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Affi and renewed ABC Fighters locked in for Road To BAL

AS anticipation builds toward The Road to BAL Elite 16, the ABC Fighters are gearing up for a comeback with renewed vigour. Being one of Côte d’Ivoire’s most celebrated teams, their legacy is marked by excellence, underscored by 22 national championships and a continental victory in the old FIBA Africa Champions Cup.

However, in recent times, the path to continental glory and playing among the best has been challenging. With their disappointing performance in The Road to BAL 2024 and subsequent absence from Season 4 of the BAL, the Fighters had to adopt a new mindset. Reinvention was the new mantra – leading to a dedication of time and resources to refining their strategies and tackling the issues that held them back.

In an interview with The Big Tip Off, coach Anderson Affi, who took over from Milutin Nikoli, discusses the ABC Fighters’ journey to the Elite 16, Division West (5-10 November). He emphasizes the critical role of Côte d’Ivoire’s Ligue d’Or played in their development. The lessons learnt from past experiences, the revitalized preparation and adjustments, and the importance of fan support in their quest for success on the African basketball stage.

The Role of Côte d’Ivoire’s Ligue d’Or in ABC Fighters’ Journey

Competing in the Ligue d’Or (formerly the Ivorian Basketball Championship) has been crucial to the ABC Fighters’ success. The most decorated team in domestic history, they have dominated and elevated the league’s standard. Affi highlighted how the league’s quality has improved with the influence of the BAL. “Our national league is of an average level within the sub-region, but with the BAL’s influence, the competition is gradually becoming more professional,” said Koffi

This progress has not gone unnoticed – it has shaped the ABC Fighters into a team well-prepared to face their opposition in continental play. The influx of foreign talent and increased investment have heightened the league’s competitiveness, pushing local players to rise to new challenges.

**Anderson Affi says Ligue d’Or has improved the quality of Cote d’Ivoire’s domestic game. Pictures: Supplied**

Transitioning from Domestic to Continental Competitions

The transition from the familiarity of Ligue d’Or to the elite competition of The Road to BAL presents unique challenges. Coach Affi emphasizes that competing on the continental stage requires heightened adaptability and intensity, both on and off the court. “Our biggest challenge is to prove that our high ranking in African basketball is well-deserved,” he noted.

Affi understands that overcoming these challenges necessitates significant financial investment and strategic planning to meet the demands of continental play. “To succeed in the Road To BAL, you must invest a lot of money to ensure proper preparation, and you need to recruit the best players,” he states. “When the team is well-prepared with quality players, everything else becomes easier.”

Challenges and Lessons from Missing Out on BAL Season 4

After their performance in Season 3 of the BAL, where they lost 88-84 to Angola’s Petro de Luanda in the quarterfinals, the ABC Fighters qualified directly for the Elite 16 per league rules. However, this proved disadvantageous, as they entered the Elite 16 without assessing the true level of competition in the continental league and finished with a 1-2 record, missing out on a spot in Season 4 of the BAL.

Reflecting on this missed opportunity, Coach Affi shares insights into the factors that stifled the ABC Fighters. “We qualified directly for the Elite 16 last season. Unfortunately, we did not prepare well. It was clear that we lacked teamwork and cohesion. Our automatisms were non-existent, and our defence was too lax,” said Affi. Late roster setups and limited training time compromised team cohesion and defensive strength, preventing the Fighters from competing at their full potential. This experience served as a wake-up call, prompting the team to rethink their approach and prioritize early, thorough preparation for the upcoming campaign.

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Revitalized Preparation and Strategic Adjustments

Determined to improve from last season, the ABC Fighters have revamped their strategy for the offseason. This year, they implemented critical changes in their preparation and roster-building, allowing for a comprehensive preseason where players could establish teamwork and communication. “We started our regroupings and training earlier. Our foreign players arrived earlier, which allowed us to focus on teamwork and cohesion,” noted Affi.

A notable new addition to the roster is Karim Mané, a former NBA player whose experience brings invaluable depth to the team. “He brings his experience from the NBA environment, which is invaluable for our team,” Coach Affi emphasized, highlighting Mané’s positive impact on morale and team dynamics.

This renewed approach has already yielded positive results, as the Fighters completed the West Division games in Libya undefeated. ABC showcased their strength throughout their three group matches – ending their campaign in Libya with a 94-66 victory over Benin’s Elan Coton. Despite this success, Coach Affi stresses that their job remains unfinished. “We are currently undefeated, but we must remain cautious because the Elite 16 represents a completely different challenge. It will not resemble the West Division, so we need to approach it with the utmost seriousness,” said Affi.

Anderson Affi of ABC — **Anderson Affi says the Elite 16 is a different challenge.**

Fan Support and the Quest for Continental Success

While national pride may be an overarching theme for ABC’s continental drive, it is not the sole factor, the value added by their unwavering fans is another key ingredient. The presence of their supporters is a constant reminder of the responsibility they bear as the country’s most decorated team. “Our immediate priority is to qualify for the final stages. The fans are our greatest motivation. We need their support because, without them, the task becomes extremely challenging,” says Affi.

The areas that need improvement have been identified and worked on, thus putting Coach Affi and the ABC Fighters in a position to be successful on the continental stage. With their sights set on Season 5 of The BAL, the ABC Fighters are committed to making Côte d’Ivoire proud and establishing themselves as a powerhouse in African basketball.

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Ongwae ready to rumble with Thunder in Road To BAL

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TYLOR Ongwae is a heralded son in Kenyan basketball, from providing a historic clutch moment in a Morans vest to capturing domestic and continental success in Europe. He has done it all in his career. Winning the FIBA Europe Cup quenched his thirst for a major trophy and was a fitting end to his lengthy and storied career abroad.

Ongwae, who signed with Kenya Basketball League champions Nairobi City Thunder in August, says the reason for his return home – after 14 years away – was to be near his business interests and a strong desire to inspire a new generation of players in his homeland.

“Last year, when I won the Europe Cup (with Germany’s Niners Chemnitz), I knew I was done. I tried to win it (Europe Cup) with five different teams… So when I finally won, I said to myself ‘I am done’,” he said vehemently. “Also, I am 33 now… I felt it was the right time to come and settle down.”

Tylor Ongwae Niners — **Tylor Ongwae decided to return to Kenya after winning the FIBA Europe Cup. Pictures FIBA and Thunder Media**

Ongwae, a three-time Basketligaen league champion with the Bakken Bears of Denmark, says he wanted an opportunity to play in Kenya’s domestic league, something he has yet to experience.

“I have always wanted to play in Kenya… So this was a good time to do that and when I still have more to offer (on the court). When younger players see me playing here, it will encourage them…’ They will be able to see that, ‘this guy has played outside Kenya for 14 years and he was successful. I can learn from him’,” said Eldoret-born Ongwae.

Being home also means he can be hands-on with his business. “Regarding business – it’s good to be here rather than being outside,” said Ongwae, who has meat production as one of his enterprises. “We have a farm where we keep animals, and we sell the meat to people in Eldoret and Nairobi.”

Back to the business of basketball, before joining the star-laden Thunder, Ongwae had a few insights into the team. What made joining the Thunder more enticing for Ongwae was that the team had several Morans players in their set-up.

Bound for the Road To BAL, the addition of Ongwae to the Thunder’s roster bolsters the Nairobi team’s chances of successfully navigating the first stage of the Division East (15-20 October).

“Before I returned to Germany last year, I had a few practice sessions with them (City Thunder). I saw their professionalism and how they treat players. It excited me. I believe it’s worthwhile joining this team,” said Ongwae. “Also, eight of the players are my teammates in the national team (the Morans), so I had conversations with them about joining… I was sold and decided I want to be part of this team so we can chase the BAL.”

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Ongwae has already tasted the BAL – having signed for Cote d’Ivoire’s ABC Fighters for Season 3’s playoffs. He says the level of competition surprised him.

“It was highly competitive that year. There were good teams… We lost by one point (against Petro de Luanda). It has gotten better each year. Teams have to prepare well,” said Ongwae.

In trying to become the first team from Kenya to qualify for the BAL, Thunder first has to get to the Elite 16 – their journey starts in neighbouring Tanzania. Host club JKT, Urunani (Burundi), Hawassa City (Ethiopia), Beau Vallon (Seychelles), Ushindzi (Comoros) and GNBC (Madagascar) all lie in wait for the Thunder.

“For the last month, we have been focusing on ourselves… especially the work we have to do on offence and defence – we know the group we are up against, and will focus on our opponents when the competition begins,” said Ongwae.

The two-time Danish Basketligaen Defensive Player of The Year and the Thunder have a decent amount of time to dot their I’s and cross their T’s before the start of The Road To BAL.

And as Ongwae embarks on this new journey, he also took a moment to reflect on his milestones.

While winning the FIBA Europe Cup was memorable for Ongwae – his game-winning deep two against Angola at the buzzer in the 2021 AfroBasket qualifier ranks much higher in his career.

**Tylor Ongwae during the qualifier clash which saw him make the shot that qualified Kenya for the 2021 AfroBasket.**

It was a shot that ended the Kenya men’s team’s 28-year hiatus from the continental tournament.

“Winning in Europe was one of the best feelings. I tried five times – four of them we lost in the knockout stages. Then there was the COVID year when we made the semi-finals, but we ended up not playing,” said Ongwae. “So just getting back on that stage and winning was an amazing feeling. It was really amazing.”

He reflected on the impact of his game-winning shot against the once-mighty Angola.

“I would say qualifying for the AfroBasket after 28 years was big-time. It was huge for us and the country. It restarted everything to do with basketball in the country. I hope in years to come there will be more talent coming out of Kenya and it will take us further than where we are now,” said Ongwae.

Ongwae is a certified legend in Kenya basketball. He has risen to the occasion for his country and the clubs he has played for abroad. Can he solidify his legacy by helping lead a club from Kenya to a first BAL? It would be a thunderous feat for club and country.

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Eke banks on Hoopers’ BAL run to lift image of Nigerian basketball

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FOLLOWING the Rivers Hoopers’ BAL third-place final game win against the Cape Town Tigers, which earned them a podium finish, the post-game press conference started unconventionally.

Guard Devine Eke initiated his own press conference while waiting for coach Ogoh Odaudu to emerge from the locker room with his Coach of the Year trophy. He posed questions to the media for about 2 minutes before jokingly concluding the short proceedings, saying he should stop before he gets into trouble upon Odaudu’s return.

Eke’s energetic presence provided insight into the team dynamic, balanced by a laid-back atmosphere and mutual respect. This has defined the team’s DNA in the Cinderella story for the Rivers Hoopers this season.

In an interview with The Big Tip Off, Eke discussed his initial impressions of the league and the team’s goal for the season.

Devine Eke at the BAL — **Devine Eke led the Hoopers to a third-place finish in Season 4 of the BAL. Picture: The BAL and X Ball**

Eke, who joined the team in February, admitted he was initially sceptical about the readiness of the league. However, after having a superb BAL tournament, he acknowledged his misconceptions about the BAL were incorrect.

“I didn’t think the BAL was ready yet, but man, I was wrong. This league is amazing, and I love it. I’ve met so many great people. My expectations were wrong. Everyone who told me to come was 100% right… I’m happy I listened to those who advised me.”

Hoopers, returning to the BAL since last appearing in 2021, wanted to shift how Nigerian basketball is viewed, especially after the national team’s dismal performance in the first round of AfroBasket qualifiers in February.

“The goal coming here was changing the narrative of our country’s basketball. We want the next time a Nigerian team comes here to believe they can do what Rivers Hoopers did or even better.”

From the first game, it was evident that it was a different team. Over and above the obvious changes made to the roster and additions to the coaching staff, there was a strong sense of unity that is often scarce amongst teams in this competition.

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Eke, who made the All-BAL Second team, pointed to chemistry and a selfless desire to win, as the North Star that guided them to their Cinderella run.

“I think our team chemistry is one of a kind. From the local players to import players, everybody had the same goal. So when you have a team that has the same goal, it’s easy to bond, it’s easy to win, it’s easy to just be successful,” said Eke.

“Everyone had the same goal of winning, nobody cared about scoring. Nobody cared about their minutes. Nobody cared about rebounds or assists. We all just came together as a collective and wanted to win. And that made it easy.”

This unity began at the top, from the coaching staff and management led by Odaudu. From the outside looking in, it would have been easy to perceive Odaudu’s impact on the team as purely tactical. But to Eke, his coach had a far-reaching effect. Each player was encouraged to keep taking shots and find the open man, whether they had a lead they were trying to maintain or cut down on one.

“He gave us confidence and faith, and he believed in us. There were a lot of times during the games – obviously, you guys don’t see it… But there’s been a lot of times during the games when guys had their heads down, even myself, but the way he encouraged us was just tremendous,” explained Eke. “Having coaches that encourage you and don’t just bring you down because you’re missing shots or bench you when you turn the ball over, that’s something really big.”

**Devine Eke believes the best of Rivers Hoopers is still to come.**

After the Hoopers lost to Al Ahly Benghazi in the semi-finals, they identified the key areas that needed to improve to clinch a podium finish.

“I think we improved our rebounding and limited our turnovers. When we look at the games we lost, it’s because of rebounding and turnovers. And when we focused on that, we could win,” said Eke. “We focused on ourselves, we wanted to keep having fun. You know, from the beginning like, the reason why we were winning was because everyone was having fun. Everyone was touching the ball, everyone was swinging a ball, everyone was scoring, and our bench was going crazy. So we just wanted to keep the same mindset that we had in Dakar.”

Reflecting on his BAL debut, Eke says the tournament has improved his skill level and raised his stock.

“There is a lot of amazing talent in this league, everybody is strong, skilful and physical. This helped me because I had to really think the game through. There are a lot of great players coached by great coaches and this helped my game a lot,” said Eke.

He also hopes the Hoopers will improve on this season’s BAL performance.

“We just want to grow from this season. See what we did wrong, what we did right and just keep striving for greatness,” said Eke. “The main goal is to come back next year. We want to put Hoopers somewhere special. This year we finished third, but we want to be able to win the BAL.”

The Rivers Hoopers’ goal for next season is ambitious but achievable. With no back-to-back champions yet, three new teams in this year’s semi-finals, a team from the Road to The BAL making it to the finals and the crowning of a new champion, the evidence is clear that the championship is anyone’s for the taking.

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Petro’s BAL triumph opens a new chapter for Angolan basketball

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(KIGALI) The Petro de Luanda team woke up on Sunday with that championship feeling. They will head home to Angola, knowing they are Africa’s number 1 club. After three frustrating years of consistently finishing in the top four in the BAL, winning the continental title at the fourth attempt, in Season 4 of the competition must be extra sweet for Petro.

The Os Tricolores secured a thrilling 107-94 victory over Al Ahly Benghazi, who made BAL history by becoming the first Road to BAL team to make it to the final.

Losing coach Ivan Jermic of Al Ahly praised his team’s effort and acknowledged Petro’s superior defence. “They played a really good game tonight (Saturday). We were in the game for the first three quarters but they played good defence. They pushed us away from the basket and gave themselves opportunities to score on fast breaks,” Jermic reflected. “My players gave the maximum but tonight Petro won.”

Childe Dundao at the BAL — **Childe Dundao played his part in Petro’s successful BAL Season 4 campaign. Picture: BAL**

The Serbian acknowledged the significance of their journey, “For Al Ahly, this is a big deal. This is the first time they have played in this kind of competition. This is good quality basketball, the organization is really good. We are happy that this kind of competition exists. I believe Africa will be exciting in the next 20 years,” Jermic stated.

Standout performances from key players drove Petro’s victory. Nicholas Faust was exceptional, scoring 27 points, while Markeith Cummings added 20 points, demonstrating his leadership on and off the court. “I was one of the leaders in the locker room and our main thing was to always stay confident and together whether we are down 30 or 40. Just believe in each other and we showed it,” Cummings stated.

Reflecting on the depth of Petro’s roster, Cummings added, “Our bench – we have a lot of guys so we can go up to the ninth or tenth man in the rotation and I think they go up to four or five and that’s about it. So we used all our firepower.”

Petro’s captain, Carlos Morais, expressed his pride in the team’s achievement. “This means everything to us. We’ve been trying to get this trophy for four years. And to get it now, it means a lot not just for Petro but for Angolan basketball. Now we see hope at the end of the tunnel. Next year Angola is going to host the AfroBasket, so winning this trophy means a lot for everybody,” Morais shared.

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Reflecting on their journey and the impact of former coach Neto, he explained, “I’m never gonna compare coaches and philosophies, but I’m gonna take this moment to thank Coach Neto for everything he did for us because he is part of what just happened. He is part of the group that we have. He is the one who put everything together.”

Jo Acuil, who won the Defensive Player of the Year, the Scoring Title, and the Most Valuable Player awards, spoke about his mixed emotions.

“I think I am gonna need a couple of days to process the impact of what really just happened. Obviously, the emotions are still very raw after the loss. I lost in game 5 in Australia as well, so it has been disappointing and that is all I can think about now,” Acuil said. “As far as what I have won? They hold significance but I am naturally a winner, and very competitive so I would give away all three of these to get the main trophy because as much as anything, I know what it meant to me, what it would have meant for Libya but the people of South Sudan as well.”

Jo Acuil in action at the BAL — **Jo Acuil won individual honours, MVP and top scorer at the BAL despite Al Ahly’s loss to Petro.**

Yanick Moreira emphasized the importance of teamwork and resilience in their victory. “I don’t know if you remember but last time I was here after we lost. And I have seen many faces who thought we were done. All we did was talk in the locker room because we knew we weren’t playing our basketball but when we started the third quarter – we made some stops and we kept running and that is how we won,” Moreira explained.

He also highlighted the significance of the win for Angola. “It means a lot for our country. We haven’t played great basketball – we have been coming for four years straight and many people were saying that Angolan basketball is done. So, we have done this for our country.”

As Petro de Luanda celebrates their hard-fought victory, they look forward to future challenges with renewed confidence and determination. The triumph marks a milestone for the team and the start of a new era for Angolan basketball.

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BAL Season 4 Final: Who will have the edge? Petro or Al Ahly

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(KIGALI) The final game of the BAL will see Petro de Luanda and Al Ahly Libya battle it out for the championship. Both teams demonstrated exceptional skill and determination in their semi-final victories.

Petro de Luanda:

Path to Semi-Finals: Petro secured a narrow 66-65 win against AS Douanes in the quarter-finals, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Nicholas Faust’s clutch three-pointer in the final seconds was crucial to their victory.

Semi-Final Recap: Petro showcased their depth and tactical acumen, in their semi-final battle victory over Cape Town Tigers. Despite a back-and-forth battle, Petro’s Nicholas Faust hit crucial three-pointers in the second quarter to build a lead. The Tigers fought back to tie the game and force overtime, but Petro outscored them 19-9 in the extra period, securing a 96-86 win.

Carlos Morais BAL final — **Carlos Morais will provide experience coming off the bench in today’s final: Pictures: The BAL**

Al Ahly Libya:

Path to Semi-Finals: Al Ahly pulled off an upset against defending champions Al Ahly Egypt with an 86-77 victory. Robert Golden’s 23 points, nine assists, and strong performances from Jo Acuil and Majok Deng, were paramount to their success.

Semi-Final Recap: Against the Rivers Hoopers, Al Ahly demonstrated their ability to adapt and overcome adversity. Despite losing an 11-point halftime lead and trailing briefly in the fourth quarter, they rallied to tie the game and push it into overtime. Their composure in the extra period, highlighted by clutch free throws and defensive stops, led to an 89-83 victory.

Key Players to Watch:

Petro de Luanda: Carlos Morais’ leadership and scoring will be critical, and Nicholas Faust’s timely shooting can change the game’s momentum.

Al Ahly Libya: Robert Golden, a key playmaker, and Jo Acuil, whose inside presence can dominate the paint.

Jo Acuiel of Al Ahly Benghazi — **Jo Acuil has been phenomenal on the boards and scoring for Al Ahly Benghazi.**

Strategic Insights:

Petro de Luanda: Petro needs to maintain their defensive intensity and ensure shooters, like Nicholas Faust, get open looks. Controlling the tempo and limiting turnovers will be crucial.

Al Ahly Libya: Al Ahly must capitalize on their strong inside game and maintain pressure on Petro’s guards. Effective ball distribution and exploiting mismatches can break down Petro’s defence.

Final Thoughts:

The BAL final will be a clash of titans, each vying for the ultimate prize in the BAL trophy. Fans can expect a display of athleticism, and strategy, but most especially of heart as these teams lay it all on the line.

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Morais feels the BAL title is still within his and Petro’s grasp

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(KIGALI) Carlos Morais and Petro de Luanda are names synonymous with some of the best basketball on the continent. The veteran guard has had a legendary career spanning over 23 years, and a huge trophy haul.

Despite their impressive achievements, Morais and Petro have yet to add the BAL trophy to their collection. However, this could change as Petro gears up to compete against Al Ahly Benghazi in the highly anticipated BAL final on Saturday.

Leading up to the finals, The Big Tip Off interviewed the Angolan legend and team captain, Morais. The former Angolan international discussed his evolving role at Petro and what it would be like to win the championship ahead of the big game.

Ahead of the Kalahari Conference, Petro set themselves the goal of reaching the final. While achieving this goal has been satisfying, the journey has been challenging.

“It feels great because our main goal was to be in the finals. The season didn’t start in the way we wanted, we lost a few games down the road, but I’m happy we accomplished the main goal.”

**Carlos Morais knows the window is closing on his desire to win the BAL title. Pictures: The BTO**

Petro suffered three defeats this season. Their losses to FUS Rabat and Cape Town Tigers during the Kalahari Conference were because of a lack of preparation. Petro also struggled to find their identity on both ends of the floor. As a result, they resembled a shell of the strong team they once knew. The third loss was a buzzer-beater during the seeding games against US Monastir. Since then, Petro has made adjustments and overcome their slump, but the same cannot said of Morais, who has also had some struggles this season.

Morais has been a key player for Petro every year, averaging 15.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game last season. However, his average has dropped this season. Morais averaged 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. He has also come off the bench in recent games, forming part of the second unit. This transition was unexpected for Morais, but he embraces it as his team competes for the title.

“I think everybody knows the type of player I am, and coming into this season, my goal was to play and contribute and help my team reach this goal, which is to be in the finals. Unfortunately, I’m not playing much at this point. But, you know, I can only control what I can control.” said Morais.

Petro has managed the changes well. At the beginning of the season, the team struggled to come up with an answer without Carlos. However, now every player is able and willing to take up the responsibility on any given night. Childe Dundao’s 25-point performance against FUS da Rabat in the Kalahari conference was evidence of this. Most recently, Nicholas Faust’s 23-point performance in the semi-finals also proved a new sense of accountability that has engulfed the Angolan club.

“I think the good thing about it is that this is a team sport. Somebody else had to step up, somebody else is doing what I can’t at this point. And, you know, I’m happy that we’re about to play another final.”

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However, Morais has continued to lead and motivate his teammates from the bench during the intense and unpredictable competition in Kigali. Aside from sharpening their tactics, Morais believes that the key to their new cohesion has been embracing a different side of the game – playing with heart.

“I believe basketball has to be played with heart. And we’ve shown that we have a big heart, like in the game against AS Douanes, we were down 20 in the fourth quarter but we came back because we showed everybody the heart that we have, also just staying together as a team.”

Reflecting on their loss to US Monastir in the 2022 final, Morais recalls areas of their game that needed to be improved on, for their fate to change this time around.

“Playing better defence and maintaining our high energy. Playing with high energy is one of the identities of our team. Every time we play with this energy, we always succeed. Just like when we play defence, I mean, it’s almost everything you can ask for when you talk about Petro Because then everything else is gonna come.”

Carlos Morais in BAL action — **Carlos Morais knows a BAL trophy title can make up for their difficult season. Picture: FIBA Africa**

With the immediate prospect of finally clinching a title tonight, Morais and Petro know what they need to do to execute their final task.

“I know my goal, everybody knows what my goal is. At this point in my career, I want to win. I want to win a trophy. I want to get the trophy. And I understand that every year, the battle is getting harder and harder. So I feel like this year, we have a great chance. So my goal is to win this year,” said Morais.

Despite facing challenges this season, Morais is looking ahead and is ready to continue competing and building his legacy. While his time on the court may soon come to an end, he feels at this point he still has much to give.

“I don’t know if I’m going to be back at the BAL. Everybody knows I’m 38 years old and a lot of people think that I’m about to end my career. But I still have a lot of gas in the tank. So I’m going to continue to play a few more years,” concluded Morais.

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Ngwenya reflects on amazing playoff run with Tigers

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FLORSHEIM Ngwenya is all about basketball. Even on his day off during the BAL playoffs, he was more preoccupied with the game than taking in some of Kigali’s sights and sounds.

The Cape Town Tigers have had days off between their quarter-final victory over FUS Rabat and their semi-final loss to Petro de Luanda. After those two gruelling overtime games, you would think Ngwenya, the Tigers’ coach, would have a moment for a breather. And you would be mistaken. Ngwenya, the South African national team coach, described himself as a “gym rat who likes everything to do with basketball. He believes the slightest of distractions can bring about bad luck.

“I stay focused because I am a bit superstitious. I don’t want to get out there being all over the show and forget what is important. If there is a free day, we will be together as a team and maybe go to the museum and stuff like that,” said Ngwenya. “… But I mostly like to dig in and watch games. I am what you call a gym rat. I love the gym and basketball. Another thing I do is dig up old videos of teams out here and see how they play.

“I have also engaged with other coaches here (at the BAL). I want to learn from them and see what they do well. When I am here I keep it as basketball-focused as possible, but I have done the odd sight seeing here and there.”

Florsheim Ngwenya at the BAL — **Florsheim Ngwenya says the semi-final run of the Tigers ranks among his top achievements. Pictures: The BTO**

Despite falling short in the semi-finals, Ngwenya’s focus and graft during those rest days have paid off for the Tigers. Ahead of the Hoopers game on Friday, Ngwenya, an assistant to Rasheed Hazzard in last year’s tournament, spoke on leading the team this year.

“I think it’s a lesson for a lot of young coaches and it is if you get a chance you can achieve. Your background should not count against you. If you are qualified and can do the job, especially as a local coach, why not get the job and showcase your skills at the international level?” asked Ngwenya. “It’s just a testament to the saying ‘hard work pays off’. So, teams should try and invest in their local coaches. There is a lot of talent within that pool of coaches out there and they need to be given an opportunity to show what they can do on stages like this. Or whichever stage you need somebody to back you.”

Ngwenya reflected on how the Tigers have grown since their first BAL tournament and in these playoffs, especially in battles against FUS and Petro. “Those overtime games showed us, firstly, the maturity of the team and second, the togetherness, which spoke volumes about who we are.

“It’s a sense of brotherhood that has developed and has become a never-give-up attitude on the court. In the quarter-final game (against FUS) – we could have won in regulation time, but we let ourselves down with a couple of errors. But we kept on fighting and eventually won the game.”

The Tigers coach turned to Wednesday’s game against Petro: “Last night’s game we did not play as well as we should have, but we still managed to fight. We showed resilience and grit to take the game to overtime. Even then, we fought, but we had a poor shooting night. We shot around 20 or 21 per cent from the three-point line, and I think we missed 16 free throws. Those little things built up, but I must commend our fight and resilience.”

One of the stand-out features of the playoffs was the superb performances of Samkelo Cele and Nkosinathi Sibanyoni. Power forward Sibanyoni has averaged a double-double in games against FUS and Petro, while Cele continued his impressive scoring feats (30 points against FUS and 19 points against Petro).

Ngwenya is proud of the South African superstar duo as both players have enhanced their reputations on the continent.

“I’m so proud of those guys. Very proud. They really work hard and push themselves to the limit. They also want to achieve more. These guys are an example for young South African players out there. They see what they (Sibanyoni and Cele) are doing on this stage and will want aspire to be like them or even be better than them,” said Ngwenya.

“It sits well with me that two South African kids are doing well. Also they are being spoken about in that manner (as superstars). It also shows there is a lot of talent in our country. We have to make sure that we take care of it… Ensure they get perform on such stages,” said Ngwenya.

On a personal level, what does getting this far (to the semi-final) mean for Ngwenya? “It’s right up there. I can’t downplay it. After the game against Hoopers, we will see where it stands in my list of achievements. But it is right up there. There is no question about it,” concluded Ngwenya.

The Tigers eventually finished fourth, losing to the Hoopers on Friday night. But Ngwenya and the Tigers will surely return home with a redeemed sense of pride, knowing they could hang with the best on the continent.

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Petro and Al Ahly Benghazi to battle it out in BAL final

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(KIGALI) On Wednesday night, the Basketball Africa League (BAL) semi-finals produced two thrilling encounters (Rivers Hoopers vs Al Ahly Benghazi; Cape Town Tigers vs Petro de Luanda), which saw Petro and Al Ahly win in overtime.

In an electrifying match, Petro de Luanda secured a hard-fought 96-86 victory over the Cape Town Tigers in overtime. Both teams played relentlessly, leading to numerous lead changes and a dramatic finish that left fans on the edge of their seats.

The Tigers started strong, leading 16-15 at the end of the first quarter. Both teams demonstrated solid defence and efficient ball movement, keeping the game tight. However, foul trouble for the Tigers in the second quarter allowed Petro to gain a foothold.

With 7:40 left in the second quarter, back-to-back corner threes from Nicholas Faust put Petro up by six points. A turnover followed by an uncontested three extended their lead, making it 28-21 by halftime.

BAL action — **Nkosinathi Sibanyoni drives to the rim while being guarded by Markieff Cummins in the BAL semi-final on Wednesday. Pictures: The BAL**

The final quarter was a nail-biter, with the Tigers managing to tie the game at 77-77, thanks to Samkelo Cele’s clutch free throws, forcing the game into overtime. Petro’s resilience and tactical execution were evident as they outscored the Tigers 19-9, sealing their victory.

Petro’s Captain Carlos Morais praised the efforts of guard Samkelo Cele. “I love Samkelo, he is a great competitor, and from the last season, he has been growing and he is playing unbelievably. Coming into this game, the goal was to stop Cele because he is their best scorer and we respect him, I think he is gonna keep growing, he has a bright future.”

Coach Florsheim Ngwenya reflected on his team’s performance throughout the competition. “Congratulations to my guys because this is huge. Being at this stage of the competition gives everyone hope. We have done the impossible – it proves that South Africa has talent. However, how we organize the talent moving forward is important.

Petro will face Al Ahly Libya in the Finals on Saturday, and it’s a match-up that Morais looks forward to. “It’s going to be a battle, Solo Diabate is my good friend but it is gonna be a battle. I will try to not let him get the third one [title] and he will definitely try to stop me from getting my first one [title], but we are going to be ready to compete. I am sure it is going to be a good final.”

In the first semi-final of the day, Al Ahly Libya defeated The Rivers Hoopers 89-83, securing their spot in the finals. Al Ahly started the game strong offensively, finishing the first quarter with a 27-21 lead. By halftime, they had extended their advantage to 48-37, taking advantage of Rivers Hoopers’ turnovers and foul troubles.

Despite early struggles, the Rivers Hoopers displayed good ball movement and teamwork. However, three of their starters got into foul trouble, which impacted them down the stretch.

Al Ahly vs Rivers Hoopers in the BAL — **Jeremy Golden directs traffic for Al Ahly Benghazi during the BAL semi-final against Rivers Hoopers.**

Al Ahly Coach Ivan Jermic commented, “On paper, they are better than us, but statistics lie. Only their free-throw shooting was different. They shot 45% from the free throw line, and I think that is what determined the game.”

The third quarter saw a remarkable comeback from the Rivers Hoopers. Will Perry sparked the revival with back-to-back three-pointers, bringing his team within two points. The Rivers Hoopers continued their momentum into the fourth quarter, briefly taking an eight-point lead with six minutes remaining. However, Al Ahly fought back to tie the game and push it into overtime, ultimately securing their victory.

Coach Ogoh Odaudu says they consumed energy trying to close the score. “I think we spent a lot of energy trying to get back into the game. We dug ourselves out of a 14-point hole, but what’s done is done.” Despite the loss, Odaudu was pleased with his team’s efforts. “I am proud of our team. We hold our heads high. Nobody believed in us, but we are here. Unfortunately, our fairytale run has come to an end, but the third-place game still means a lot to us, and we are ready for it.”

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Diarra and Tigers find a new swag ahead of Petro battle

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THE Cape Tigers Town have not let their wild card qualification for BAL playoffs go to waste. The South African team has gone on a mini-dream run in Kigali and they look like a team that has risen from the rubble of a forgettable Kalahari Conference two months ago.

After their seeding game loss to Libya’s Al Ahly Benghazi, it would have been easy to count out the Tigers from being BAL title contenders. Instead, the Tigers continue to be the authors of their own story. They grappled and ground out a (91-88) victory over FUS Rabat, a team that clinically dealt with them in two Kalahari Conference battles.

Today (Wednesday), another Kalahari Conference adversary, Petro de Luanda lies in wait. And with Tigers having discovered their roar, this semi-final duel should be one for the ages.

Cartier Diarra in action — **Cartier Diarra will lead the Tigers’ charge against Petro in the BAL semi-finals tonight. Picture: The BTO**

Before speaking on the clash against Petro, a hopeful Tigers captain, Cartier Diarra, felt they should have beaten FUS by a wider margin, given how they stifled the Moroccans.

“When I look back at the game against FUS, we should have at least won by 15 points. We missed free throws, lost a ten-point lead with two minutes left, and it was not a great shooting night for us. But we still got the win. It was a show of effort and determination to win,” said Diarra, who has Malian roots. “Of course, Nathi (Nkosinathi Sibanyoni) had 14 offensive rebounds, which allowed us to get second-chance points. That is why I feel hopeful. Also, we look at this journey as the right pathway for us to get revenge on the teams that beat us in Pretoria (where the Kalahari Conference took place). Now we will play Petro. They beat us once, and we beat them, so this is the tie-breaker.”

The Tigers had five players scoring in double digits against FUS. Nkosinathi Sibanyoni, who crashed a record 25 boards in that game, scored 16 points. Samkelo Cele, who dropped a three-point buzzer-beater that sent the game into overtime, had a massive 30 points. South Sudanese duo Ngor Mayang (13) and Dhieu Deing (12) also made solid contributions.

Diarra, who scored 15 points and had eight assists, says Sibanyoni got them going against FUS. He also recalled how Cele’s heroics kept them alive.

“It started with Nathi. I have already spoken about what rebounding did for us. He was running in transition and forcing people to guard him, which put our shooters in a position to get open looks. So he was our focal point,” said Diarra. “Sam is always ultra-aggressive going to the basket, whether you foul him or not. He hit that big shot with seconds left. It was either him or me taking that shot. When he got the ball, I knew he would make the shot.

“The way he shoots is so amazing. He has a high release, which is difficult to block. He did a double clutch pump – he said it felt so good he wanted to turn around. We are just happy he got the shot.”

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Diarra and the Tigers have had two extra days after their exploits on Sunday. They look forward to taking on a Petro team that overcame a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit against Senegal’s AS Douanes on Monday.

It must be said, that the Angolans have looked shaky from the beginning of the Kalahari Conference, and the Tigers would be justified in fancying themselves to win the game.

Also, it would be safe to say the Tigers and Petro are evenly matched ahead of their semi-final clash, but Diarra disagrees.

“I don’t believe we are evenly matched. I think we have better guards and bigs. They play well in their system because they have been together for a long time. However, I think we have the advantage,” said Diarra.

“I know (Childe) Dundao will be guarding me. I feel like he is too small. That’s how we won the last time, with me being aggressive on him and putting him in tight situations – it forced their bigs to help. Samkelo also played great defence on Carlos (Morais) last time, holding him scoreless. We need him to do that again.”

Diarra intimated further on the advantages the Tigers have over their last four opponents: “I know they added Nick (Faust), who scored 13 last night. We need to stop him from having that run. If we minimise their ability to get threes and force them to go for layups, a big like AB (Abdoulaye Ndoye) will be able to stop them because of his length. He had five blocks in the last game. I feel like we have the advantage. All we have to do is execute and do what we do best.”

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Tigers and Al Ahly Benghazi stamp their BAL semi-final tickets

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(KIGALI) – Last night’s BAL quarter-final match-ups at the BK Arena were reminiscent of the conference games, as familiar foes went head-to-head for a spot in the semi-finals.

Al Ahly Benghazi upset defending champions Al Ahly (Egypt) 86-77, while in the second semi-final, the Cape Town Tigers won a nail-biter (91-88) against FUS de Rabat, where a Samkelo Cele buzzer-beater sent the game into overtime.

Tigers Rally together to defeat number 1 seed, FUS de Rabat

The Cape Town Tigers had perhaps their best start to a game this season. The South African team rectified the mistakes that cost them in their two losses against FUS in the Kalahari Conference. From the jump ball, the Tigers contained FUS’ three-point shooting and limited them to only 3/8 at half-time.

Despite FUS’ bench contributing 33 points, the Tigers had an answer for every strategy thrown at them, a sign they had finally found their defensive identity. The South African side forced FUS into committing unnecessary turnovers leading to 22 points from their defensive effort.

Nkosinathi Sibanyoni of the Cape Town Tigers — **Nkosinathi Sibanyoni holds the BAL’s in-game rebounding record after posting 25 rebounds against FUS Rabat in the semi-final on Sunday. Pictures: The BAL**

Defensive anchor Nkosinathi Sibanyoni was phenomenal and notched the BAL All-time single-game rebounding record with 25 rebounds. Sibanyoni grabbed 14 offensive rebounds, affording his team much-needed second-chance scoring opportunities. His impact was also felt on offence as he scored 16 points.

Tigers coach Florsheim Ngwenya gave an update on Dhieu Deing, who went down after a collision in the fourth quarter. He said Deing that he had popped his shoulder but that the guard would be okay.

About what led to the historic performance, Ngwenya said: “In our locker room, we have a quote that we put up on the board which says, ‘There are three kinds of people, the kind who make things happen, the kind who watch things happen and the kind who wonder what happened’. We didn’t want to be the third kind of person.”

Samkelo Cele, who finished the game with 30 points, reflected on the responsibility which comes with the big moments. “I love playing basketball and I love those moments. My team trusts me and so this pressure is a privilege. It gives me the joy to represent my country at the highest level, I cannot describe it. I just want to make South African basketball worth talking about, so I am happy to be here. But the job is not done,” said Cele.

FUS coach Said El Bouzidi felt his team did not take their opposition seriously. “The lesson is that there is no easy game at this level of the competition. We were not focused and our opponents killed us, the statistics say it all.”

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Al Ahly Ly Upset The Reigning Champions

Al Ahly Egypt (ASC) and Al Ahly Libya’s (AAL) third encounter this season was nothing short of what we expected. The style of play by both teams in the first quarter characterized their strengths. For Al Ahly (Egypt), it was their three-point shooting, while Benghazi relied on their inside game. However, the Cairo-based club’s inability to adapt until late in the second led to them going only 3/12 from deep to close out the half.

Benghazi’s Robert Golden, who dropped 23 points and dished out nine dimes, was the x-factor for the Libyans. The American point guard was unstoppable from behind the arc, going 5/9. Golden also did a great job at spreading the floor and got some good looks down low for Jo Acuil, who finished with a double-double (23 points and 11 rebounds) and Majok Deng, who finished with 25 points and nine rebounds.

Benghazi’s coach, Ivan Jermic reflected on his team’s strong performance. “Beatin Al Ahly is not easy, they are one of the best African teams – like Real Madrid. I am glad that we showed our personality through our good defence, but I am more happy because many people didn’t believe in our team,” said Jeremic.

Dhieu Deing during the BAL — **Dhieu Deing sustained a shoulder injury in the semi-final against FUS Rabat.**

The Serbian coach says the third quarter was their turning point. “Usually a quarter-final is the most difficult game because if you lose, you go home. The most important part of the game is the first six minutes of the third quarter and we went 10-0 in that period and I believe that we broke them in that period,” said Jeremic.

Two-time BAL-winning coach Julbe Bosch felt that their success in Cairo could have negatively impacted their performance.

“We looked much better as a team in Cairo. I take responsibility for tonight, maybe we had a disconnect in the chemistry. That (chemistry) is what you need when you get to this stage of the competition,” said Bosch. “We started the game without a sense of urgency and we didn’t play like a semi-final was on the line. I’m disappointed. I also want apologise to our fans, the management and everyone who did all that they could to prepare us for this.”

The Tigers will face the winner of today’s (Monday) quarter-final game between Petro de Luanda and AS Douanes. Later tonight, Al Ahly Ly will take on the winner of the US Monastir and Rivers Hoopers game.

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