African Basketball Archives

Bargny Basket Club aiming for Senegal’s big leagues

ENTERING the Bargny Basket Club’s facility in the Bargny Commune, located 50 km outside Dakar, Senegal, you observe girls and boys practising their drills under the supervision of the club’s coaches. Amidst the bouncing of basketballs inside the enclosed centre, this writer noticed a distinct work of art, a mural.

The painting is an homage to the members who have passed on. “When people come here, they need to know that there were those who came before them. These are former members who served the club, and this is a legacy they need to continue,” said former club player and current president Seydina Mamadou Lahi.

Part of honouring the people on the mural is growing the club, and Lahi’s mission is to ensure that Bargny BC makes strides in Senegalese basketball. “I am from Bargny. I have always been close to the team. My objective is to grow the club, and I want the men’s and women’s teams to get to the first divisions here in Senegal,” said Lahi.

Bargny Basket February 2026 — **Bargny Basket youth players go through their paces. Pictures: The BTO**

Lahi aims to achieve the goal of both the men’s and women’s clubs going to the upper ranks sooner rather than later. “The goal is to make the teams reach the first division (NM1 and NF1) in the next two to three years. But next year is a possibility; we are working on it, and we are confident we can achieve that,” said Lahi.

Serving the community has shaped the club. Having players gravitate towards it is a testament to the correctness of establishing the club in Bargny.

“Our impact is social and educational. The club is developing basketball players, but it is important that they attend school and do well. There are multiple teams, girls and boys, and through this club, we want them to improve their lives,” said Lahi. “The club used pay for some kids to go to school. This is our duty because we want to help the next generation in the best way possible.”

He further emphasised the importance of education. “Education is the key. Like these kids, I played basketball and went to school, and I became the person I am today because of that. I want the same for them. To have basketball and education, because sport is not the only way to succeed,” said Lahi.

Bargny Basket Club mural. — **The Bargny Mural honouring those who have passed on.**

“(In Senegal) Our attitude has been that one can’t be good at basketball and academics as well. So with good organisation and hard work behind the scenes, we have been able to achieve that. We want them to become succeful men and women. It would also be good if some of them have careers as professional basketball players. Who knows, some of them could represent Senegal.”

The club’s success depends on community support, and Lahi says they have worked hard to increase the club’s visibility in Bargny. “We have a good fanbase here. We have a lot of support. Sometimes we bring artists and wrestlers, and at times they perform, which helps the club’s image. These are important for the community and the club,” said Lahi.

As Bargny continues its legacy while charting its future, the responsibility now rests with Lahi. Moreover, as a man who appreciates all these elements, the club is surely in good hands.

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Mali’s building blocks could pay off at World Cup qualifiers

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MALI has enjoyed an upward trajectory in international basketball, and one of the programmes contributing to the West African nation’s success is the senior women’s team, which is vying for a spot in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany this year (4-13 September).

Currently competing in Wuhan, China, at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments (11-17 March), the Malians appear to offer Africa the strongest chance of securing a second berth at this year’s World Cup, alongside Nigeria’s D’Tigress, who have already qualified by virtue of winning the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket.

Oumarou Sidiya, who led Mali to the Women’s AfroBasket final last year and a third-place finish at the 2023 tournament, remains at the helm as the coach. Sidiya has contributed to the success of Mali’s U16 women’s national youth programmes, which have been dominant since 2009. He also played a role in developing players like Sika Koné.

Having proven himself at the youth level and elevating Mali at the last two women’s senior AfroBaskets is a sign that Sidiya is worth his salt as a coach. He could be the right man to lead Mali to a third World Cup appearance.

Mali Coach Oumarou Sidiya at the 2025 AfroBasket — **Can Oumarou Sidiya mastermind a successful World Cup qualifying campaign for Mali? Pictures: FIBA Africa**

Sika Kone (Forward): Former WNBA player Koné is one of Mali’s most prominent players. At last year’s AfroBasket, she averaged 10.4 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and recorded an efficiency rating of 16.6. Kone is a vital cog for Mali to have a good run in these qualifiers.

Djeneba Ndiaye (Guard): The Scotland-based Ndiaye played a leading role in Mali’s run to the 2025 AfroBasket final, scoring 12.4 and dishing out 2.2 assists. Despite being undersized (165cm/5ft4), Ndiaye is not afraid to take on bigger players in the paint. It led to her making nine of her 16 free throws.

Alima Dembele (Forward): Dembele will be a vital scoring component for the Malians. She is a player with a strong inside game, which the West Africans will rely on. Her 10.2 points and four rebounds contributed to Mali’s impressive run at last year’s AfroBasket, and the Sahel nation will count on her production at the qualifiers.

Team Strengths

Continuity: The majority of Mali’s roster have progressed through the national youth system, with players such as Kone, Ndiaye, and Dembele having previously competed in FIBA youth tournaments at both the continental and global levels. Players such as Maimouna Haidara, the MVP of the 2022 FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket, have been gradually integrated into the squad over the years. Oummou Koumare, the MVP of the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket, has since joined Haidara and other teammates for the qualifiers in China.

Strong Rebounding Team: Mali ranked third in rebounding at the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket, collecting 54 team rebounds. Individually, Koné was second in the tournament, averaging 11 rebounds per game.

Sika Kone at the 2025 AfroBasket. — **Sika Kone carries Mali’s hopes at the World Cup Qualifiers.**

Qualifying Group

The Malians, who will compete in the Wuhan leg of the qualifiers, are in Group A alongside fellow African team South Sudan. Completing the group are hosts China, Belgium, Brazil, and Czechia. Mali holds a 2–0 record against South Sudan, but recent matchups against Brazil, Czechia, and China have ended in defeat for the West Africans.

Qualifying Chances

Mali, who last competed in the 2022 Women’s World Cup, are possibly the best hope for Arica to have a second representative at the Women’s World Cup in Germany. The investment made in their development programme over the years has paid off. Mali face a mountain, and the only way to scale it is to be in sync and improve on the performance of the last AfroBasket.

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Can Senegal emerge from the shadows in Puerto Rico?

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SENEGAL women’s national basketball team – commonly known as the Lionesses – have qualified for eight FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup tournaments. Ahead of their qualifying campaign in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the question is whether the West African side can secure a ninth appearance at this year’s tournament in Germany.

However, the Lionesses appear to be a shadow of the team that once dominated African basketball, winning the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title 11 times and last qualified for the global showpiece in 2018.

At the most recent AfroBasket, Senegal narrowly lost their semi-final clash to Nigeria Women’s National Basketball Team, 75–68, before falling 66–65 to South Sudan Women’s National Basketball Team in the bronze medal game. Despite those setbacks, reaching the 2025 semi-finals automatically secured Senegal a place in the 2026 World Cup qualifying tournaments. The Lionesses head into the qualifiers as one of Africa’s most experienced teams.

Senegal appointed Dr Cheikh Sarr as head coach in early 2026 to lead the Lionesses. Sarr is a renowned African coach; he led the Senegalese men’s team at the 2018 FIBA World Cup and to third-place finishes at AfroBasket 2013 and 2015. He takes over from Otis Hughley Jr., who coached the team at last year’s Women’s AfroBasket.

**Dr Cheikh Sarr led Senegal’s women to the 2018 Women’s World Cup. Pictures: FIBA Africa**

Key Players & Team Strengths

Yacine Diop (Forward): A veteran swingman, Diop averaged 9.0 ppg in Abidjan, with her ability to hit midrange jumpers and rebound (4.3 rpg in AfroBasket 2025), she provides leadership and toughness inside.

Sokhna Ndiaye (Centre): A strong post presence and rebounder. Ndiaye scored 8.6 ppg and grabbed 5.6 rebounds per game at AfroBasket. Her size and interior scoring help anchor the paint on both ends.

Khadija Faye (Centre): Another frontcourt veteran. She averaged 5.3 rebounds per game in Abidjan and offers interior defence. Faye also has range on her shot from beyond the arc.

Ndioma Kané (Guard): A crafty combo guard who can handle the ball. Kané averaged 4.2 assists per game at AfroBasket, showing she can run the offence and find teammates.

Team Strengths

Offensive Matchups: Diop and Ndiaye can post up smaller forwards, so look for mismatch play in the paint. Kansas’s athleticism could also target teams with weaker rebounding.

Defensive Adjustments: The absence of a true shot blocker from Senegal’s roster could force them to rely on double teams against strong post players. If opposing teams feature quick guards, Kané will need to elevate his defensive impact. Against athletic backcourts such as those of the USA or Spain, Senegal might aim to control the tempo and potentially employ full-court traps to disrupt the offence.

**Yacine Diop has been a mainstay in the Senegal setup.**

Qualifying Group

Senegal will play in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in Group A. The group includes the USA, Spain, Italy, Puerto Rico, and New Zealand. This is an extremely difficult draw: the USA and Spain are perennial powerhouses. Senegal’s immediate goals will be to secure wins over Italy, New Zealand, and host Puerto Rico. Games against the USA and Spain will be tough, but the Lionesses must play to win whenever possible.

Qualifying Chances

On paper, Senegal faces a very challenging path. In group play, the Lionesses will be heavy underdogs versus the USA and Spain. To qualify, they will likely need to steal a victory from one of the mid-tier teams (Italy or New Zealand) and split games with Puerto Rico.

Senegal has valuable experience, and it could come to the fore on the big stage. However, consistency will be critical. If Senegal wins their winnable games or possibly causes an upset against one of the favourites, it could finish in the top three. Historically, the team has risen to the moment in Africa, but the World Cup qualifiers will demand their best.

Can Senegal emerge from the shadows in Puerto Rico? Read More »

Can Bright Starlets defy the odds at the World Cup qualifiers?

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SOUTH Sudan’s Bright Starlets have been a surprise in African basketball. The East African nation got a wildcard entry to AfroBasket 2025, marking their debut in the women’s continental championship. Defying expectations, the Bright Starlets climbed all the way to the podium.

They then stunned 11-time champions Senegal 66–65 in the bronze-medal game. In doing so, South Sudan became the first-ever AfroBasket women’s debutant to win a medal. Their run to the top four at AfroBasket 2025 secured their spot in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 qualifying tournaments. The Bright Starlets, who will compete in Wuhan, China (11-17 March), enter the qualifiers riding unprecedented momentum.

The East Africans will once again be coached by Alberto Antuña, the Spanish tactician who assumed the role in late 2024. Antuña brings extensive African coaching experience, having guided Uganda at the 2023 AfroBasket and coached Senegal at the 2024 Olympic Games Qualifiers in Belgium. He will now try to replicate that success on the world stage.

Key Players & Team Strengths

Delicia Washington (Point Guard): The team’s floor general. A former NCAA player, Washington led South Sudan at AfroBasket 2025 with 18.2 points and 5.3 assists per game. She drives the offence, penetrates for scores, and finds teammates on kick-outs. Her scoring outburst (22 points) and near double-double in the bronze game were crucial to the upset.

Maria Teresa Gakdeng South Sudan 2026 World Cup Qualifiers — **South Sudan will count on Maria Teresa Gakdeng’s scoring and rebounding at the World Cup Qualifiers. Pictures: FIBA Africa**

Maria Teresa Gakdeng (Centre): A rookie sensation. Gakdeng pulled down a tournament-high 11.7 rebounds per game, dominating the boards both offensively and defensively. She also averaged 10.8 points. In the bronze medal game, she nearly had a triple-double (14 points, 13 rebounds), and her interior presence keeps opponents off the glass.

Adut Bulgak (Forward/Centre): A 2.05m veteran (former WNBA draftee) providing experience and toughness. Bulgak averaged 7.7 rebounds per gameand chipped in double-digit scoring in key games. Her physical defence and rebounding were critical in matches against higher-ranked opponents.

Nyamer Lual Diew (Forward): A versatile forward. Diew scored 10.2 ppg at AfroBasket and hit the clutch free throw to win the bronze game with 6 seconds left. She will add energy on both ends and can slash to the hoop effectively.

Team Strengths

Speed vs Size: South Sudan thrives on a fast-break offence led by Washington. They will look to push the ball quickly after defensive rebounds. Against big teams like China or Belgium, they must run early before the defence sets up. Gakdeng’s rebounding allows them to initiate transition.

Physical Play: In the half-court, Washington’s driving can collapse defences and kick out to shooters. However, South Sudan lacks proven shooters, so getting to the rim is key. Defensively, Bulgak and Gakdeng will battle physically inside. If opponents attack the paint, South Sudan can remain competitive by avoiding getting into foul trouble.

Alberto Antuna South Sudan coach 2026 — **Will Alberto Antuna and South Sudan spring a surprise at the World Cup Qualifiers?**

Qualifying Group

South Sudan are in Group A and will compete in Wuhan, China. Their opponents are China (host), Belgium, Brazil, the Czech Republic, and Mali. The group presents a tough challenge, featuring some of the world’s strongest teams. Belgium, which finished fourth at the 2022 World Cup, and China, currently ranked among the world’s top five, headline the competition. Brazil is a consistent qualifier for major tournaments, the Czech Republic regularly competes at the Olympic level, and Mali arrives with strong momentum after claiming silver at the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket.

South Sudan’s path is clear but hard: they will target the games they can win (for example, Mali, Czechia) while trying to keep losses respectable against the giants. Every game will be a learning experience at this stage.

Qualifying Chances

The Bright Starlets will be heavy underdogs in Wuhan. As one of the tournament’s newest teams, their possible goal will be to gain experience. That said, they proved in Abidjan that they can shock much stronger teams.

If they catch any opponent off guard, as they did with Senegal and Uganda, they might surprise again. Realistically, South Sudan will need to finish among the top teams in the group to qualify, a very tall order against those nations.

Can Bright Starlets defy the odds at the World Cup qualifiers? Read More »

A look at Group D of the FIBA World Cup Africa Qualifiers

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THE FIBA Basketball World Cup Africa Qualifiers are set resume with Group D action taking place in Cairo, Egypt and the Pharaohs will welcome 2025 AfroBasket champions Angola, AfroBasket finalists Mali, and Uganda, all looking to get a head start in the first round. Ahead of the qualifiers (February 26 – March 1), The Big Tip Off’s Sindiswa Mabunda reviews the Group D teams and what they will bring to court when the qualifiers begin.

Egypt

Egypt heads into the 2027 qualifiers with quiet confidence. Their showing at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 earned respect, as they competed with structure and resilience against elite opposition. Led by Anas Mahmoud, Amr Abdelhalim, and Ehab Amin, the Pharaohs demonstrated balance on both ends of the floor and tactical discipline under pressure.

Their AfroBasket campaign, although cut short in the quarterfinals, reinforced their upward trajectory, combining solid guard play with interior strength. Egypt have a new coach in two-time BAL-winning coach Agustí Julbe, and his familiarity with the Egyptian players and his winning acumen inspire confidence. Egypt’s domestic league remains one of Africa’s most competitive, providing a steady supply of talent and continuity for the national team.

If their core group is available, Egypt will enter as a serious contender to top this group. They possess the combination of experience, tactical awareness, and shooting depth that could propel them beyond the early rounds. For a nation with a rich basketball legacy, the goal is clear: to remain among Africa’s representatives on the global stage.

Angola

For decades, Angola have been synonymous with African basketball excellence. Their showing at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 reaffirmed that their identity, toughness, teamwork, and relentlessness still define them. Angola’s 80-70 victory over the co-hosts, the Philippines, showcased their ability to handle pressure, with Gerson Gonçalves and Bruno Fernando leading the way in a game that reflected both experience and composure.

At AfroBasket, Angola continued to show flashes of that same resilience. In the dominant 70-43 win against Mali, which led to their twelfth championship, on the back of the heroics of MVP Childe Dundão.

This Angolan core has been growing together for nearly a decade, first shining on the continental stage at the 2016 FIBA U16 AfroBasket in Rwanda. That team, which captured gold, featured not only Dundão but also Silvio Sousa, Bruno Fernando, and Mílton Valente, players who are now contributors on the senior national team. The continuity of that class has been vital. They have built chemistry, endured battles, and carried the lessons of youth championships into the senior stage.

Expect them to enter Group D as favourites to advance, backed by a strong basketball culture and proven consistency.

Mali

Mali’s AfroBasket campaign was defined by grit and energy, and a glimpse into the nation’s basketball evolution. Though they fell short at the last hurdle against Angola, their entire campaign was a statement that the golden generation has arrived.

The foundation for this success was laid years ago. In 2019, Mali’s U19 squad made history by reaching the FIBA U19 World Cup final in Greece, becoming the first African team to achieve such a feat. Led by Siriman Kanouté, Oumar Ballo, and the Drame twins, that young core stunned the basketball world and ignited belief across the continent. Many of those same players now anchor Mali’s senior side and are complemented by the dominance of two-time BAL DPOY Aliou Diarra.

This continuity has created a balanced, fearless roster. Mali’s strength lies in athleticism and rebounding, anchored by players who excel in transition and thrive in the open court. Their youthful core plays with pace and passion, but offensive rhythm and game management remain areas for growth, the kind of growing pains that define a program still learning to win consistently.

Despite these growing pains, the potential is unmistakable. Mali’s development pipeline remains one of Africa’s most promising, and this group is easily one of the favourites.

Uganda

Uganda’s basketball journey over the last decade has been one of the most inspiring stories on the continent. Known as the Silverbacks, they have consistently performed beyond expectations, proving their place among the continent’s best teams. Their spirited play is led by Robinson Opong, Deng John Geu, and Ishmail Wainright, with younger talents like Naseef Lubowa and Tejan Joel Rugette contributing to the team’s competitive and fearless nature.

At the 2021 AfroBasket, Uganda achieved a historic milestone by reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in their history. This accomplishment shifted regional perceptions of Ugandan basketball. Although the team faced a significant challenge in their recent AfroBasket campaign with the loss of Jackson Moni during the first game, leaving them short on size, they demonstrated resilience and flashes of potential that suggest a brighter future.

The Siverbcks have a new coach in Goran Lojo from Bosnia, who led his country (Bosnia and Herzegovina) to a fifth-place finish in the 2021 Women’s Eurobasket.

The Silverbacks benefit from strong team cohesion and can be deadly in transition. However, their challenges include maintaining scoring consistency across the entire team and avoiding foul trouble. Nevertheless, the rise of the Silverbacks is no longer surprising, and they enter this competition believing they can challenge even the giants of Group D.

Outlook

Group D presents a compelling clash between tradition and ambition. Angola and Egypt, both seasoned contenders with established structures, enter as the clear favourites, but they should expect fierce competition. Mali’s youthful momentum is on the rise, and Uganda’s growing confidence could ignite another unforgettable journey.

A look at Group D of the FIBA World Cup Africa Qualifiers Read More »

A dissection of World Cup African Qualifiers Group B

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GROUP B of the Basketball World Cup Africa Qualifiers will tip off in Dakar, Senegal, with the host nation welcoming Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo and Madagascar (February 26 – March 1) at the Stade Marius Ndiaye. The Big Tip Off’s Sindiswa Mabunda previews the group and the chances of the competing teams.

Senegal

Senegal remains one of Africa’s most storied basketball nations, a perennial favourite whenever continental competition begins. At the recent AfroBasket, the Lions of Teranga displayed moments of dominance fuelled by one of the strongest backcourts in Africa, led by Brancou Badio and Jean Jacques Boissy, but inconsistency crept in at crucial stages.

The third-place finish was respectable, but Senegal’s ambitions extend far beyond the podium. Having last appeared at the FIBA World Cup in 2019 and missing out on 2023, this qualifying campaign carries a sense of urgency.

Head coach Ngagne De Sagana Diop has instilled defensive discipline and fast-paced transition play. Nonetheless, the team’s success will depend on depth and execution. If Senegal can rediscover the rhythm that once made them Africa’s most feared team, they’ll be the side to beat in Group B.

Jordan Sakho DRC 2027 World Cup Qualifiers — **Jordan Sakho is a threat in the paint for the DR Congo. Pictures: FIBA Africa**

DR Congo

For the Leopards of DR Congo, the challenge is no longer talent; it’s cohesion. On paper, they have the athleticism and individual skill to match any team on the continent. Their AfroBasket campaign, however, revealed lapses in concentration that often swung close games away from them.

Jordan Sakho stood out with his interior presence, but the supporting cast struggled to maintain offensive flow. The Leopards’ last World Cup Qualifier run ended in disappointment, but recent investments in local development and diaspora integration signal a program on the rise.

If DR Congo can synchronise their defensive effort with better shot selection and composure under pressure, they could easily play the role of disruptors in this group, and possibly emerge as dark horses for qualification.

Madagascar

Madagascar continues to write its basketball story one learning curve at a time. Their AfroBasket performance showed flashes of energy and commitment, even against far more experienced opponents. The island nation may have failed to progress beyond the group stage, but they gained valuable experience that could serve them well in this qualifying cycle.

The team lacks size and depth, but compensates with speed, ball movement, and chemistry. For Madagascar, the 2027 World Cup qualifiers offer more than just results; they provide a platform for development and growth. Each game is an opportunity to test their resilience and close the gap with Africa’s elite. If they can sharpen their perimeter shooting and maintain defensive focus, they could make life difficult for more established teams in the group.

Assemian Moulare 2025 AfroBasket Cote d'Ivoire — **Assemian Moulare is expected to be a standout player for Cote d’Ivoire at the World Cup qualifiers.**

Côte d’Ivoire

If there’s one team in Group B that knows how to navigate qualifying campaigns, it’s Côte d’Ivoire. The Elephants have become a model of consistency in African basketball: disciplined, composed, and relentlessly competitive. Their balanced mix of veterans and rising stars continues to set the tone for others to follow.

At AfroBasket, Côte d’Ivoire’s defensive intensity and well-drilled structure once again stood out. On the global stage, their 2023 World Cup appearance reaffirmed their growth and adaptability. Players like Nisre Zouzoua, Matt Costello, Solo Diabate, and Assemian Moulare embody the nation’s identity, the collective over an individual, patient yet explosive when required.

Even if some of their key figures are unavailable due to club commitments, Côte d’Ivoire’s tactical organisation ensures that the system, not the star, remains their strongest asset. Expect them to be one of the most difficult teams to break down in this group.

Outlook

Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire enter as clear frontrunners, backed by pedigree and proven systems, but the DR Congo’s raw potential lends unpredictability to this group. Madagascar, meanwhile, approach each fixture as both a challenge and an opportunity to grow. In a short qualifying window where chemistry and execution often outweigh star power, expect fine margins to decide outcomes. Côte d’Ivoire’s structure, Senegal’s firepower, and DR Congo’s physicality set the tone for a tightly contested group.

A dissection of World Cup African Qualifiers Group B Read More »

Ibs and Thunder look to hit the right notes in KBL and BAL

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NAIROBI City Thunder have become domestic titans since the Twende ownership group took over the club. For the last two years, they have dominated the Kenyan basketball scene, and did so in spectacular fashion. One unbeaten season after another is shaping this ball club into a dynasty. The man who has crafted the Thunder’s invincibility on the court is Bradley Ibs.

With another season coming up, there will be new pressure. There will probably be talk of a dynasty and possibly maintaining the aura of invincibility. It’s something Ibs dismisses from his train of thought, and it has not crept into the team’s psyche.

“I think it’s something that gets discussed more outside our locker room than internally. I know that as a coaching staff, we spend zero time talking about it,” said Ibs. “It certainly doesn’t mean we don’t want to win. We are extremely competitive. I think our way of operation is ‘what can we do today, what can we do this week to get a little bit better?'”

Ibs continued: “We like to trust the fact that we have talented players in our locker room. I think if we stay on the cutting edge of improvement and keep the team motivated, then we can trust the results.”

Brad Ibs Road to BAL 2026 — **Brad Ibs and the Thunder want to redeem themselves in BAL Season 6. Pictures: FIBA**

While the Thunder ran rampant in the league again last year, Ibs says there were some nervous moments. “We had some scares last year… Some close games, I think one or two games might have gone into overtime,” said Ibs. “If we go undefeated again this season, then it will be great. I think ultimately we want to improve playing our best basketball until the end of the season and taking Nairobi City Thunder to another national championship.”

Ibs and the Thunder are also making a return to the BAL, after triumphing yet again at home at the Elite 16 stage of the continental qualifiers.

Having finished last year’s BAL Season 5 with a 1-5 record in the Nile Conference, Ibs will hope for a turnaround fortune this year.

He spoke about the lessons he learnt from their debut tournament and where he hopes the Thunder will finish this year.

“I think one of the lessons I learnt from the BAL last year is the importance of proper roster construction. There is a real sensitive balance when you build a roster for these types of tournaments,” said Ibs. “You need to maintain the core of who you are as much as you can, and also, there is a need for the high-level temporary players. Those are the plugin players because the time level is short to prepare them and get them on the same page.”

He finally spoke on the goal for this year’s BAL, and he intimated that going beyond the group stage would be a starting point.

“I think at a baseline level, we definitely want to make it out of conference play this year. We are also really hopeful that we will compete at a high level once we get into the final round in Rwanda,” said Ibs. “It was unfortunate how we played and how we represented ourselves last year. I don’t know how many teams in their first year of existence make it to the BAL… Win a game in the BAL. There were a lot of difficult lessons to learn, and I think we have learnt them.

“We look forward making some changes based on that knowledge that we got.”

Ibs and Thunder are in their preseason, and so far, they have hit the right notes with wins over a South Sudan select team and the army club, Ulinzi. With the rigours of domestic and international competition set to begin, Ibs will hope his band of Thunder players stay in tune and don’t miss a beat.

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Out with the old and hopefully, in with the new

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THE Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC)’s decision to derecognise the current leadership of Basketball South Africa and effectively place it under administration marks the culmination of nearly 20 years of poor management. Over this period, basketball has been in a steady decline. The sport now suffers from the absence of nationwide high-level competitions, the intermittent participation of junior and senior national teams and clubs in continental tournaments, and the lack of sustainable development programmes.

Domestically, this decline has reduced the popularity of the game, with potential players choosing better-organised codes such as cricket, rugby, soccer, and netball. Leadership failures have also allowed less-resourced continental peers to overtake South Africa.

DSAC’s unprecedented decision to take over BSA – with the support of the South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC) and FIBA Africa – stems from years of malgovernance. As a basketball community, we must now ask how the sport reached this point.

When one speaks to older South African basketball enthusiasts, they recall with pride that from the 1990s to the early 2000s, basketball was the fastest-growing sport in the country. The creation of the now-defunct Professional Basketball League (PBL) exemplified this growth. The league offered elite competition, showcased the country’s best talent, and attracted seasoned players from the US, Europe, and other parts of Africa. Thriving varsity and district leagues, school competitions, and heralded interprovincial tournaments complemented this ecosystem, enabling players across age categories to showcase their talent. BSA and the government supported these platforms, while local conglomerates such as ABSA and Engen, alongside multinationals including Coca-Cola and ESPN, joined the momentum as sponsors.

South Africa U18 AfroBasket team — **Can a new BSA executive properly organise youth programmes? Pictures: FIBA Africa and Supplied**

However, from the mid-2000s, this golden age began to lose its shine. Early warning signs of financial misappropriation and administrative incompetence were either ignored, while potential whistleblowers were allegedly blacklisted from participating in the sport. These failures contributed to basketball becoming increasingly exclusive. As trust in federation-administered events eroded, sponsors withdrew, and privately administered, pay-to-play initiatives proliferated. At the same time, a widening skills gap emerged among players, coaches, administrators, referees, and table officials. BSA’s failure to provide upskilling opportunities played a central role in this decline. As a result, even potentially transformative initiatives such as the Basketball National League, the Women’s Basketball National League, and the short-lived Varsity Basketball competition reflected the broader structural challenges facing the domestic game.

Many observers argue that DSAC’s decision arrived a decade too late, pointing to the 2016/17 SASCOC performance audit of BSA, which found that the federation had failed to meet any of its governance or development objectives. Nevertheless, despite years of political lobbying, co-optation of rivals, and the flouting of constitutionally mandated rules by BSA leadership to retain power, 2024 marked the beginning of the end of this period of ineptitude. DSAC’s decision to strip BSA of the right to host the U-18 Afrobasket competition in Pretoria exposed the federation’s incompetence and dysfunction. This was further highlighted during a February 2025 Q&A session at the National Assembly. The final blow came when BSA attempted to hold what much of the basketball community viewed as a flawed election designed to preserve the status quo – an effort halted only through DSAC’s intervention.

BSA’s derecognition represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lay the foundation for a new basketball ecosystem in South Africa. Achieving this will require a complete dismantling of the existing dispensation, which no longer aligns with the sport’s potential or current socio-economic realities. A simultaneous, two-pronged approach – combining top-down and bottom-up strategies – should therefore be adopted.

This process should allow the politically driven component of the intervention to run for at least two years. In the short term, the government will need to carry most of the responsibility while working to restore trust and confidence among potential partners and stakeholders. The process must also remain inclusive and participatory, with consultations held across all provinces and basketball districts. Input should extend beyond basketball enthusiasts to include actors from other sports, business groups, entrepreneurs, the entertainment and media industries, independent professionals, educators, social and healthcare workers, and NGOs.

PBL Kwazulu-Natal Marlins — **The KwaZulu-Natal Marlins were part of the exciting PBL era.**

With the support of DSAC and SASCOC, stakeholders should also establish a mentorship programme with federations such as Netball South Africa to rebuild BSA’s organisational capacity. Meanwhile, FIBA Africa can facilitate engagement with federations in Angola, Botswana, Rwanda, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and Senegal to better understand how these countries have sustained basketball development despite significant challenges.

Most importantly, the refoundation process should afford minimal opportunities for current members of the BSA administration to participate. Basketball requires a genuine fresh start, and reinserting individuals who presided over the sport’s decline would undermine that objective. Ideally, the new leadership structure should balance professional and technical expertise, with political awareness, ensuring that South Africa reclaims its rightful position as one of the continent’s leading basketball growth and development hubs.

Out with the old and hopefully, in with the new Read More »

Ambitious Edi gearing HyperSonics for a championship run

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CôTE d’Ivoire legend Guy Landri Edi has taken a new step in his basketball career. He has assumed the reins as general manager of the local team, HyperSonics. This, after having had a productive playing career for the US College Gonzaga Bulldogs, the Elephants (national team) and various clubs abroad. It’s a job he looks forward to and has prepared for, and while he has hit the ground running in his front office role, he made a surprise admission.

“It’s an honour… It is what I always wanted to do. I went to college and studied sports management. Ideally, this was the next move after my career,” said Edi, a 2021 AfroBasket silver medallist. “Even if I did not officially announce my retirement… I have been planning for the next phase of my career.”

Edi acknowledges he has not played competitive basketball in a while, and as he fulfils his boardroom duties, he teased that he might play when the Ligue d’Or at a later stage.

“The fire of playing still exists inside of me, I am not going to lie. Every time I watch the game, I feel like, ‘arghh, I could be in there, I can still do this,” said Edi “Physically, I can still play at a high level, but preparing for after my career is also important. I always say to myself, ‘Why play another two years?’ ‘To prove what?’. I have done a lot in my career and played in major tournaments.”

Stating that he feels he has gas in the tank, will Landry suit up the HyperSonics jersey during the season?

“Aah, stay tuned, maybe!” exclaimed Landry. “I usually train with the guys to show them what it’s like to be a high-IQ player. Not just being physical, but you have to understand the game. I can see the gap. Although I haven’t played in two years, I can still do a lot more.

“The president has said they could keep me as a wild card for the championship playoffs, and if possible, the BAL.”

**Guy Landry Edi, in the colours of Côte d’Ivoire, has hit the ground running as general manager of HyperSonics. Pictures: Supplied and FIBA Africa**

While he mulls over his playing career, and as the GM of HyperSonics, Edi has a competitive pedigree. Having played in two FIBA World Cups and three AfroBasket tournaments, and twice in the FIBA Europe Cup, Edi knows what it takes to play at a high level and could have the right stuff to make HyperSonics a major force in Côte d’Ivoire. He says the right structures are in place at the club and that there is alignment between himself and the club’s president.

“We have high expectations. Our president has a vision. We started talking around April, and he was speaking about his vision, and he wanted me to come back and work with him,” said Edi. “We realised we have the same vision. The things he put in place in such a short amount of time, creating Hypersonics and also to have a second team in the first league, ABI Snipers proved this.

“And then you have a whole youth programme and women’s team. Then there are teams in the second and third divisions. So, everything is set up. If I were to do something like this, it would have taken me 10 years.”

Edi continued: “He had the whole thing set up, and he just needed me to come with my knowledge in basketball and help him restructure all these things and build a team that can compete in the league.”

Landry did not want to divulge the full plan, but he made one thing clear: he wants to turn HyperSonics into a championship team.

“We really want to put Ivory Coast basketball on the top level and are really trying to be champions this year… That is the expectation this year. When I talked to the guys, I told them, ‘last year you were almost last, so we have to take the tag of losing out because I am not a loser, and you guys don’t want to walk around with this tag too.’ So, from day one of practices, we set the bar high,” said Landry.

While he laid out the club’s ambitious plan for the season, there will be competition in the form of defending champions JCA, ABC Fighters, SOA and ASA.

Guy Landry Edi Cote d'Ivoire 2026 — **Guy Landry Edi has built up a respectable playing resumé over the years.**

Edi shared his view on the size of the challenge he and Hypersonics are facing. “It’s big. JCA are the champion. They have the crown right now. I wish them well for the (Road to) BAL. It benefits our country when we have a team that can get into the BAL. When we had the Road to BAL here (Côte d’Ivoire), I went there to support the team… The (JCA) head coach, Stéphane Konaté, is a friend of mine. We played together for many years in the national team,” said Edi.

“We played against (JCA) them a week before the Road to BAL, and they smacked us… It’s the message I wanted to send to the team. I knew our players were not ready to play against them, and I wanted them to know where we stood as a team and the level we needed to be to compete against that type of team.

“It was a wake-up call for the players. They are now coachable. You could see in our practices things are much better and the guys are realising we are not there yet. So it was one of the strategies I used to play against them (JCA) for the players to be receptive.”

Post the interview, Edi’s project to rebuild the HyperSonics is on track. They hold a 6-3 record in Ligue d’Or after winning two games in a row since the beginning of the year. This has placed them in the top four. If they maintain their momentum, Edi and the HyperSonics could shake things up in the Ivorian domestic league.

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Bingandadi talks living with lupus and returning to basketball

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“THE story starts in 2023. I was doing my masters at UCT. I was the captain of the first team, and I was trying out for the Western Cape Mountaineers (BNL franchise). Then I started to notice a few changes in my body, hair loss, chronic fatigue and weight loss. It’s something I struggled with (weight loss) as I was already a lanky and scrawny guy,” explained Mutsa Bingandadi.

Things were going well for Bingandadi, and the last thing he would have expected was to be engaging in a fight for his life. He was excelling academically and on the court, but the sudden changes in his body were signs of the beginning of a lifelong battle with the autoimmune disease, lupus. A consultation with a specialist doctor confirmed as much. This was his second encounter with the virus. He first witnessed his sister bravely battle the disease, but she sadly passed away due to complications related to lupus.

“I decided to see my GP, who then referred me to a rheumatologist… Yeah, his immediate indication was ‘this is probably lupus.’ With the added context that my sister, who is now late, also had lupus… it meant it could be a genetic thing,” said the shooting guard, who holds a masters degree in project management.

The doctor’s confirmation rocked Bingandadi. As devastating as the news was, he has been fortunate enough to have a community around him, one that willed him to keep fighting.

“Initially, I was shocked because I knew what it could mean for me. The support I received from family and friends was great. Part of the reason I reached out (to The Big Tip Off) was that sports had a huge impact on my life. It provided me with a space and community that can rally around people in need,” said the former St Alban’s College pupil.

**Mutsa Bingandadi says living with lupus has taught him to be resilient. Pictures: The BTO**

Having seen his sister live with lupus, what lessons did he take from her life? “The main thing was continuing to push, living life to the fullest and maintaining discipline. It’s an autoimmune condition, where the body attacks itself, and it can snowball into something much bigger,” said Bingandadi.

In his case, it did. The 2023 USSA All-Star says the disease took an aggressive turn during his relocation to the South African capital last year, costing him a season of basketball.

“In 2025, I had another flare-up. As I was moving from Cape Town to Pretoria, things got worse and worse. I was admitted to hospital and started receiving treatment after being diagnosed with lupus again. This time it was more concrete… I suppose,” said Bingandadi.

While he reacclimates to life in Tshwane, where he last played as a schoolboy and now works as a business analyst, what changes has he had to make in his life?

“… Some lifestyle changes. And dietary changes, mostly. And also being hyper aware of what I expose myself to. It impacts the skin, and so it means lots of sunscreen and looking for shade,” said Bingandadi. “Being outside and working out is difficult because of fatigue. I also have to be vigilant as far as taking my meds. Otherwise, it’s quite manageable.”

Given his present experience, he hopes his message reaches organisations and people who can help him raise awareness about lupus. “Part of what I wanted to share was that there are also financial implications to it. I come from a good family. I am reasonably stable too. But those medical bills do pile up, and things do become difficult. So my mind is set on people who ca afford the treatment. If anyone knows any organisations or institutions that I can get in touch with for fundraising events, that would be great. I have also reached out myself, and I am waiting for replies,” said Bingandadi.

Mutsa Bingandadi lupus story 2026 — **Mutsa Bingandadi feels ready to play basketball again.**

As he fights every day for his life, Bingandadi is also fighting to make a comeback to the game he loves. Having been out for a year, he wants to test his body to see what it can handle.

“I don’t take anything for granted… Whether it’s a training session, a gym session, or a game, I am always eager to get started and enjoy the experience. It’s a privilege to be able to be on the court,” said Bingandadi. “Although I had taken a break for a year, that itch is back, and I want to see how far I can get once I start up again.”

As he takes the courageous step to return to the court, what has he learnt about himself throughout this time of his life? “Resilience. Initially, you don’t think it’s possible. There are thoughts of giving up. I have learnt to take it one day at a time. I realise how sizeable the challenge is and I am determined to push through. And I see how that just spreads throughout the rest of my life as well. It can’t dominate your mind or your actions because there are other things to do,” concluded Bingandadi.

He has found a second wind in his life. His desire, his determination to add more to the pages of his existence, is exemplary for anyone facing adversity. His story is a triumph of the human spirit.

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