3 assists per game and 5.5 rebounds per game, says the Kingsmen have to figure out their style of play.

“We need to find our identity. We’re a strong defensive team, though we occasionally have lapses,” said Putney. “During the Kalahari Conference we had leads in games and thought it was a wrap, so we need to put pressure on teams.”

 

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He also pointed out what he needed to work on to contribute to the success of the Hoopers in the playoffs. Putney had to immediately join the Kingsmen for their BAL campaign, which gave him little time to recover from intense competition in Mexico’s Pacific Coast Basketball Circuit playoffs for Pioneros de Delicias.

“I had some fatigue after playing back-to-back games in the playoffs in Mexico. But it was not to a point where I was not effective for my team (Hoopers). So I have to stay focused, hit my jump shots and be aggressive,” said Putney. “I feel like I am a mismatch on the floor. So, I can be a playmaker and do certain things to help my team win games.

“Most importantly, I bring defensive intensity. I think I’ll continue to lead the league in blocked shots. That’s my goal, everywhere I go I’ve led in blocked shots and want continue that in the league,” said Putney.

Six-foot-ten (2.08m) Putney, who averaged 1.7 blocks per game, has since dropped down the rankings in blocked shots to joint fifth, so a lot of work is ahead of him in trying to dislodge current No. 1 Aliou Diarra of Rwandan club APR.

Raphiael Putney, The BAL and Rivers Hoopers
Raphiael Putney says the Hoopers are aiming for the BAL trophy.

The forward has a couple of weeks to fine-tune his game to help the Hoopers achieve their goals. The 35-year-old says he’s used his time off productively to stay ready for the playoffs, like waking up early to go through his paces.

“When I got here, I knew we had a month off. So, I planned my schedule around this month until I get back for the playoffs,” said Putney. “I have a program that I follow. I wake up at five in the morning to do my workouts. It’s cardio and hooping so that I stay prepared and in game shape. So, I have not taken any time off,” said Putney.

The well-travelled Putney sounds confident of what Hoopers will be able to do come the playoffs. He’s also finally gotten his shot at showing what he can do in the BAL. As Hoopers take another step towards their goal, they will be like a raging river swallowing everything standing in its way.

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MBB’s Pfachi to break new ground for Zimbabwe at the BAL

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THE Made By Ball Club’s players were grinding and breaking a sweat on Monday afternoon at Mandeville Sports Complex. The scrimmage between the club’s first and second units was so intense and physical that it came as no surprise that there were a few bumps and bruises ahead of their historic Basketball Africa League (BAL) debut on Saturday in Kigali, Rwanda.

One of the players who felt the tough end of the scrimmage was floor general Dyvonne Pfachi. The Zimbabwean guard took a knock to the forehead, leading to his exit in the second half and him sitting out for the rest of the scrimmage, which was overseen by American assistant coach Dean Murray.

During his interview with The Big Tip Off, the 30-year-old seemed to have shaken off the after-effects of the hit to the head, intimating that it’s all par for the course.

“I feel great. We are playing well and coming together as a team,” said Pfachi. “Physically. I am feeling strong.

“Every practice is getting tougher and tougher. We are getting ready for the games this weekend. If you get knocked down you have to get back up and play hard.”

Dyvonne Pfachi of MBB
Dyvonne Pfachi and MBB will make their debut at the BAL’ Nile Conference. Pictures: The BTO and FIBA Africa.

Made By Ball, popularly known as MBB, will need Pfachi’s tough-as-nails attitude going into the Nile Conference leg of the BAL. Host club APR, Libya’s Al Ahli Tripoli and Kenya’s Nairobi City Thunder will test the mettle of iTeam yase dladleni in the conference.

As the Johannesburg-based club makes its much-awaited first appearance at the continental tournament, the Zimbabwean will also achieve a first. He’ll become the first player from his country to compete at the BAL.

While looking forward to playing the continental stage, he recollected the pain of previous attempts with home clubs Mercenaries and JBC and the lessons he learnt.

“I learnt I had to be mentally and physically strong,” said Pfachi. “We don’t often get the kind of competition locally where you know you are going to take hits and that there are no easy lay ups.”

He expressed his excitement at the feat of representing his homeland.

“It feels great. It’s a lot of weight. Everyone in Zimbabwe will be looking at me like I am that guy. They will say I want to be like that guy,” said Pfachi. So, it is a great opportunity for me to be an ambassador for my country at the BAL.”

 

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Part of their preparation for the BAL was playing the American team Rise & Grind. Pfachi says the two friendlies against their visitors last week were an indication of where their strengths were and where their weaknesses lay.

“We are ready for the games. The two matches helped us identify where we are strong and what we need to work on,” said Pfachi. “We won our first game and lost our second. I think that loss came because we did not play good team defence.

“So part of the scrimmage today was designed for us to learn how to play good team defence.”

To ensure a strong performance in Rwanda, MBB strengthened its roster by signing Ugandan shooting guard Robinson Opong, who competed in the inaugural BAL with Nigerian club Rivers Hoopers and played last season with his home club, the City Oilers.

Experienced South African big man Pieter Prinsloo, part of last year’s national championship-winning team, has also re-joined MBB from Rwandan club REG. Tennessee Tech giant centre David Craig, also from South Africa, will add more depth at the frontcourt with his potential to divert, block shots and score.

Dyvonne Pfachi of MBB
Dyvonne Pfachi says playing in continental competition requires a certain level of toughness.

Despite being with the team for a limited time, Pfachi says the newcomers are adjusting well. He also pointed out that they bring much-needed quality to the team.

“They have come in, and I think they understand the system we are trying to play. They are great additions to the team. We have shooters outside and guys that can play inside,” said Pfachi. “So, looking at the team overall, we have what it takes to come home to Pretoria and compete in the playoffs.”

As Pfachi and MBB prepare for the trip to Rwanda on Wednesday, the journey to Kigali will afford both player and team the opportunity to bask in their achievements, because as soon as they land, the reality of top-level competition will set in.

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Billy ballin’ out and winning with the Bravehearts

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THE Bravehearts Basketball Club, over time, has become a dominant force in Malawi’s basketball scene, and has slowly started making inroads on the continental scene. While success on the court has been pleasing, the 10-year-old club is more than just about the attainment of trophies – talent development and positively altering the lives of players who have come through the ranks is their hallmark.

One of the gems unearthed by Bravehearts is skillful guard Faad Billy, who made a name for himself during last year’s Road To BAL. Before hitting the continental scene, his talent caught the watchful eye of the club’s owner and coach, Griffin Kalua, many years back at a local tournament, and from that point, Billy’s life and circumstances changed.

“Griffin learnt about my background and that I was not attending school because of finances. Having seen my talent, he picked me (at the tournament) and arranged a scholarship,” said Billy. “I was able to start and finish secondary school. I don’t think I’d have the opportunity to go to school if it were not for Bravehearts.

“My family did not have the means to send me to school… I was able to get a scholarship through the club.”

Faad Billy and Bravehearts
Faad Billy stepped up for Bravehearts in the Road to BAL last year. Pictures: FIBA and the BTO

The 21-year-old intimated that he would be staring down a path of hopelessness had it not been through Kalua’s intervention and the Lilongwe-based club. “It means a lot to me because when I was younger, I encountered obstacles… Things that were happening within my family, to be honest, I did not have hope,” said Billy. “Only those who know my journey can explain how I have benefitted from being a part of this team.”

Having completed secondary school, Billy is keen on furthering his education. He has tried without much luck to apply in South Africa.

“We have tried to apply for scholarships at certain universities, but I haven’t been lucky… Coach has told me to stay locked in and wait for the right opportunity. Maybe it will happen this year,” said Billy.

The door to further education may take a little time to unlock, but last year, the key to unlocking his amazing talent turned at the Road to BAL.

After being unable to register their foreign players in the preliminary stage in Zimbabwe, Billy was one of the young Bravehearts players thrown at the deep end by Kalua. He (Billy) bravely swam against the tide, and one of his stand-out moments was a starring performance of 17 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in a crucial final-game win over Mozambique’s Costa do Sol.

“That was my biggest tournament. I did not expect to put up the big performances. It was the help of our coach, Griffin. He reminded us how much work is required to compete at that stage. We need to take it seriously,” said Billy. “He pushed me, and I pushed myself. I practiced hard despite not knowing what to expect.

“In Zimbabwe… I saw how tough it was, but I was ready. At the Elite 16 (in Kenya), I learnt that you must put in a lot more work because teams want to make it (to the BAL).”

 

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His breakout moment coincided with Bravehearts being the first club from Malawi to qualify for the Elite 16. That was also where Bravehearts’ journey ended. Recalling things, Billy says he did not expect to play many minutes, given that more experienced players would take the court. While the circumstances were not the best, fortune favoured him, and he rode the wave.

“It was disappointing that we could not register players (in Zimbabwe). It was a setback, but Griffin told us we could still do it (qualify for the Elite 16) because we had played together for a long time,” said Billy. “I never thought I would play 40-minute games. My focus was to help out at the guard position and play defence for the team. Things shifted to me scoring and rebounding for the team.”

Billy has since grabbed the bull by the horns, and luckily, the wise heads in the team were there to walk the road with him. He credits the guidance of experienced players like Zambian forward Harrison Banda and guard Ian Limbe for propelling him to the success he is enjoying.

“We have played together for a long time and in small tournaments. Their support has helped me grow. I have a wonderful connection with those guys (Banda and Limbe). And it has allowed me to thrive on the court,” said Billy.

Having tasted top-level international competition, Billy is hungry for more and wants to help Bravehearts clinch their fifth national title. The Lilongwe-based club, recent winners of their 10th regional Central Zonal Basketball League (CEZOBAL), will defend their national championship title in June.

Faad Billy and Bravehearts
2025 has been a successful year for Faad Billy.

CEZOBAL MVP Billy has been instrumental in leading the push for the national championship, enjoying both individual accolades and team success this year. He played a key role in helping the Bravehearts secure victories in Southern African tournaments such as the Ashraaf Loedewyk Tournament in South Africa and the Bridging Sports Foundation Basketball Tournament (in Zambia). He also scooped the MVP award in both tournaments.

“Those tournaments have helped me a lot. They serve to remind me who I am. They are a confidence booster. I believe in myself more,” said Billy. “I am happy with my achievements… There is still a lot of work to do as we have to defend our title. We want to go back to the Road to BAL.

“This year’s championship will be harder because teams have gotten better. Teams have recruited a lot of players because they want to challenge us. We have also gotten better.”

Billy has made the most of the opportunity given to him, and it helps that he is part of a club that has built a culture of success. He stepped up in life and on the court against difficult odds and thrived. The world is his oyster. 

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ASC, Monastir leading the way in the Sahara Conference

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THE most competitive conference in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) has reached its halfway mark, and teams still have much to play for. In the midway report, The Big Tip Off analyses each team’s performance in the BAL’s Sahara Conference in Dakar, Senegal. We also look at their potential to progress as the next round of matches begins on Thursday.

ASC Ville de Dakar: A home team shining on debut

Current form: 2-1

Strengths: Experience, strong defensive team and homecourt advantage

Weakness: Questionable squad depth

ASC Ville de Dakar has closed out tight games against reigning champions Petro de Luanda (65-64) and 2022 tournament winners US Monastir (70-67). In between the victories over Petro and Monastir, ASC lost a down-to-the-wire contest (66-63) to fellow debutants Kriol Star of Cape Verde.

They have a stingy defence led by the evergreen centre Ater Majok, who patrols the paint area like a hawk. At 37, the 2022 BAL Defensive Player of the Year again ranks in the top 10 in rebounds (fourth) and blocks (seventh) in BAL Season 5.  

An astute defender, Majok, a champion with Monastir, is also a proven highlight reel on offence. In one of the plays of the tournament, he blocked an audacious poster dunk attempt by Petro’s Glofate Buiamba. In the same play, his legs carried him quickly down the court. He received a pass in the paint and leapt to the rim for a monster dunk. He finished the Wednesday night game against Petro with 14 points and six defensive rebounds.

Floor general Will Perry (17.5 points per game, 3.5 rebounds per game and 3.5 assists per game) had an off night against Petro, but he is still a dependable scorer and ball distributor. Sharp-shooter Abdoulaye Harouna (10.5 points per game, three rebounds and two assists per game) has offered consistency in scoring for ASC.

Outlook: ASC sits at the top of the standings, and for them to maintain their position and progress, they need the bench to step up. Players like Makhtar Gueye, who had a huge game against Petro (16 points and 11 rebounds), must have consistent production.

Majok and Harouna cannot play heavy minutes, as was the case against Petro.

Firas Lahyani US Monastir
Firas Lahyani has been a dependable player for US Monastir
US Monastir: Trying to recapture the magic of 2022

Current form: 2-1

Strengths: Accomplished veterans, good team chemistry

Weakness: If veterans don’t step up

US Monastir got off to a slow start, losing to home club ASC (70-67), but picked things up with wins over Petro (87-73) and Kriol Star (88-72). Since winning the BAL in 2022, Monastir has struggled to emulate the feats that made them African champions in recent BAL editions. They seem to have found their footing with their recruits stepping up.

Senegal’s Babacar Sane, averaging 14 points per game, brings a burst of youthful energy to Monastir’s lineup. The G-League standout made his presence felt in both wins, scoring 13 points against Kriol Star and an impressive 24 against Petro. Monastir will be counting on this level of production from Sane if they hope to make a serious run in the BAL.

Point guard Patrick Hardy has led the team in scoring (15.7 points per game) and has doled out dimes at a high rate (6.0 assists). Hardy’s production and solid contributions from Firas Layhani, Osiris Eldridge and Deng Acuoth have steered the Blue Empire in the right direction.

Outlook: Monastir seem to be on the right track, but if the ship needs steadying in the remaining three games, trusted veterans like Radhouane Slimane, Mourad El Mabrouk and Mokhtar Ghyaza can step up at any point.

Patrick Gardner in action at Sahara Conference
Patrick Gardner is one of Petro’s scoring go-to-guys in the Sahara Conference.
Petro de Luanda: Os Tricolores have challengers to their throne

Current form: 1-2

Strengths: Good pieces in every playing department

Weakness: Being in a comfort zone after winning the BAL title

Petro de Luanda has a different look, with Yannick Moreira assuming the leadership role from departed legend Carlos Morais.

Moreira, part of Petro’s BAL title-winning team last year, has to help ensure the wheels don’t come off this year. After the Angolan giants suffered back-to-back losses to US Monastir (87-73) and ASC (65-64), they find themselves in a precarious position. The defeats come after Petro steamrolled past Kriol Star 103-74 in the Sahara Conference’s opening game.

The win over Kriol Star may have glossed over Petro’s issue of defending threes and physical match-ups in the paint. Players like Osiris Eldridge of US Monastir made seven of his nine attempts from behind the arc. The host club’s Makhtar Gueye was four of five from the three-point line.

Ater Majok overpowered Patrick Gardner in the paint, a threat Moreira was able to deal with. Coach Sergio Moreno will have noted these areas of concern and used Wednesday’s off day to tighten the defensive frailties.

Outlook: Petro can get buckets. Moreira, Gardner, and EJ Anosike have established themselves as key players, stepping up when it matters most. With just three games remaining, they have a final chance to prove their worth – or risk becoming only the second defending champion to exit during the conference stage, a fate that befell Monastir last year. 

Ivan Almeida Sahara Conference
Ivan Almeida has been a leading scorer for Kriol Star.

Kriol Star: A newcomer finding its feet on the big stage

Current form: 1-2

Strengths: Seasoned pros in their line-up

Weaknesses: Not enough quality on the bench

Kriol Star did well getting a W in the second game of their BAL debut versus home side ASC, but can the Cape Verde team build on that victory?

One of the weak points is getting rebounds. Small forward Ivan Almeida is one of Kriol Stars’ leading scorers (16 points per game). Apart from getting buckets, he also leads in crashing boards (10.7 rebounds per game) and blocks (1.0 blocks per game).

The lack of quality bigs to rebound and get blocks could count against Kriol Star, especially with the race to secure playoff spots to Pretoria, South Africa, hotting up.

It will be interesting to see what adjustments coach Hugo da Silva makes to resolve Kriol Stars’ front-court problems.

Outlook: They don’t lack in the scoring department, with Richaud Pack (18 points per game). In addition, Ivan’s brother Joel (12 points per game) is helping to rack up the points. But that is not enough to book a ticket to the playoffs.

 

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Dixon, Lefriki go through the fire to reach Pro A final

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MICHAEL Dixon Jr. is well-versed in the challenging road to winning trophies and how in-game elements like a stubborn opposition, a hostile or extreme home crowd, can sometimes disrupt a potential championship run. This was almost the case for Dixon and Club Africain in the Tunisian city of Kairouan.

The 34-year-old, who joined Lefriki in February, experienced a torrential path to his second Pro A final. After Club Africain won the first two games on their home court against JS Kairouan (JSK), the four-time champions had an initial forbidden experience at the hands of JSK’s fans, who used underhanded tactics to throw the American-born player and his teammates off their game.

A projectile thrown on the court by the home club’s fans exploded, causing the combo-guard and some of his teammates slight injuries. Following the 76-63 loss to JSK, he later posted a video recording of himself on IG going down on the court clutching his leg from the mini-explosion with the words, ‘I just came here to play some basketball, ‘ accompanying his video story.

Speaking to The Big Tip Off, Dixon voiced his displeasure at the incident, feeling that such an act could only serve to hold back the game in Tunisia.

“The year is 2025. We are playing a game. The fact that people can throw an explosive on the court is absurd. It should be addressed for the sake of basketball in this country,” said Dixon. “It’s a sport at the end of the day, not war. If the people want the sport to grow, this has to be removed from the game.”

Michael Dixon Club Africain
Michael Dixon helped lead Club Africain to consecutive finals. Pictures: Supplied

Dixon remarked that the dark arts of JSK’s fans were back in play during Game Four. Fortunately, his team held their nerve, sealed the series 3-1 on Sunday, and secured a second straight trip to the finals.

“There was more security in the fourth game, but the crowd still threw things on the court. It was very hard to warm up and get a good sweat going,” said Dixon. “… we just found a way to win. There are 12 good players in this team. We have a good coach. We just found a way to win.”

Dixon described the Pro A as one of the toughest leagues he’s played in. “We feel good and relieved. Our goal was to make it to the final. It’s been a long three-month journey. It hasn’t been easy. The Tunisian league is very difficult. I would put it at the top in terms of the toughest leagues to play in the Arab region,” said Dixon. “The fact that we are in the final is a tribute to our hard work, determination and teamwork. I would not say I’m happy. I am content… The job is far from done. But I am glad we are here.”

Dixon says he has been happy with his performances, which contributed to the team’s success during the regular season and the semi-final playoffs. “I feel good. The only team I have lost to since I have been here is JSK at their venue – twice. I feel like I have been doing my job. My job is to be a leader. I instil positive energy in the team. …and take shots when the opportunity arises.

“We are three wins away from a championship. And three wins away from a cup championship. So, I have been doing what I am supposed do since I got here.”

With that turbulent semi-final done and dusted, his former club, US Monastir, with which he won the 2022 Basketball Africa League (BAL), the Pro A Championship and Cup title, lies in wait.

Dixon, the MVP 2022 BAL, recalled a time he played Monastir, 3-2 winners of their semi-final battle on Wednesday against Etoile du Sahel, immediately after a family bereavement. He expressed that he only had good memories of the Blue Empire. He shared that had established good relationships with fellow Blue Empire teammates during the 2022 season.

“A few weeks ago, I had to fly back home… My mother passed away. Coming back to Tunisia, the next game was against them. I don’t think I slept at all. We did win the game…,” said Dixon. “I spoke to Firas (Liyhani) and Sekka (Radhouane Slimane) before that game. They are always going to be my friends. We did something together that will be hard to match by winning the triple-crown. I will always have a special bond with those guys.”

Michael Dixon Jr and Club Africain
Michael Dixon Jr will face his former club, US Monastir, in the Tunisian Pro A final.

“If we play them, great and if we don’t, that’s ok too. What matters is how we conduct ourselves and how we compete,” Dixon remarked. 

In the quest for a fifth Pro A title and a maiden qualification for the BAL, Club Africain and its fans will require Dixon’s business-like demeanour and approach in the best-of-five finals series. Having done the job for Monastir, confidence is probably high that a player of Dixon’s calibre can provide the key to unlocking the door to making history for Lefriki.

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Remembering the ultimate Viking, Neo Fanampe

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IN the Montana Vikings biography dedicated to and honouring the late Neo Trevor Fanampe, he is remembered for often saying, “We got this” whenever the teams he played for needed a boost. His teammates will never hear Fanampe speak these words again, but hopefully, they will carry them in remembrance of him.

The young guard, who passed away on 29 March, is remembered by Montana Vikings coach Craig Daniels for his love for basketball and the value he placed on his education. His teammate Stephen Gabriel recalls Fanampe as a man of quiet confidence.

Veteran coach and FIBA coach instructor Daniels, who saw Fanampe grow in basketball from primary school, described him as the ultimate Viking.

“This was like a comeback year for the Vikings. We have Lutho Skweyiya. He’s back home with the Vikings. Trevor had also come back home,” said Daniels, a former Senior Women’s national team coach. “He was part of a group of players that had played together at Montevideo Primary School. Of course, they grew up and went their separate ways, joining other institutions.

“This was the year they were coming back together. We had already played one game as a group. So, to have it stopped in this manner is quite a tragic loss for our club.”

Stephen Gabriel speaks on Neo Famampe
Stephen Gabriel says Neo Fanampe exuded quiet confidence. Pictures: Supplied

Daniels says Fanampe embodied the high standards set by the club from his formative years in the youth setups up to the senior level.

“In our club, we regard Neo as the ultimate Viking. We have a challenging life skills development program in our club. As juniors come through the ranks, expectations of them within the development program are quite high. We don’t expect them (juniors) to be successful with it every day – that would be impossible, but we want them to develop an attitude of trying to improve every day,” said Daniels. “Neo walked that walk. He went through all the junior age groups until U18 and played in the men’s division team. His transitions through the team were successful, and he was a champion at U18, Division One and Super League level.

“To have that and the commitment to our life skills program and see it all come together in a young man makes him the ultimate Viking.”

Daniels remembers Fanampe as a committed student-athlete. While turning around the fortunes of the University of the Western Cape (UWC) from a USSA Division B team to earning them promotion to Division A, he never took his eye off the ball with his studies. Before his untimely passing, Fanampe had obtained his Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, which his sister, Dineo received on his behalf at the graduation ceremony on Tuesday. 

“The thing with Neo is people saw his success on the court. They don’t realise how successful he was off the court,” said Daniels. “At UWC, he spent 11 months there and during that time, he took them from a third-place Division B team to winning a championship and qualifying for Division A.

“In those 11 months at UWC he excelled in basketball, but if you asked him what he was proud of the most – he’d tell you he was looking forward to graduating. He was supposed to graduate now. He was driven in other areas as well. That is why the basketball part also worked… Because of the balance in his life.”

Craig Daniels
Craig Daniels says Neo Fanampe showed commitment to his studies and basketball.

Former South African national team player Stephen Gabriel remembers Fanampe, a fellow Viking and teammate at the BNL franchise, the Western Cape Mountaineers, as a player willing to learn.

“He always came to every situation with his cup empty. Very humble, always willing to learn and open to advice,” said Gabriel. “When he joined the Mountaineers about three seasons ago, as a youngster in the team, he (Neo) never felt out of place. He never felt like it was a moment too big for him. He blended into the team seamlessly.”

As a person, Gabriel described Fanampe as easy-going and someone with a positive outlook.

“If you knew Neo, he always approached everything (he did) with quiet confidence. He was always happy, smiling and someone who always had something good to say,” said Gabriel. “Even though we have lost someone impactful, we will remember him for who he was and what he stood for. We will honour him every day on and off the court.”

Fanampe’s life was cut short, but his legacy remains powerful. He exemplified the rewards of dedication and discipline in pursuing one’s craft. Though he wasn’t the loudest voice on the court, his quiet confidence and steady presence spoke volumes. His simple words – “We got this” – became a source of inspiration for both UWC and the Montana Vikings. May those words reverberate and find resonance with everyone he touched.

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Pinto hopes reunion with Quinta can be a path to WNBA

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CHANAYA Pinto’s start in the pro ranks this season saw her return to Portugal, her first pit stop before crossing the Atlantic to pursue a fruitful college career as a student-athlete in the United States. The Mozambican’s reunion with Quinta dos Lombos, the club she first joined as a 15-year-old, is proving successful.

Last month, she captured her first major trophy, the Taca de Portugal, with her club. Now 25, Pinto is eyeing more success with them.

It comes a year after the Pennsylvania State University graduate declared for the WNBA draft — a move that ultimately did not pan out. Although going undrafted was disappointing for Pinto, she hasn’t given up on her dream of playing in the WNBA. Instead, she’s taken a mature perspective, reflecting on the valuable lessons she learned from the experience.

“I feel we have to learn from failure to succeed. I am exactly where I need to be right now,” said the Mozambique international. “Declaring for the WNBA draft was a goal of mine. It did not go my way, but I learnt so much. The opportunity to talk to WNBA GMs and coaches is something not too many players get to do.

“I know exactly what I must work on for another shot at the league. It’s in God’s hands. I am also 100% sure I’ll be part of it.”

Chanaya Pinto wins with Quinta Dos Lombos
Chanaya Pinto celebrates winning the Taca de Portugal with Quinta Dos Lombos. Pictures: Supplied and FIBA

She was nostalgic about her return to Quinta and seemed well-adjusted to life as a professional.

“I am fortunate to be at a club that I started with when I was 15 and left at 19. I love my teammates, and it’s been a great start,” said Pinto. “It feels weird that I am not in school anymore. I have so much free time, so I have found ways to stay productive.

“I have to take care of my body because it’s my work tool. In college, it was books, practice and games. As a pro, it’s practice and games. So, in my free time, I focus on my mental health and taking care of my body.”

Pinto seems on the right path after helping lead Quinta to the national cup victory over Benfica. She says it is one of the most coveted trophies in Portugal, and it sets them up for a good run in the ongoing playoffs.

“It was amazing to win it. Many teams want that trophy, so winning it with Quinta is superb for us. My team is young. It’s probably one of the youngest in the league, so to beat a great team like Benfica is also amazing for us,” said Pinto, who had 11 points and four rebounds in the cup final.

Speaking before the playoffs, Pinto felt they have grasped what it takes to compete ahead of their objectives. “It will motivate us because we are entering the playoffs. Moving forward, that is what you want. Looking back, I say, ‘Wow, we have had an amazing season.’ We also understand that we must take it game by game through these playoffs.

“So the way we played in the finals set a great tone for what we want to accomplish this season.”

 

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Pinto’s team, which finished sixth in the Liga Feminina (LFB) regular season, made a strong start to the playoffs. They defeated third-placed Gdessa Barreiro to take a 1-0 lead into the next game.

Against Barreiro, the forward led the team with 16 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Her LFB regular season numbers were just as impressive – Pinto averaged 14.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.1 steals. Pinto says she has thrived because of the good atmosphere in the club.

“The coaching staff and my teammates have put a lot of trust in me from day one. I am just getting started. It’s different from college. I understand. To be surrounded by this amazing group of people is amazing. I am blessed to be a part of this team,” said Pinto.

Chanaya Pinto playing Mozambique
Chanaya Pinto believes Mozambique has a bright basketball future.

Another team Pinto hopes to be a part of is the Mozambique national team, which will compete in the women’s AfroBasket in Cote d’Ivoire (25 July – 3 August).

“My goal as a Mozambican is to represent my country as much as possible. If I have no club commitments then of course I will be available for the AfroBasket,” said Pinto.

She was previously part of the teams that finished fourth (2017) and fifth (2023) respectively. Should everything align, how far can this year’s team go at the continental tournament?

“I think the sky is the limit for our generation. As I said, winning a cup with a cup young team shows how bright the future is,” said Pinto. “For Mozambique, the future is bright as well. We have talented players outside the country who bring a wealth of experience. So, the future is bright. The sky is the limit. I look forward to what we can achieve with this team.”

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Bulgak aims to inspire generations of women with South Sudan

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ADUT Bulgak once donned Canada’s jersey in international basketball, but it did not feel right for her. Why, you might ask? The answer is simple. South Sudan, the country of her birth, was and is still in her DNA, and despite playing for Canada, the desire to eventually put on South Sudan’s vest was hard to pass up for Bulgak.

Thirteen-year-old South Sudan, the world’s newest country, was in its toddler phase and building its basketball program, as Bulgak, a 12th pick in the 2016 WNBA draft, decided to ditch a possibly promising international career with Canada and chose to bide her time until her motherland’s basketball reached a stable phase.

It meant waiting until the 2023 AfroBasket qualifiers to achieve her dream, which ended in disappointment. After the same qualifiers this year, good fortune befell Bulgak and South Sudan. The gift of a wild card qualification to this year’s Women’s AfroBasket in Cote d’Ivoire will see South Sudan, who finished third in the AfroBasket qualifiers in Egypt, compete against the best teams on the continent.

Before discussing her country’s milestone, the national team captain reflected on her journey of waiting to represent South Sudan, watching longingly as teammates at her different clubs suited up for their national teams and why her connection with Canada was not as strong as it should have been.

“I played for Team Canada in 2015, but it did not feel like home. It is where my family emigrated, but I am South Sudanese. I have always wanted to represent South Sudan in international basketball,” said Bulgak, who plays for Spanish club IDK Eusk. “It felt like I was left behind at times seeing all of my friends, who I started with, go on to represent their countries at competitions like the Olympics. I was like wow, ‘I wish I could be there for my country’.”

Adut Bu;gak AfroBasket qualifiers
Adut Bulgak chose to play for South Sudan to inspire the young women of her country. Pictures: FIBA

The former WNBA player says the urge was there to throw her lot with Canada, which at the time offered her brighter prospects at international competition. She maintained her resolve, which meant missing out on a great sporting event in 2016.

“It was a year before the Rio Olympics. It was a huge sacrifice and decision for me to make. For a professional athlete, the highest honour you can have is playing at the Olympics. So, for that opportunity to be at the doorstep… I decided I really want to play for South Sudan,” said the 32-year-old Bulgak.

She explained that she could not see herself in the vest of another national team.

“If I found myself wearing the jersey of a different nationality with South Sudan having a national team [represented at a tournament and then the potential] to play against them, I would be distraught about that,” said Bulgak. “Yeah. There was a time when I selfishly wanted to continue representing Canada, but I saw something bigger. I want to give an opportunity for young girls who are from South Sudan to see me and follow in my footsteps.”

 

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The young women from the East African nation will have more reason to be inspired by Bulgak and the Bright Starlets, who will compete at the AfroBasket (26 July – 3 August). For Bulgak, getting to this point was taxing as she recalled how injury derailed her in 2021. 

“The first opportunity came in 2021, but at training camp, I tore my Achilles, so I missed out. When it finally happened in 2023 I was elated… It was a dream come true because that was what my entire career was based around,” said Bulgak.

Focusing on the present, Bulgak hopes more players will be available to add depth and quality to South Sudan’s campaign.

“It’s an exciting feeling. You always hope the opportunity will be there, but it seems so far because most of our players are young. Most of them are in college, so they never had the opportunity to compete in the qualifiers because they are in the middle of their season,” said Bulgak. “So getting the wild card means the door is finally open for those young women in college… The ones who are graduating or still competing will get a chance to represent South Sudan because the chance would not be there in February.”

Bulgak believes a shift in the players’ attitude made the difference for South Sudan in this year’s AfroBasket qualifiers in Egypt, compared to the 2023 edition.

“I think in the 2023 qualifiers, some of the players were excited to be there. But in the same contrast, players that did not get the opportunity to play, take the time to get in shape, and refine their game,” said Bulgak, who averaged 12.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists in February’s qualifiers. “A huge factor for us in 2025 is that the players took the opportunity to focus and play for South Sudan. So it was an exciting moment for those girls.”

Adut Bulgak in action for South Sudan
Adut Bulgak feels the players’ level of commitment improved in this year’s AfroBasket qualifiers.

This being young South Sudan’s first AfroBasket, what expectations does Bulgak have ahead of their debut tournament?

“I am a high shooter. I have been a professional for over 10 years and I always play to win. We are a young team. For most players, this will be their first experience at that level of competition. So everybody has to commit to the process,” said Bulgak. “There are 12 teams, so the aim is to be in that top bracket – in the top six. As I said, I am a high shooter. I believe in my team. I am never gonna bet against us.”

She also paid homage to the fans who have cheered them on during the journey. “It is a huge honour to play for our fans. We have the best fans in all of Africa. Being able to give back to them because they have poured their energy into us will be amazing… We can’t wait to play for them,” concluded Bulgak.

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Celtic’s Finest pushing the envelope for women in basketball

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BASKETBALL clubs run by women are few and far in South Africa. One club set on bucking the trend is Celtic’s Finest which has provided a platform for women to thrive on and off the court. The road has also seen Celtic’s adapt and transform while trying to grow as a brand.

Club chairperson Boitumelo Masenamela says the club came to life after realising women had few playing opportunities in South Africa’s capital, Tshwane, and many had to commute to Johannesburg to get their dose of competitive basketball.

“Many years back, most of us Pretoria-based players used to drive to Joburg and play for teams there because we did not have a team here (in Pretoria). So a group of us gathered at the University of Pretoria and decided to form Pretoria’s Finest,” said Masenamela.

The name Pretoria’s Finest did not last long. For compliance purposes, a merger between themselves and a men’s team, Sunset Celtics, led to a name change. It also facilitated a passage to competing in the tough Johannesburg competitions.

“When Pretoria’s Finest was created, we couldn’t compete in Johannesburg because of the name we had at the time. So, we had to change to our current name,” said Masenamela, a postgraduate student at Wits. “Another reason was being able to compete in the national club championships. We needed a male team, so we had to source one. At that time, there was a team called Sunset Celtics, we merged with them to become and hold our current name.”

Celtic's Finest Boitumelo Masenamela
Boitumelo Masenaemla chairperson of says Celtic’s is an outlet for women to play basketball in Tshwane. Pictures: The BTO

The 33-year-old also pointed out that after completing their studies, women’s playing options become few and far.

“Throughout the years, the focus has always been on the men, even when women gave out the best games or even filled venues,” said Masenamela. “With the little recognition we got, we asked ourselves, ‘How do we encourage young women to continue playing basketball after varsity?’.

“It’s a practical question… Because, like the boys we start playing at school, then there is varsity, and after that, the playing opportunities are limited. Meaning many of us stop playing.”

Masenamela continued: “So that is why you have more men playing after 25. Now women in the city know there is a club for them when they finish at varsity.”

She believes the Finest, champions of the 2023 Tshwane Basketball League, have set a trend in the capital city, and others will follow suit and start their own clubs.

“This motivated other Pretorians to say we want to beat Finest. So other clubs were founded, that allowed for women to continue playing and helped in growing the game,” said Masenamela.

Part of growing the game in the city is creating exposure to opportunities for high school girls. Masenamela says their Celtic’s Festivals can be a potential gateway for younger players to access university while offering regular competition for the girl child.

“We want to empower young girls at the high school level, by exposing them to university players. They will also have a chance to interact with university coaches and managers it can help them access scholarships. That is our main focus,” said Masenamela.

Another area the Finest has paid attention to is building innovative partnerships. The club recently joined forces with content creation company Prolific Sports, owned by club player Gcina Panyana. Since the start of the relationship, Prolific Sports has produced social media content for the Celtic’s.  

Celtic's Finest Gcina Panyana
Gcina Panyana’s Prolific Sports Group provides social media content for the Celtic’s.

Panyana, who occupies an administrative assistant role within the club’s structures, stated that the partnership between her company and the Celtic’s could foster growth for both entities.

“There is a business opportunity. Celtic’s have also provided us with a blank canvas. It’s an opportunity for Prolific Sports to execute the services that we have,” said Panyana. “It also allows us to grow in our profile and reach while showing our vision and the club’s vision.”

The Celtics-Prolific Sports partnership is pioneering at a district level, and Panyana hopes it can be an example of helping to grow the basketball ecosystem.

“Our focus is on women. There are other avenues that we want to grow in. We are not just basketball players, when we leave the court we go to our other lives. This could be in the corporate world or another space,” said Panyana. “So this can foster growth for the current businesswomen and future businesswomen. And possibly grow business for basketball.”

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