Author name: Sindiswa Mabunda

Avid fan of basketball. Former Wits University basketball player and contributor on The Big Tip Off.

Selepe looks forward to exciting new chapter in SA basketball

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LEBESA Selepe, the co-captain of the Cape Town Tigers, hopes his third season at South Africa’s premier basketball club will be a charm as they prepare for elite competition at home.

At an open media practice held at the Mandeville Sports Complex, a week ahead of Season 4 of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), The Big Tip Off caught up with Selepe, who spoke about his journey with the Tigers, representing the South African men’s national team, and the Tigers’ preparation for the BAL’s Kalahari Conference.

The conference begins on Saturday at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, and the Tigers face off against Burundi’s Dynamo Basketball Club (7 pm CAT) in the last game of the opening night.

Lebesa Selepe at the Maslow
Lebesa Selepe is excited about the BAL expanding to South Africa. Pictures: The BTO

The Tigers gave the public a glimpse of the team during an open practice. While their preparation has been minimal, something Selepe acknowledges, he feels the little they have could suffice. 

“The difference now in our preparation is that previously we had a lot more time, but I think that things are coming together naturally and we are comfortable with what we have,” says 32-year-old Selepe. “We have cut it short but a little preparation is better than no preparation at all.”

The two-time national club champions had one practice match the day after their media day, which was against Jozi Nuggets. Before that, Selepe and six of his Tigers teammates were part of the South African national team that came up short against Mozambique in a two-leg 2025 AfroBasket pre-qualifier in Maputo two weeks ago.

Despite the disappointment, Selepe says the trip to Mozambique helped build the mental toughness required in international play.

“International basketball will either make you or break you. You play in hostile conditions like Mozambique on a back-to-back in front of a jam-packed crowd,” says Selepe. “We went there and we fought, unfortunately, we fell short. We left with our heads held high because we represented our country to the best of our ability.”

 

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Despite narrowly missing out on qualification for the continental championship, it seems the trip to Mozambique had a positive effect on the Tigers players who were part of the national team. It also showed in the way they practised at Mandeville.

The South African Champions showed some promising flashes during their practice run, and with local players like Samkelo Cele and Nkosinathi Sibanyoni taking on more responsibility, it is clear that this team is different from what we have seen before.

In typical Tigers style, the 12-man squad has brought some surprises, including the return of Billy Preston and some fresh faces. The new additions of Ngor Manyang, Storm Gilchrist and Deshawndre Washington have been welcomed into the Tigers’ family, as Selepe describes it.

“Billy Preston, who was one of our leading scorers during his last stint with us, is back. He is an incredibly talented player and we expect him to pick up right where he left off,” says Selepe. “He’s looking as sharp as ever, but with the added benefit of experience and a higher basketball IQ due to his age. I’m happy to have him back.”

Lebesa Selepe at the playoffs
Lebesa Selepe is confident the Tigers will do well despite the short time to prepare for the BAL Kalahari Conference. Picture: FIBA

The former Jozi Nuggets player feels he has grown as a player and leader in the team.

“I am a lot more comfortable now, playing basketball at this level as compared to when I first joined the Cape Town Tigers,” says Selepe. “Although I had been playing basketball, at the time, I was still working a 9-5 too, but now my work is basketball. I know where my strengths lie and I am not trying to do too much.”

As Selepe and Tigers welcome Petro de Luanda, FUS Rabat, and Dynamo to the nation’s capital, he feels the arrival of the Kalahari Conference is just what the doctor ordered.

“It was only a matter of time before something this big happened. I am glad it’s happening while I am still able to run up and down the floor,” says Selepe. “For some people, this opportunity came when they had already retired and closed this chapter of their career.”

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DePína talks Dolphins ownership and African basketball ecosystem

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FOR Cape Verdean/Liberian Antonio DePína, a former professional player turned entrepreneur, basketball transcends mere competition. For him, it has been a vehicle to drive societal change and personal empowerment.

Following the end of his playing days, DePína found a way to maintain a connection to the game. A Forbes 30 under 30, DePína pioneered the Praia League, the Scoutz App, and has recently spread his wings by acquiring the Dolphins Basketball Club of Botswana.

DePína studied at Lincoln University, where he played Division II basketball while pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. He aspired to become a police officer, a career that offered stability and security.

“I didn’t think I would play professionally. I thought I should do the safe thing… Make sure that I get a good salary but that was before Covid,” said DePina.

Following graduation, the pull towards a professional basketball career opened DePína’s eyes. Stints at B.C. Martorell Solvey in Spain and Electrico FC in Portugal exposed him to the business of basketball. It also made him curious about the number of African athletes pursuing a basketball career in Europe.

“While playing in Spain and Portugal I encountered many African players. I asked my teammate Mayot Deng why he didn’t go back home to play. He told me the chances to make a living (through basketball) were few and far.”

Antonio DePina a former basketball player
Antonio DePina says a visit to Cape Verde gave him a reality check. Pictures: Supplied

Although born and raised in the United States, his parents were born in Africa. Nonetheless, the basketball situation baffled him, as he grew up in a country abounding with opportunity.

However, a first-time visit to his father’s country of birth, Cape Verde, exposed him to certain realities. There was a lack of infrastructure and organized competition. This mind-altering experience made DePína realise there was an opportunity to pursue the business of basketball in Africa.

Equipped with the experience from his playing days, and the ability to think out of the box, he started the Praia League in Cape Verde. The national federation could only provide him with a facility to run the seasonal competition. Everything else would come out of his pocket. Over time the league turned out to be sustainable and now employs 80-100 locals during the island nation’s summertime.

“All I asked for was a gym and I got that, everything else, I provided. Jerseys, lights, staff, I paid for,” says DePína. “I learnt early on that you can’t depend on anybody or wait on anybody because if you wait on let’s say the government to get started, then it will never happen.”

DePína has also spread his business acumen to the world of tech. He started an app called Scoutz (formerly Overseas Basketball Connection), which provides athletes with a platform to connect with basketball teams and access an AI-powered sports agent. It also simplifies the recruitment process for professional athletes who want to build their careers abroad.

“I think it is extremely important to have that representation. A lot of African players have never left their home country and the Scoutz app is available for them to navigate that,” says DePína. “A lot of the people we have on the Scoutz app come from the United States, but there are some African players.”

 

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DePína recognizes the value of the Scoutz app but understands that the African Sports Tech market is still young. Although a need for athlete representation exists in a growing sports economy, it may not be a priority in many countries. The reason being that more critical issues take precedence over paying for an app, unlike their American counterparts.

At 26, he was a part of the Forbes’ 2021 30 Under 30 class. The selection was a justification for pursuing his dreams, and many doors would open for DePína after this.

He expressed his happiness and gratitude: “It is always a dream to get on that list. It validates that you are not crazy. Everyone is a dreamer. While pursuing your dream, sometimes you feel like you are going crazy, and doubt can creep in,” said DePína. “Recognition like this gives you validation, and you realize that maybe you are not crazy. You are onto something.”

His business instincts recently led him to Botswana, where he acquired the successful Dolphins. The four-time Botswana Basketball League Champions narrowly missed out on the 2024 Road To BAL Elite 16 after finishing second in their group when they hosted regional qualifiers last year. With Gaborone being 6934 km (4309 miles) away from Praira, what drew DePína to the Dolphins and Botswana?

DePina credits his experience at the Forbes 30 under 30 summit as the motivation behind this move.

“I was in Botswana and spoke at their event (Forbes 30 under 30). I felt inspired by others as well,” says DePína. “Botswana is a growing country and their president is inspiring. Growing up, he had to pay for his own soccer boots. He also faced numerous obstacles, but he persevered and is now dedicated to helping the youth.”

That experience and a love for an underdog story sparked DePína’s interest in the Dolphins. He is determined to turn the Southern African club into a BAL contender. Although DePína could have acquired a team playing in Season 4 of the BAL, he is firm on the Dolphins.

Antonio De Pina is a pioneer
Antonio DePina has pioneered efforts to develop basketball in Cape Verde.

“Several teams need help, but they (Dolphins) were suitable to me. I want to create value for the team and the youth and the culture in Botswana,” says DePína. “I also wanted to prove to myself that I can do it… That I can bring a team to the BAL. They are the national champs of Botswana, and they have played in the qualifiers, but I believe they can go much further.”

In building the team, DePína plans to learn from the mistakes that he has seen other clubs make by taking a more transparent approach and implementing a proper managerial structure.

“I want to implement proper management of the team, proper management of the funds so that everything is transparent. When that is in place there will be a sense of trust within the organization,” says DePína. “I feel like sometimes things are not done properly. For example, we see many teams trying to get to the BAL. Some have crazy budgets but others struggle with their budgets.”

DePína hopes his approach can spread across the continent. He wishes that it can inform things such as league-wide player salaries and team caps so that everyone can understand how much running a team costs.

The decision to invest in the Dolphins demonstrates a commitment to basketball on the continent, and the importance of making long-term investments in teams and leagues.

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Can APR BBC march to BAL success in debut season?

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ARMÉE Patriotique Rwandaise Basketball Club, or APR BBC, is one of the newcomers in Season 4 of the Basketball Africa League (BAL). The Big Tip Off previews the team ahead of the BAL.

Team: APR BBC

Country: Rwanda

History: APR is Rwanda’s most decorated basketball team, with an impressive record of 14 Rwandan Basketball League (RBL) titles. With three FIBA Africa Champions Club appearances and a podium finish in 2009, APR has earned its place among the best in the country.

Despite a 14-year dry spell from 2009 onwards, APR made a stunning comeback in Game 4 of the RBL finals in September, clinching a remarkable 80-68 win over REG and sweeping the best-of-seven series.

APR secured automatic qualification to Season 4 of the BAL by winning the national championship in their country.

Coach: Mazen Trakh, a Jordanian-American coach, will lead APR in their debut in the BAL. Trakh has vast experience as an assistant coach for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Detroit Pistons, and the Washington Wizards. Additionally, he worked as an advanced scout for the Golden State Warriors.

APR's Mazen Trakh
Mazen Trakh has been preparing APR for the BAL in Qatar. Picture: Supplied

Between 2003 and 2006, Coach Trakh led Fastlink, a Jordanian basketball team, to three consecutive Jordan League Championship titles. In 2006, he topped off his coaching tenure with the team by winning the FIBA Asia Club Championship.

Furthermore, Trakh has coached in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) and the American Basketball Association (ABA).

In May, he joined APR and successfully led them out of their drought by implementing off-court and on-court changes. These changes ultimately paid off, helping them secure their BAL ticket.

Trakh will be assisted by Bill Bayno, a veteran coach he has worked with at the CBA and during his time with the Detroit Pistons. Bayno brings his vast experience as a coach in the National Basketball Association, National Collegiate Athletic Association, CBA, and the Philippine Basketball Association.

Star Player: Jean Jacques Wilson Nshobozwabyosenumukiza is one of the stars the army side has in its arsenal. Nshobozwabyosenumukiza was crowned the 2022/23 RBL Playoffs MVP. The point guard averaged 13.2 points per game, 2.1 steals per game and eight rebounds per game.

Nshobozwabyosenumukiza is going to make his third appearance in the BAL. The speedy point guard had played for Patriots BBC in the first season of the BAL. A year later, he joined three-time RBL champions REG and appeared in two BAL seasons. During his second appearance in the BAL, Nshobozwabyosenumukiza averaged an impressive 14.2 points per game, 3.5 assists per game, 1.7 steals per game, and 3.7 defensive rebounds per game. Those remarkable performances earned him a place in the All-Defensive Team.

Can APR BBC march to BAL success in debut season? Read More »

A leap of faith leads Otobo to realising BAL dream

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ISRAEL Otobo first encountered the Basketball Africa League (BAL) as a fan. The 19-year-old Nigerian forward remembers watching Season 3 of The BAL for the first time at a restaurant in Nigeria. That moment gave him some food for thought… He imagined himself being part of what is becoming one of the greatest basketball shows in Africa.

“I remember thinking, ‘This league is so huge and I would love to play in it one day’,” said the Nigerian international.

His wish to play in the BAL would come true, albeit outside the confines of his homeland. In a couple of weeks (March 9), Otobo and Burundi’s Dynamo Basketball Club will participate in the expanded BAL’s Kalahari Conference, tipping off at the Sun Bet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa.

Israel Otobo playing in the Road To BAL
Israel Otobo has fulfilled a dream by helping Dynamo qualify for the BAL. Pictures: FIBA Africa.

In an interview with The Big Tip Off, Otobo discusses his young professional career, the Road to BAL qualifiers and the team’s preparation for Season 4 of the BAL.

Otobo’s journey with Dynamo began unexpectedly. It followed an unsuccessful season with the local men’s side Nigeria Customs. They lost to the Kwara Falcons in the 2022 Nigerian Premier League finals, resulting in them losing out on a BAL ticket. Although the team’s season ended on a sad note, Otobo credits his senior teammates for helping ease his nerves. They made his first experience in the league a good one.

Following his performance there, he received a call-up to represent Nigeria at the World Cup Qualifiers, where he caught the eye of Dynamo BBC. The Burundian club promptly began negotiations, which proved fruitful, and Otobo would be on his way to East Africa.

Otobo had no prior knowledge of the club and Burundi, but he took the leap of faith and was determined to help Dynamo achieve their domestic and continental ambitions.

“When I first came in, I didn’t know anybody,” recalls Otobo. “I had no reputation, so I had to start from scratch by proving myself, while also trying to figure out how we would win the league.”

Thankfully for Otobo and Dynamo, the leap of faith paid off as they beat former Champions Urunani to claim their first Championship since 2018 and secured themselves a spot in last year’s the Road to BAL qualifiers.

Their Road To BAL Division East journey began in Tanzania, and following a second-place finish in the regional qualifiers, a season-saving wild card sent Dynamo to the Elite 16 in Johannesburg. They eventually secured the last ticket after a close victory over Madagascar’s COSPN in the third-place game. The Hulk-like Otobo averaged 14 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, which helped Dynamo’s qualification efforts.

“We made it through the first stage (of the Road to BAL), but things got more challenging in South Africa,” said Otobo. “There were some difficulties, but I had faith in my team and believed we could overcome them. Thank God, we did.”

Otobo credits his team’s success in the tournament to their fighting spirit and level of self-belief. He says, “Although people did not believe in us, we had faith in ourselves and each other. We all understood our roles, stuck to the plan, and supported one another. This kept us going and enabled us to achieve our goal of securing the ticket.”

Reflecting on the last game against COSPN, where he fouled out, Otobo expressed his disappointment at not finishing the game. He felt he could have helped his team in the crucial moments.

“I fouled out doing my job, and I did my best. So did my team, till the very end, and that is how we were able to get the job done.”

The journey to success had its hardships, but Otobo has learned invaluable lessons from his former teammates, Chris Obekpa and Deshaun Morman, which he will carry into Season 4. “The leadership that they brought to the team showed me how to conduct myself as a professional.”

Israel Otobo in action for Nigeria
Israel Otobo caught the eye of Dynamo while playing for Nigeria in the 2023 FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

Dynamo has made big moves in preparation for the BAL. These include acquiring the services of former COSPN head coach, Julian Chaignot, dynamite guard Dhieu Deing and forwards Makhtar Gueye and Ryan Richards.

Otobo says their practices have been challenging as the competition draws closer.

“Training camp has been intense and hard. We have some new guys too, and they are also adjusting,” says Otobo. “Everything is going well. We are getting to know each other more as we build our team spirit and chemistry.”

His focus for the next couple of weeks is preparing for the moment he wished for since watching the BAL in that restaurant in Nigeria.

He and his Dynamo teammates will do battle against Kalahari Conference hosts Cape Town Tigers in the last game of the opening night.

“We have never been to the BAL, so we do not know what to expect. One thing I know is we are going to give everything we have,” says Otobo. “We will not fear any opponent. We going to fight in every single game and give our best.”

The change in scenery has elevated Otobo’s career, and in a few weeks, he will have a chance to show out on the big stage.

A leap of faith leads Otobo to realising BAL dream Read More »

Can City Oilers get past conference play in BAL Season 4?

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THE City Oilers have been a dominant team in their national league. As they gear up for Season 4 of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), will they be competitive on the continental stage? 

The Big Tip Off previews the Oilers ahead of the BAL.

Team: City Oilers

Country: Uganda

History: The club was founded in 2011 by a group of friends and has subsequently won nine Ugandan National Basketball League (NBL) titles, the most by any club in the East African country. The Oilers have participated in the FIBA Africa Clubs Championship once, under the name “Warriors” and secured 9th position in that tournament. The City Oilers engaged in The Road to BAL twice (2019 and 2022) where they failed to qualify. However, they qualified in the 2023 Road to BAL.

In their debut appearance (2019), the Ugandan side only managed to win one game out of the five. They finished sixth in the Nile Conference and did not progress beyond the group stages.

Route To BAL: The City Oilers showed improvement in their second qualification for the BAL at the end of November in Johannesburg, South Africa. They finished second in the Elite 16, Division East, behind the Cape Town Tigers.

City Oilers coach Andrew Tendo
Andrew Tendo has taken on the task of leading the City Oilers in BAL Season 4. Pictures: FIBA Africa and The BTO

Coach: Andrew Tendo was recently been appointed the new head coach for the Oilers. Tendo previously was an assistant to the former coach, Mandy Juruni, who joined Rwandan side Kepler University. Tendo has been a part of the team for quite some time and contributed to three of the nine NBL titles won by the Oilers. His familiarity with the team should make his transition smooth. The first-year head coach will have his work cut out for him ahead of the BAL. However, he has a chance to find his feet as the NBL season tipped off last month.

Star Player: Parish Petty emerged as the star player for the Oilers during their Road to BAL campaign. Petty was impactful with the distribution and sharing of the ball, an issue the Oilers have struggled with in the past and has cost them dearly.

The guard’s unselfish style of play complements the team’s core. He averaged 18 points, 5.4 rebounds per game, 3.4 steals per game, and three assists per game. Petty led all guards in The Road to BAL in the efficiency category, with a rating of 19.3 per game, which speaks volumes of how valuable of an asset he is for the Oilers.

Can City Oilers get past conference play in BAL Season 4? Read More »

Is the window closing on Morais’ BAL title shot?

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PETRO de Luanda is a highly decorated club that has participated in every instalment of the Basketball Africa League (BAL). Despite their extensive experience in the league, they have yet to win the BAL trophy. Ahead of the BAL, The Big Tip Off previews Petro.

Team: Petro de Luanda

Country: Angola

History: The 40-year-old club has a history of success on home soil and continentally. Petro has won many titles over the years, including 16 Angolan Basketball League championships, two Luanda Provincial Champions titles, 14 Angolan Cup titles, 10 Wlademiro Romero Super Cup titles, one Victorino Cunha Cup title and two FIBA Africa Club Champions Cup titles.

In the first season, they finished in third place and made it to the final the following year, where they fell short against Tunisia’s US Monastir. 

Jose Neto coach of Petro de Luanda
Can Jose Neto lead Petro to the promised land in Season 4 of the BAL? Pictures: FIBA and the BTO

Despite their lack of a BAL title, Petro has always managed to finish among the top four in the BAL.

Route To BAL: Angola is one of six countries whose club’s automatic qualification into the BAL. Petro went 23-1 throughout the season and defeated Primero de Agosto in the Angolan Basketball League finals to clinch their 16th national title.

Coach: Brazilian coach José Neto will again lead Petro in their title quest. Neto has extensive coaching experience at the club and national team level for Brazil. He is also the head coach of Brazil’s national women’s team, and his coaching career is highly decorated.

Previously, he coached at Flamengo basketball club and achieved great success. He won a FIBA Intercontinental Cup Championship, a FIBA Americas League Championship, and four consecutive Brazilian National League (NBB) titles. 

During his time with Petro, he has won three Angolan League Champion titles, two Angolan Cup trophies, and two Angolan Super Cup titles. Neto is also a three-time Angolan League Coach of the Year and he won Coach of the Year in Season 2 of the BAL.

Star Player: Carlos Morais, a veteran and legendary basketball player from Angola, is a star player on the Petro team. Last season, when Petro appeared to be struggling in the final stages of games, Morais was the go-to guy. He made key plays that helped to swing the momentum in Petro’s favour.

At 38, he had his best performance in Season 3 of the BAL… Recording improvements in every statistical category, averaging 15.6 points, 4.4 rebounds per game, and 3.3 assists per game.

In Season 2 of the BAL, Morais earned All-First Team honours.

Is the window closing on Morais’ BAL title shot? Read More »

Ogoke talks D’Tigress journey and Olympic Games quest

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SARAH Ogoke’s journey with Nigeria’s D’Tigress started 13 years ago (2011) when she was a junior in college. She received a call-up to represent Nigeria in the Women’s AfroBasket in Mali, and from there, she has been part of building the D’Tigress into a powerhouse.

Although Nigeria finished the AfroBasket in fourth place that year, the experience marked her journey towards winning four consecutive AfroBasket titles (from 2017).

The already accomplished Ogoke now has the potential to achieve another milestone with the D’Tigress – becoming an Olympian. Ogoke and Nigeria are on a quest for a ticket to this year’s Olympic Games in Paris. Their journey to Paris begins at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which tipped off in Antwerp, Belgium on Thursday.

In an interview with The Big Tip Off, American-born Ogoke discusses her experience as a D’Tigress, captaining the team, the upcoming Olympic Qualifiers, and their ambitions.

Nigeria's D'Tigresses
Sarah Ogoke (7, extreme right) will lead the D’Tigresses in the quest for an Olympic ticket. Pictures: FIBA

Ogoke, spent most of her youth in Nigeria, even attending nursery school there. Although growing up in the States, she frequently visited the West African nation during summers and Christmas holidays.

“I always wanted to have that opportunity to represent my homeland. When I got that call-up, I was extremely proud and excited to represent my country,” said Ogoke.

When the national team call-up arrived (in 2011), Ogoke achieved one of her dreams. At the time, she was the only college player on the team, with all her teammates being professionals. She found it very encouraging. Since then, the team improved with each tournament.

The team’s progress runs parallel to her personal growth. She is currently studying for her PhD in at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. 

“You know, I would say in my first three AfroBaskets we just got closer and closer to winning. In 2017 came first… From there it has been a consistent climb for the program,” said the Ogoke 33-year-old. “We just keep getting better and better.”

Ogoke acknowledges balancing a demanding academic and athletic schedule is like walking a tightrope.

“Its been everything. Its been extremely important. I played Division One basketball and I was a biology major. So believe it or not, I’ve been juggling high-level athletics and intense high level academics for a long, long time. I won’t say its been easy, but its not something new to me. I’ve been doing this since I was like 17 or 18 years old,” said Ogoke, winner of the 2019 FIBA African Women’s Champions Cup with Mozambique’s Ferroviario de Maputo.

She recently took on the high-pressure job of captaining Nigeria. A role she accepted ahead of last year’s AfroBasket in Rwanda. Ogoke would lead the team to the title, a process she feels brought on a different accountability.

“I take a lot of pride in being the captain. Being the veteran on the team, I have to lead and be the best example for the younger players on the team,” said Ogoke.

“I would say I have always been relevant to the team, but once attaining that captain status, it gave me a lot of confidence to show up… Especially as a veteran.

“I cannot rely on anyone else. As a former role player, I was able to win titles, but now that I have the captain status, the responsibility for winning or losing falls solely on me. Therefore, I took this responsibility very seriously and did my best to help the team achieve our goals.”

 

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While she (Ogoke) led on the floor during the championship run, Rena Wakama called the shots from the bench. Wakama became the youngest and first female coach that the federation appointed. She was also the first female coach to win the AfroBasket.

“It’s been phenomenal, Coach Rena knows how to get us going, to motivate us, she can relate to us,” said the shooting guard.

Ogoke had high praise for Wakama’s leadership of the team.

“She is a woman. She is young, so it is like playing with a friend, or a big sister,” says Ogoke. “I feel like it made us much closer because she is much more relatable to us being a young woman. It’s been an absolute pleasure and joy playing for her.”

The D’Tigress arrived in Belgium four days before the start of The Qualifying Tournament – a similar situation to the 2023 AfroBasket. As a result, they have had limited time to prepare. Despite this challenge, they have created a team DNA of being undeterred.

“Nigerians are naturally perseverant, naturally prone to just getting things done regardless of our circumstances,” says Ogoke. “This is a young team but this team is extremely mature as well, we never make excuses and we always do our best to make the best the best out of everything we’re given.”

D'Tigresses
Sarah Ogoke holds AfroBasket winning coach team coach Rena Wakama in high regard.

D’Tigress began their Olympics campaign against a familiar foe, Senegal, whom they beat to clinch their fourth AfroBasket title. Nigeria won the match 72- 65. Ogoke, who scored 11 points and dished out five dimes, was complimentary of their West African neighbours ahead of the game.

“Senegal is a great team, they take a lot of pride in their program. They can’t be taken lightly, only our best we will do,” said Ogoke. “They have solid team, with a new coach (Alberto Antuna) so we’re gonna go in and do our absolute best and play hard.”

The Nigerian team will play the USA on Friday and Belgium on Sunday. Two tickets are available for their group, so winning at least one match improves their chances of qualifying for the Olympics.

“The main thing is that this is an opportunity that may never come again, there is only ever gonna be one Paris 2024 Olympics,” said Ogoke. “This is our chance to capture a ticket and become Olympians… To sew our name in sports history for all of eternity. So we have to go there understanding what is at stake and give it our all.”

Ogoke and D’Tigress have their work cut out for them, but they have risen to the occasion before, even when conditions don’t favour them.

With a ticket to Paris at stake, you can be sure the D’Tigress will have the tenacity and will to get the job done.

Ogoke talks D’Tigress journey and Olympic Games quest Read More »

Can Cape Town Tigers roar into contention for BAL title?

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THE Cape Town Tigers are a young club on the African basketball scene. They head to Season 4 of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) as hosts of the Kalahari Conference, where they hope to improve on their past performances. The Big Tip Off previews the South African team ahead of the BAL.

Team: Cape Town Tigers

Country: South Africa

History: The Tigers are one of South Africa’s youngest clubs. Founded in 2019, the team has garnered much attention for its success in the past four years. They will be making their third appearance in the BAL.

The Tigers have won two South African National titles, one Basketball National League (BNL) title and two Road to BAL Division East Championships.

Florsheim Ngwenya
Tigers coach Florsheim Ngwenya is a proven winner and is well-versed in international basketball. Pictures: FIBA

The South African side has had its fair share of stars adorn their roster, with most recently having former OKC Thunder player Josh Hall and Zaire Wade, the son of NBA Hall of Famer Dwayne Wade, suited up for them in Season 3 of the BAL.

But the Tigers have not managed to get past the quarter-finals in their two BAL appearances. Can the third attempt be the charm for them?

The Tigers secured their spot in Season 4 of the BAL through Road to BAL. The South African Champions went undefeated in the tournament and defeated the Oilers in the final game.

Coach: South African coach Florsheim Ngwenya will lead the Tigers in their quest to become a title contender in their third BAL appearance. The experienced Ngwenya previously led the South African National team from 2007 to 2011 as head coach.

He has also won multiple BNL titles as the Head Coach of the Egoli Magic club, making him the most successful coach in BNL history. Ngwenya led the Tigers to two Division East Road to BAL Championships and one BNL title.

Star Player: Samkelo Cele is a standout player on the South African team. As a small forward and guard, his athleticism and high motor impact both ends of the court. He can quickly shift the game’s momentum in favour of the Tigers.

Despite coming off the bench, Cele leads the team in most statistical categories. Cele has averaged 13 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game during the Road to BAL. He was among the best defenders in Season 3 of the BAL and earned a place in the League’s All-Defensive Team.

 

Can Cape Town Tigers roar into contention for BAL title? Read More »

Antuña adapting and fine tuning Senegal for Olympic qualifiers

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WHEN Alberto Antuña arrived in Africa to take on the role of head coach for the Ugandan national women’s team, he learned one of the most important lessons in his first year on the continent: You cannot be too rigid in your ways and must be able to adapt quickly.

The lesson came after a loss to Kenya last year during the FIBA AfroBasket qualifiers. From that point, Antuña’s perspective changed.

He recalls the first game he coached (against Kenya). Many ideas flowed in his head, and he tried to implement them all, resulting in the loss. The experience made him realise he had to adapt and that pride had no place in winning.

Antuña is an experienced coach who has worked across Europe in the club circuit and at the national team level. After leading Uganda’s Gazelles at the 2023 FIBA Afrobasket in Rwanda, he landed Senegal’s women’s team head coach position.

In an interview with The Big Tip Off, Antuña discussed his time with the Gazelles, his new position with Senegal, and his hopes for their upcoming Olympic qualifying campaign.

Antuña’s appointment as coach of the Gazelles was not in the cards for him until just a few months before the February 2023 FIBA Afrobasket qualifiers.

“I honestly did not expect it,” recalls Antuña. “I remember in November of 2022, I was in the middle of the Eurobasket qualifiers with the national team of Montenegro. The president of the (Uganda) federation emailed me to inquire about my availability. He told me about the idea of me taking the head coach position in Uganda to work towards the qualifiers for the (2023) Afrobasket.”

Alberto Antuna with Uganda's national team.
Alberto Antuña says he coached one Uganda’s best generations of players at last year’s AfroBasket in Rwanda. Pictures: FIBA

Antua agreed to take the job after positive discussions with the FUBA… And the rest, as they say, is history.

Antuña feels fortunate to have had a team that was receptive and ready to learn with very little time for preparation. He considers that group of players as the best generation the East African nation has produced.

“The team had a really good connection and the girls trusted that we had a chance to win. That gave us the chance to compete and that’s how I managed in that first game against Mali. We competed well and secured a big win,” said Antuña. “That win, along with our victory against Senegal made it clear to the group that we were a different team. We were ready to compete every time we stepped on the court.”

During his tenure as coach of the Gazelles, Antuña led the team to six victories out of 11 games. It was their best performance yet, placing them seventh in Afrobasket. Despite the team’s success, Antuña announced his departure shortly after Afrobasket. He believed that leaving would be in his best interests and that of the Ugandan team.

The Spaniard explained, “I made the decision a few weeks after Afrobasket, and it wasn’t due to any issue with the federation. I chose to leave because the next competition would be in early 2025… That would be too much time before the next competition. I am very young and still very driven, so I want to be competing and managing teams.”

After his departure, Antuña admits he had no offers from other national teams. When Senegal parted ways with Moustapha Gaye after finishing second behind Nigeria in the AfroBasket, Antuña seized the initiative and contacted the West African nation’s federation.

“After my time with the Gazelles came to an end, I reached out to Senegal,” said Antuña. “I saw that they were looking for a coach and I was free [now] and ready to lead the team. I am also familiar with them, I know the talent that they possess because some of their players play in Europe and Spain especially.”

 

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Antuña’s first order of duty will be leading Senegal at the Olympic qualifying tournament in Antwerp, Belgium (8 February – 11 February). He will not have much time with the team because of the players’ club commitments.

The Movistar Estudiantes coach says his priority will be on-court preparations and building connections with players. He has already made contact with some of the Senegal team players.

The Lionesses will face off against familiar foes Nigeria, the USA, and Belgium. Despite the magnitude of the assignment, Antuña looks forward to the competition and the opening game against Nigeria. 

“I think everyone knows that the big game for us is the one against Nigeria. It is the first game, the most important game, and probably the one I am putting a lot of focus on, in terms of scouting, analysing the players, and understanding the way they coach,” said Antuña.

Senegal have appeared in two Olympic Games, the first in 2000 and the second in 2016. In their two appearances, they finished in 12th place. Can Antuña lead them to a third appearance later this year (26 July – 11 August) in Paris, France?

Alberto Antuna during the AfroBasket
Alberto Antuna believes Senegal will be competitive at the Olympic Qualifiers.

Beyond the Qualifiers, Antuña is committed to working alongside the Senegalese federation to make The Lionesses synonymous with success again.

“I want to make Senegal successful. I want to grow with them. Senegal has been the best in the history of women’s basketball on the continent but obviously, in the last 10 years Nigeria has been dominating,” says Antuña. “My goal is to end that reign. I have to build the best team possible for us to compete in the big tournaments like The Olympics and the World Cup, but it won’t be easy.”

As a coach, he wishes to continue his personal growth. He wants to develop his coaching style and adapt to each situation.

“Although I have gained experience over the past eight years, I am still a young coach. I am determined to prove myself by coaching in various countries and coaching styles. This will not only make me a better coach, but also a better person. It will also demonstrate my ability to adapt to different cultures and nations,” said Antuña.

As he takes on his new role as Senegal’s coach, he faces a new challenge with a team he believes has immense talent. However, with his experience and expertise, there is no doubt he’ll help the Lionesses in their quest to secure a spot at the Olympics.

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Juruni enthusiastic about leading Rwanda’s Kepler

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MANDY Juruni, the renowned Ugandan basketball coach, has made a name for himself as one of his country’s greatest coaches. His success at City Oilers recently led to him being lured away from a club he led for a better part of a decade.

As he helped build the Oilers into a Ugandan powerhouse, Juruni, who has won ten national league titles, also qualified the team twice for the continent’s premier club competition, The Basketball Africa League (BAL). However, he will not lead the Oilers to their second BAL appearance after he accepted a two-year deal to coach Kepler University, recently promoted to the premier division of the Rwanda Basketball League.

The surprising announcement of Juruni’s departure from the Oilers came after he helped the team punch their ticket to BAL Season 4 in Johannesburg in late November.

Mandy Juruni at the Road To BAL Elite 16
Mandy Juruni wants to build Kepler into a competitive team. Pictures: The BTO and FIBA

Juruni, a five-time league winner with women’s team JKL Dolphins, reflected on his time with the Oilers, how The BAL has elevated basketball on the continent and his new position. The Road To BAL Elite 16 Division East tournament marked the end of Mandy Juruni’s journey with the Oilers, where he started as a player-coach and then transitioned to head coach.

While at the helm of the Ugandan giants, Juruni says he experienced a personal evolution. “Being a part of the club’s development for 10 years has been amazing, I have grown as a person and coach,” said Juruni. “Some of the players who came in with me in my first year have also grown and are a part of the team’s core.”

Being at the club for as long as he did, Juruni says leaving the Oilers was hard, but he expressed confidence that the club’s success will continue even without him at the helm.

“It was not an easy decision, but I am going to cherish all the good times I had with the club,” he said. “We achieved a lot, and I am proud to leave the club with the respect that it deserves, not only in Uganda but also in Africa. I do not doubt that they will continue to grow and continue to win.”

 

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Juruni, a former head coach of Kyambogo Warriors, understands the value of The BAL for young athletes and clubs across the continent.
He says, “for an African kid playing back home, you are now playing for something. You will know that even if I do not make it to America or Europe, if I play hard with my club, there is The BAL to play for, and that is a good platform for young African athletes.”

Juruni turned the focus to his new club, Kepler and getting to coach in the new hub for basketball in Africa. He expressed his excitement at leading the promoted Kepler in their debut season.

Kepler will face tough competition from heavyweights such as Rwanda Energy Group (REG), The BBC Patriots, and champions APR BBC, the latter bound for this season’s Basketball Africa League (BAL). “I am excited to be here and coaching in Rwanda. They have a very good and competitive league. I am excited to be a part of that,” said Juruni.

Mandy Juruni at the BAL Nile Conference
Mandy Juruni says he grew as a person and coach at the Oilers.

He also outlined his mission at the university club. Juruni says he wants to work on the players’ attitude and enhance the club’s structures for the future.

“Kepler is a new entrant in the league, and there is a lot that we need to do to be competitive against the best in the country. One of the things I need to do is develop the program so that we can have a strong team,” said Juruni. “We have to work on the players’ confidence so they can believe in themselves… And that they can compete against the best in the country.

“My job here is to get a competitive team. One that we can build on. The players here are young, energetic and ambitious. I am optimistic that we will have a very good season.”

Juruni can be justified in having high hopes for the upcoming Rwandan season – his track record for building a team and delivering success speaks for itself. His enthusiasm for the job could also be the right tonic Kepler requires to one day be among Rwanda’s top teams.

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