Basketball Africa League - The Big Tip Off

Sibanyoni wants to spread his wings

Will Tigers have an antidote for Petro?

NKOSINATHI Sibanyoni has entered his second season in the professional ranks of basketball, and in his journey, he has grown in confidence and ambition for his career.

Since joining the Cape Town Tigers, Sibanyoni, who hails from Mpumalanga, South Africa, has seen his game improve, and the 2021 Basketball National League champion and MVP with Egoli Magic has the desire to spread his wings.

“I have seen how guys play in other parts of the world, and I believe I have the potential to get where I want to be. It’s a matter of working on my game more and being able to advertise my ability,” said Sibanyoni. “In the next two to five years, I would like to see myself play in different countries and learn from other coaches and players. That way, I will mature as a player.”

**Nkosinathi Sibanyoni of Cape Town Tigers sees himself playing outside of South Africa in the future. Picture: Supplied**

The 24-year-old Sibanyoni signed for the Tigers for their 2021 Road To BAL Elite 16 campaign, and although he did not play in that qualifying tournament, he proved a future asset.

In their maiden appearance at the Basketball Africa League (BAL) last year, the American-owned Tigers managed a third-place finish in the Nile Conference, which led to a playoff spot in Kigali. Unfortunately, their journey would end at that stage after a defeat to eventual champions, US Monastir of Tunisia.

For slim-framed Sibanyoni, who spoke to The Big Tip Off on Friday, felt his debut season was memorable.

“It was a great experience. Something big! I would also say there was some nervousness because of the stage that we were on. It was my first time playing against certain players and ex-NBA players,” said the former Jozi Nuggets player.

“This was a big stage. We were in a different country, but I believe I adjusted well and played my game. Then I realised not a lot had changed and began to feel comfortable.”

Sibanyoni finished the second edition of the BAL among the top ten rebounders with 7.2 rebounds per game, and while he felt chuffed about his feat, he says it is a part of his job.

“It felt great at the time. It did. But I know this is what I do best on the court. I no longer look at it as a big thing. I look at it as me fulfilling a role within the team,” said Sibanyoni, whose best game was a double-double (10pts and 10rebs) against Petro de Luanda.

“As a group, we learnt we have to stick to our game plan no matter what. Even if we are down fifteen, we must keep to the system until the final minute.

“But it was a great experience because we reached the quarter-finals in our first appearance. That gives hope that we can go further this year.”

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This year the Tigers are back in the Nile Conference in Cairo. In their opening game against Seydou Legacy Athletique Club or SLAC of Guinea, the South Africans battled to a 78-65 win over the West Africans.

Sibanyoni, who came off the bench in that game, scored six points and crashed seven boards. Despite taking a painful hit and fouling out, his scoring output was part of a 26 points contribution by the Tigers’ bench.

“I am alright. We have had two days off. So those are two days to recover and re-strategise for our next game. It was our first game, and we did well to get the win. Now we have to go back to the drawing board,” said the former Mpumalanga Rhinos player.

**Nkosinathi Sibanyoni defends Ismael Conde of SLAC. Picture: Getty Images**

The next game on Sunday for the Tigers will be against a familiar adversary, Petro de Luanda of Angola. Sibanyoni and his teammates faced Petro in the conference play of last year’s BAL and two friendlies in October in South Africa.

Petro are 2-0 in the Nile Conference after victories over City Oilers (Uganda) and Ferroviario da Beira (Mozambique). With high-IQ veterans like Carlos Morais, Damian Hollins, Ater Majok, and Solo Diabate in their ranks, the Angolan champions could prove a tough nut to crack.

The Angolans might also have a height and size advantage over the two-time South African club championship winners. But the scenario does not deter Sibanyoni.

“We have played against Petro and won. Yes, our team was different then. And we also saw how City Oilers made things hard for them. So, I think we are good enough. If we stick to the coach’s instructions, we will have a good game against Petro,” said Sibanyoni.

“They may have some older guys, and they may be bigger, but our coaches have prepared us for such situations. For example, if we have to guard bigger guys, we might rely on the help defence.

“Maybe because they are veterans, we might have to run them off the court.”

The journey with Tigers has opened a world of possibility for Sibanyoni, but now he and his teammates attention will be on the pending battle against the Angolan giants and rest of the BAL.

Will they be the spanner that derails the well-oiled machine that is Petro?

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Joining Oilers a blessing in disguise for Barnaba

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Oilers will give it their all at the BAL

FOR Ngor Barnaba turning out for City Oilers was a blessing in disguise as he had not seen some of his family in a long time.

The Sudan-born player was a toddler when his family fled the war-torn country. They would eventually settle in the United States, where the world of basketball would open for a young Ngor.

Khartoum-born Barnaba, who spoke to The Big Tip Off a week ago, would grow up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he learnt to play basketball. He says living close to the university in Louisiana also played an influential role in his picking up the game.

“I spent a part of my life in Louisiana, where I started playing basketball. We lived close to Louisiana State University, a big basketball institution. I was in the second or third grade when I started playing and taking it seriously,” said the 6ft9 (2.06m) small forward.

**City Oilers’ Ngor Barnaba in action against Petro in their opening game. Pictures: Stone Tsuabah**

His basketball career would see him play at the John Marshall High School and Missouri State-West Plains Junior College. Barnaba would play for two other colleges (Utah State University and Talladega College) before turning pro.

Before joining the Oilers, the 27-year-old played in Spain for the Spanish fourth-tier club Santfeliunc Basquet. He spoke fondly of his time in the Iberian Peninsula.

“I spent some time playing in Barcelona, Spain. It was my first pro experience. I had a great season, and I also got to meet some great people out there and learn about their culture, so it was a great time for me,” said Barnaba.

After his stint in Spain, Uganda came calling. Barnaba found himself in the blue and gold vest of City Oilers, where he wants to help the club make their mark in continental basketball, and he has had an opportunity to connect with his kin.

“The last time I visited the continent was in 1998. I still have some family here. There is an aunt and cousins of mine who stay here in Uganda. Now that I play in Uganda, I have gotten the chance to see them,” said Barnaba.

“It’s been amazing. Apart from the brand of basketball that they are playing, which has been big for me, they have also helped to connect me with my family here. I have not seen my aunt and cousins since I was a kid.”

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Barnaba joined the Oilers late last year for their successful Elite 16 Road To BAL campaign in Johannesburg, South Africa. He gave stand-out performances in wins over Mozambique’s Ferroviario da Beira in the group stages and the third-place playoff victory 71-62 against Burundi’s Urunani.

While Barnaba scooped the MVP honours (17 points, nine rebounds) for the game against Beira, his 12 points versus Urunani were also critical in ensuring that the Oilers would debut in this year’s Basketball Africa League (BAL).

“We came into those qualifiers as underdogs and wanted to prove ourselves to people. We played good games against great teams and finished four and one. Qualifying on that last day was amazing,” said Barnaba.

“The City Oilers have been trying to qualify for the BAL for the last three years. Now we felt a sense of relief after getting it done. There was just joy and happiness after what we had accomplished.

“When you are a part of something special like this, you don’t want to sit back. You want to contribute and give it your best. I thought I did a great job of doing everything my team needed. We are an unselfish team and a group of guys that want to see each other do well.”

**Ngor Barnaba battles for position against Petro’s Joan Petro Atletico. Picture: The BTO**

Since the Oilers’ successful Road To BAL qualifying campaign, Barnaba decided not to attach himself to any club. In the months leading to the BAL, he used the time to get fit until they returned to Uganda.

“After the qualifiers, me and my teammates, who played at that time, decided to focus on training the BAL. I did have a couple of offers, but I decided not to take them because I wanted to focus on this moment,” said Barnaba.

The versatile big returned to Uganda in early April for the Oilers’ preparation of the BAL Nile Conference in Cairo (26 April). While he and the import players have not played in the local National Basketball League, Barnaba feels they have done sufficient work to get ready.

“It’s going well for the Oilers in the league. Even if I am not playing, we practice hard every day. We are getting them in good shape for the league and they are doing the same for us for the BAL,” said Barnaba.

In their BAL debut, Oilers will face off against Petro de Luanda, Nile Conference hosts Al Ahly, Seydou Legacy Athletique Club, Ferroviario da Beira and Cape Town Tigers.

Barnaba felt there are no easy games in their Conference, and he expects every opposition to put their best forward.

“I think every team is well coached, and they have great players. Every game we played in South Africa during the Road To BAL was hard fought. I think it will be the same in Cairo. All the games are going to go down to the wire,” said Barnaba.

“Every team will bring their all, and we must do the same. On any given night, anything can happen. So, if we stay focused, we will be alright.”

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Al Ahly carry a weight of expectation at the BAL

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Julbe expects a competitive Ferroviario outfit

AL Ahly are a team familiar with success and the weight of expectation to always win continues in a similar vein.

On Wednesday night at Hassan Mostafa Arena, Al Ahly, one of Egypt’s storied teams and hosts of the Basketball Africa League’s (BAL) Nile Conference, will also be making a first appearance in season three of the continent’s elite league.

Despite being newbies to the competition, it is understandable why Al Ahly would be deemed the favourite to emerge from their conference and contend for the BAL title.

**Al Ahly captain Said Saifeldin says his team is motivated to win the BAL. Pictures: The BTO**

The name they carry, their six Egyptian Super League titles, their ten Egyptian Cup trophies, and solitary continental club championship testify to the club’s greatness.

In Agustin Julbe, Al Ahly have a coach who has been through demanding situations, and who understands the pressure to succeed on the Egyptian club.

The Spaniard’s won the first edition of the BAL with his current team’s eternal rivals, Zamalek. On Wednesday night, as Al Ahly begin their BAL journey against Ferroviario de Beira of Mozambique, they will know anything less than replicating Zamalek’s feats is a failure.

“Pressure will always be there. There is pressure from the environment, the club and the fans. There is also internal pressure we are placing on ourselves. It’s always there, but we are excited to be here. It’s Al Ahly’s first time in the competition, and I am happy we have this opportunity,” said Julbe at the press briefing at Hassan Mostafa Arena on Tuesday.

“I don’t know how Ferroviario will look like, but it is also the same with the other teams. They all made some adjustments going into this BAL. So, it is difficult to say what they will do, but I expect them to be competitive like they were in the Road To BAL.

“I know the coach, and I know their system. They will be a tough team, but I expect the best from ourselves as we also want to win.”

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Team captain Said Seifeldin is also aware of the demands of participating in the BAL and believes the experience of Julbe will help them navigate the new terrain.

“As players of this team, we always strive to compete and win. We want to make our fans happy by trying to win all the games and competitions. The experience of our coach and that of our players will help us. Hopefully, at the end of the day we can make our fans happy by winning this tournament,” the Al Ahly skipper.

Seifeldin also spoke on his team’s chemistry ahead of Nile Conference. He believes that because of the time they spent together as players, the atmosphere within the squad is exceptional. He hopes this will provide them with a conducive platform for Al Ahly to win the BAL.

“As teammates, we have played together for a number of years. We were friends off the court before we became friends on it,” said Seifeldin. “We hope to win this tournament. It is the only trophy that is missing. We are motivated because the competition has a big brand behind it, and hopefully it will push us to win it.”

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Diabate brings the right fuel to Petro’s BAL quest

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First BAL title meant the most to Diabate

SOULEYMANOU Diabate never imagined when he left his homeland of Cote d’Ivoire as a teenager that his name and his game would reach the fame that it has, internationally.

The point guard, popularly known as Solo, who spoke to The Big Tip Off last Thursday, intimated that basketball was one of the reasons he had travelled to France, but he did not, in his wildest dreams, think he would go pro.

“It was one of the best things I experienced. I left my parents at fourteen to go to France to study and play basketball. To reach the level that I did, playing in the French first division, a league second to the NBA, was a blessing. I enjoyed my time there, and now I am back in Africa,” said Diabate, who turned pro in 2006. “Honestly, I just played the game for enjoyment. I did not think of playing the game at the highest level. After two or three years in France, I realised I could go far with the game. The coaches who watched and encouraged me also made me realise I had to take the chance, and I did.”

**Solo Diabate brings title credentials to Petro de Luanda. Pictures: Cheick Haidara**

The 37-year-old spent 15 years playing overseas with countries like France, where his pro career started, Macedonia and China.

While Diabate had a solid playing career abroad, his return to Africa has yielded spectacular returns and enhanced his reputation as a winner. The 1.83m (6 ft0) floor general helped Egyptian super club Zamalek capture the inaugural Basketball Africa League (BAL) title two years ago. A year later, he would become the only player to win back-to-back BAL titles, this time with Tunisia’s US Monastir.

“Returning to Africa almost at the end of my career and getting to play at the BAL has been unbelievable. I am also helping young guys to focus on their dreams, so it’s great thing and I have won two BAL titles. It’s been an amazing experience,” said Diabate.

Despite having bagged two BAL titles, the Ivorian described winning in the league’s debut season, where he averaged eight points, one rebound and three assists per game, as his most memorable.

“Honestly, it was winning with Zamalek. Everything in the team was perfect, and it was the first edition of the BAL. It was a history-making moment because we were the first team to win it. Besides winning the trophy, the team atmosphere was great. I have good memories of that time. Only good memories,” said Diabate, who joined the Angolan club Petro de Luanda last year.

**Solo Diabate has won two BAL titles since returning to the African continent.**

The ambitious Petro, who lost last year’s continental final, will count on Diabate, Carlos Morais, Joan Petro, Ater Majok and Childe Dundão to help them capture a maiden BAL title.

Diabate says expectations are high at Petro, who are in the Nile Conference, which tips off on April 26. The belief is that this is Petro’s year and who can doubt that given the team the Angolan club has put together?

“I think we have a good and balanced team of young and experienced players. Of course, I bring my experience and my game. It’s nice to be here at Petro, even if there is more pressure to win the BAL. It is Petro’s goal, and they want it, so there is pressure on all of us,” said Diabate.

One of the players who will help Petro in their quest towards winning a first BAL crown is centre Majok, a teammate of Diabate’s at title-winning Monastir last year.

Diabate is excited about Majok landing at Petro, and he feels the big man will give the team an added edge.

“I am happy that Majok has joined Petro. We had a good relationship from our time at Monastir. He is a good player and a good guy. His ability to block shots will deter opposing players in the paint. He can also pass, and he is a leader. We have a good team with balance. We now have to prove ourselves on the court,” said the Cote D’Ivoire player.

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Petro will have their title credentials tested against Nile Conference opponents Al Ahly (Egypt), Cape Town Tigers (South Africa), Ferroviario da Beira (Mozambique), City Oilers (Uganda) and Seydou Legacy Athletique Club (Guinea).

Diabate is familiar with Al Ahly from his time in Egypt and he is somewhat knowledgeable of the Tigers. The other teams are a closed book to him.

“I do not know much about some of the teams. I know Al Ahly is a solid team, and their coach won the first BAL with us at Zamalek. He is a smart coach, and I’m sure he has put together a great team,” said Diabate. “I also know players from the Cape Town team, especially Evans Ganapamo. What I am also sure of is that our group is going to be tough.

“The team from Mozambique look good. I do not think they are strong, but they are solid. So, we have to be careful, and no disrespect to the other conference but ours has the best teams.”

There is no question that Petro is loaded with talent, and they are championship material, but come the start of the Nile Conference, Diabate and his teammates have to prove they can swim against the coming tide.

* To see Nile Conference fixtures, click here

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Harouna and ABC ready to fight for BAL title

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Harouna happy to be reunited with Mills

ABDOULAYE Harouna’s family ties to basketball were the catalyst that led to him picking up the game and allowed him to spread his wings.

The shooting guard credits his aunt, a former player and someone whom Harouna has high regard for, as the one who influenced him to “fall in love with game”.

“It was my aunt. That is how I fell in love with the game. I used to watch her play, and, in my opinion, she is one of the best female players I have ever seen from Niger. Whenever she had a game or practice, I would watch her. That is where it all began for me,” said Harouna, who furthered his basketball and studies in the United States.

**Abdoulaye Harouna feels ABC is a balanced team. Pictures: Getty Images**

Since returning from the US, the 31-year-old has played professional basketball on the African continent, specifically in the three-year-old Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Harouna, an ever-present in the league since its inception, has played for Forces Armées et Police (FAP), AS Salé and now, in season 3 is turning out for BAL debutants, ABC Fighters.

The Cote d’Ivoire club has already qualified for the playoffs in Kigali, Rwanda (21-27 May), with a 3-2 record from the Sahara Conference. Before ABC’s last conference game, a 90-71 loss to Mali’s Stade Malien on Tuesday, Harouna spoke to The Big Tip Off about what it means to him to be a professional player on African soil.

“It is always a dream for an African kid to become a pro somewhere in the world. Now they have the opportunity to play on this continent, in front of their family, friends and fans. So, it’s great to have that opportunity here in Africa,” said the former AS Nigelec player.

**Abdoulaye Harouna feels he can still improve as a player.**

Harouna has played at a high level since the BAL came into existence and has averaged 19 points per game in his first two seasons. This season, his scoring average took a tiny dip (18 points per game), but the 1.96m (6ft5) guard is not concerned about his numbers.

The Nigerien player feels the best of him is still to come.

“For me, it’s okay. I would not say that’s the only good aspect of my game. I think I can get better, and there are other areas of my game I can work on. The work and sacrifice I have put in is also starting to pay off. I have to continue finding ways to get better,” said the Fighters guard.

On his journey to improving as a player, Harouna joined his former AS Sale coach Liz Mills at ABC.

Harouna explained that while he is happy to play under Mills, their relationship is not always plain sailing.

“It’s been great because I have worked with her before. We respect each other. We have a past working relationship. That has made things easy. I can also say that now and then, we disagree with each other. But we do find each other. I also understand that she is the coach,” said Harouna. “I think one of her strengths is her ability to take in the input of players. Sometimes as players, we have to rely on our instincts in certain plays. Not every game is the same, and we have to adjust to change as it happens during game time. She understands that, and it is something I appreciate.”

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The veteran guard also explained that he experiences his new team as balanced, unlike his last two teams at the BAL, which were strong on one side but would find themselves lacking on the other.

“What I have seen is that we have a good bench. Our local players are good. They can come in and play, so you don’t have to rely on the imports to play many minutes. The team is well-balanced in offence and defence,” said Harouna. “In my first team, we were good defensively but not good offensively, and we were limited because there were not many options.

“Last year Salè were good in attack but were limited in defence. This year ABC has a good balance at both ends of the floor. That has the potential to make us a great team.”

Harouna feels he is in a situation where he and ABC can capture their maiden BAL title.

He parted by saying they would compete for the BAL title and that it would not fall at their feet.

“We are Fighters. We have to go and fight for what we want. Nobody will hand us the title. We have to go and get it,” concluded Harouna.

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Dakar stepping stone to great things for Thomas and Monastir

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Monastir have a target on their back

LISTENING to Senegalese big man Ibrahima Thomas speak, you get a sense of a man oozing confidence and one willing to give his blood and sweat to help US Monastir defend their Basketball Africa League (BAL) title.

A sense of familiarity also engulfs the 2.13m (7 ft0) centre, who joined the Tunisian super club before the start of the BAL. Some of his teammates were once his rivals when Thomas wore the colours of 13-time Tunisian league champions Etoile Sportive de Rades in 2018.

Also, the Sahara Conference leg of the BAL, which is underway, is taking place at a geographical location well-known to Thomas. Dakar, the capital city of Senegal and Thomas’ birthplace, is the setting where Monastir hope to take the first step in retaining their continental crown.

**Ibrahima Thomas wanted to join a team with a winning culture. Pictures: Getty Images**

And so far, it’s been a decent start for the Tunisians, who have a 2-1 record in their Conference. Monastir secured wins over Stade Malien and Kwara Falcons, while their solitary defeat came at the hands of ABC Fighters on Friday night.

Thomas, who spoke to The Big Tip Off on Thursday, says playing at the Dakar Arena has been a gratifying experience.

“It’s a great feeling… Getting to play in front of your friends and family. We play overseas or in other parts of the continent, and they watch us on tv. But there is nothing better than playing at the stadium and them watching you,” said the 36-year-old. “It’s not only at the stadium but also you being mentioned ‘at home’. I cannot describe that feeling.”

While savouring the feeling of playing in his backyard, Thomas revealed that joining a successful club like Monastir was a no-brainer. A history factor also pushed the former Lion of Teranga player to join the North African club.

“It was easy. I played in Tunisia, and we beat them in a final when I was with Rades. So, I know the players of Monastir, and some of them are my close friends. When I was with our national team, I would also have encounters with them. Some of them were also teammates of mine, so it was an easy decision to make,” said Thomas, who played in the inaugural BAL season for Mali’s AS Police. “They are also a championship team. When you come to a tournament like this, you want to join a winning team. So, joining a team with a winning history and having teammates I know well has made things easy.”

**Ibrahima Thomas has put on great individual performances for Monastir.**

Thomas also feels the BAL champions have a target on their back, and as they navigate the Sahara Conference, they are still having to find their feet as a team.

“In the first BAL, this team finished second, and now they arrive as champions, so they are the team to beat. We have been together for a short time, so we are still building the chemistry. For players like me, Jerome (Randle) and the coach (Linos Gavriel), who got here before the tournament started, it’s a learning process,” said Thomas, a bronze medal winner at the 2013 AfroBasket. “This is not tennis. It’s a team sport. As a team, we can get better when we do things right on the court. Hopefully, it will pay off, and we will qualify for the playoffs in Rwanda. If we do, it will give us time to improve our chemistry because we will have played together for a month.”

Despite Thomas’ notion that team chemistry is an issue, his productivity and numbers have made for good reading. Thomas has notched two double-doubles and one twenty point game (11 pts and 12 rebounds against Stade Malien, 22 pts against Kwara Falcons and 14 pts and ten rebounds against ABC).

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While he has had a great start in his first three games, Thomas has not gotten carried away.

“It’s basketball, and I have come here to play. As I said, this is a team sport. Yesterday (Wednesday), I had a twenty-point game, and maybe in the next game, I might have a twenty-rebound game,” said Thomas. “You have to see what the opposing defence gives. You have to study the ins and outs of the game. So far it’s been good for our team.”

Despite the slip-up against ABC Fighters, third-placed Monastir are still on course to qualify for the quarterfinals in Kigali. Their championship pedigree could count in their favour in the final fixtures against REG, who have already qualified for the last eight, and AS Douanes.

And with a seasoned campaigner like Thomas performing at peak level, the chips could still fall in the direction of Monastir.

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Perry hungry for redemption in BAL Season 3

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Beira will lean on past experience

AFTER a disappointing first appearance at the Basketball Africa League (BAL) last year, Ferroviario da Beira’s Will Perry feels he and his teammates need to make amends in season three, which is in progress.

Beira, the four time champions of the Mozambique domestic league, were not expected to be among the contenders for the BAL title but fell short of the expectation that they could give a strong showing.

Also, given how Beira powered through the Road To BAL Elite 16 Division East qualifiers in 2021, the neutrals who thought the Mozambicans would turn heads could not have been wrong in having high expectations.

**Will Perry feels Beira are a better team this year. Pictures: The BTO**

But after finishing with a 1-4 record in the Sahara Conference, the Locomotivas found themselves on an early flight back home.

The American point guard Perry, who was one Beira’s shining lights in their disappointing BAL campaign, spoke with a sense of realism about the preparation required for this type of league.

“Uhm, Man… It’s a tough competition, but that was not surprising. I knew we were going to face difficult teams. Until you are on the court, that’s when you learn how good or strong the team has to be to move forward in the league,” said Perry, who spoke to The Big Tip Off last Thursday.

“These are the best twelve teams in Africa, so there is no doubt about the degree of difficulty. I want to play better individually and help lead the team to the final eight (this year) or maybe even further.

“As a point guard, I learnt I have to play well in every game. I can’t have one bad day or two of them because we will not make it. There are just not that many games.”

At an individual level, the 29-year-old Perry posted some impressive statistics for Beira in their maiden BAL season. The skillful point guard put up 14 points, four rebounds and five assists in season two of the BAL.

Despite his good numbers Perry, who is in his second season with Beira, says he would have preferred more wins. He also demands more from himself this season.

“If you asked me to trade my stats to win three games, I would do it. I would rather win games than have good stats. Last year I played well, but this year I want to play even better,” said the well-travelled Perry.

“I feel more ready this season. My aim is to reduce the number of turnovers per game. I shot a high percentage last year, but I think I can shoot even better. Overall, I was pleased with myself in last year’s BAL, but I think I can play better. That is my plan.”

The 1.83m (6ft0) guard says the lessons Beira picked up from last year’s BAL have prepared them for this season.

“I think we are slightly better this year and more experienced. The coach, my teammates and I have experience. Also, the new players (Makhtar Gueye, Najeal Young, Borama Sidibe and Yuran Biosse) will help the team. I think we are slightly better, we plan on making the final eight, but we are in a tough group,” said the former Lenoir-Rhyne Bears player.

Perry’s assertion that Beira, who are in the Nile Conference, “are in a tough group” is not off the mark. The Mozambicans begin their campaign in Cairo, Egypt (26 April – 6 May) and will play in the opening game of the Nile Conference against hosts Al Ahly, who are making a first appearance at the BAL.

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Along with the Egyptian giants, Beira’s group also includes Petro de Luanda (Angola), Cape Town Tigers (South Africa), City Oilers (Uganda) and Seydou Legacy Athletique Club (Guinea), also known as SLAC.

“Al Ahly and Petro are perennial powerhouses in African basketball. We know Cape Town and have played against them a couple of times. They are a team with good talent. City Oilers are a tough side, and SLAC beat us last year in the group stages,” said Perry, who has also played for Tigers BBC in Rwanda.

“All the teams are going to be tough. The team we know the most is Cape Town. We have also scouted Al Ahly and watched some of their players. They have a good domestic league in Egypt, and they are playing games right now. It is easy to keep up with what they are doing. So yeah, that’s what we know about the teams in our group.”

After being served with a reality check last year, Perry and Beira must prove that they can turn the corner, and while it will not be easy to navigate their group, they can rely on their experience to chart a new path for themselves.

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Mills spells out ABC’s BAL aspirations

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WHEN season three of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) tips off in Dakar, Senegal, on Saturday, ABC Fighters coach Liz Mills will have a singular goal in mind. That is to restore Cote d’Ivoire’s most successful club’s image on the continent.

In the early 2000s, ABC enjoyed a period of success in the defunct FIBA Africa Clubs Champions Cup. Their crowning moment was becoming champions of the tournament in 2005, and on either side of their trophy win, they captured silver (2004) and bronze (2007). Since then ABC have been unable to replicate or come near those feats in continental basketball.

While Mills, who spoke to The Big Tip Off on Thursday, acknowledged the club’s past glory days at the continental level, she knows her team can write a new chapter for themselves in their debut season at the BAL.

“They have always been a competitive team, but it’s been a while since they have been back at this level. I want to put this team back on the continental map. This club has a long history. I think they deserve to be spoken about in a more revered manner,” said Australia-born Mills.

Initially, Mills took a coy tone about the ambition of the 20-time Ivorian league champions ahead of the BAL tournament.

“We are flying under the radar. People are not saying we are favourites or a team to look out for. I think that is to our advantage. I think we are going to surprise a lot of people,” said Mills, who made her BAL debut as coach of AS Sale last year.

But the question is, are the Fighters a closed book and do they have the element of surprise on their side?

The question emanates from the fact that the Abidjan based-club won the Road To BAL Division West qualifiers last year, which culminated in qualification to the BAL. Mills’ milestones in the African game have also not gone unnoticed, so she and ABC would surely be hard to miss.

Mills, who has been impressed by the ABC players, says that things have changed in the team since the Road To BAL qualifiers, and she may have a trick or two up her sleeve at the tournament.

“It’s a different team, and we play differently compared to how the team played last year in the qualifiers. Credit must go to the local players. In the last six weeks they have grasped many new concepts and systems. They have exceeded my expectations,” said Mills, who took over the coaching reins after ABC qualified for the BAL. “People can go back and watch films of previous games, but that is not what we will show on the court. What I can say is, we will be an exciting team to watch.”

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With players like veteran leader Stéphane Konaté, Nigerian big man Chris Obekpa, shooting guard Abdoulaye Harouna (Niger), Chudier Bile (South Sudan) and American point guard Alex Robinson in their line-up, ABC look like they will serve up some mouth-watering basketball.

Mills spoke glowingly about the value add of Ivorian international Konaté and the newcomers to the team.

“When I was recruiting for ABC, my priority was to sign players of high character. The four players that we brought in, Abdoulaye Harouna, Chris Obekpa, Chudier Bile and Alex Robinson, fit that mould and are defence-orientated. You can’t win at the BAL if you do not have players who can play defence,” said Mills. “Having a leader like Stéphane Konaté is an honour and a pleasure. His experience and leadership made my arrival as a coach seamless. He is also the bridge between the players and the coaches.

“The chemistry that we have built in the short time we have been together is because of him.”

**Stephane Konate’s leadership according to Liz Mills has been pivotal for ABC. Picture: FIBA**

ABC are in the Sahara Conference group along with last year’s champions US Monastir (Tunisia). AS Douanes (Senegal), Kwara Falcons (Nigeria), Rwanda Energy Group and Stade Malien (Mali) complete the group.

Looking at the Sahara Conference, the favourites to make it out of the group would be Monastir. After that, it’s left to the other four teams to battle it out for the remaining three playoff spots.

Mills also agreed that ABC’s group is a fairly open one.

“You have to respect that Monastir are the defending champions. But what makes this Conference exciting is that it is an open race. I think you might see some upsets in this group. Some teams are already talking about titles. For us, our first target is the playoffs,” said Mills, whose team takes on Douanes on opening night.

“We are excited to kick off the season against the hosts. We expect a great crowd. Also, there is a rivalry between the Ivorians and Senegalese, so it will make things interesting. We are confident heading into that game.”

As Mills plots ABC’s path to restoration, she knows that when the curtains open for BAL season three, only victory can return the giant Ivorian club to the continental map.

* To see fixtures click here

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Neto and Petro have a thirst for continental success

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Angolan giants ready to start from scratch

PETRO de Luanda have a burgeoning thirst brewing inside of them. It’s a thirst that can be quenched by winning a trophy at the continental level.

The Angolan super club last saw an African title decorate their trophy cabinet eight years ago (2015). So after a couple of near misses, could this be the year their continental trophy drought ends?

In the last two editions of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), the two-time FIBA African Club Champions Cup winners have fallen short at the knockout phases of the competition. Instead of living by the creed of third time being a charm, the Angolan club’s coach Josè Neto feels his team needs to start from scratch.

“Yes, we made it to the semi-final in the first edition and the final in the last edition. But we are not entitled to anything in the third edition. We have to start from the bottom. Then we have to try and climb our way to the top,” said the Brazilian coach on Thursday.

Petro are in the middle of their domestic league, and the consistent run of games serves as good preparation for the BAL, which tips off in Dakar, Senegal (11-21 March). Under Neto’s guidance, the 15-time Angolan league champions have gone on a 59-game unbeaten run domestically, which ended after a 97-95 loss to Inter Clube.

Neto attributes their brilliant run of form to the system in place at the club.

“We are in our third season and had our first loss after 60 games last month. So, one loss after 60 games is a testament to the quality of the work we have been doing. It’s not just the defeat and the wins. It is also how we have been playing. It shows that it works for us,” said the two-time Angolan league-winning coach. “So our style of play gives us hope that we are on the right track and can continue winning games.

“Also, consistency is important, in my opinion. So once we have established that and every player understands how we want to play, it’s a big push forward.”

As Petro prepares to capture a maiden BAL title, they bolstered their squad with a couple of signings. Landing the services of Cote d’Ivoire super star point guard Solo Diabate and American-born small forward Damian Hollis could significantly improve the chances of the Angolan club.

Diabate, especially, comes with a championship pedigree. The 35-year-old won his first two BAL titles with Zamalek (Egypt) and US Monastir (Tunisia). Neto intimated that Diabate’s joining is crucial to the team, especially as he has developed a knack for winning.

“He knows what it feels like to win. Diabate has played at this level before, so we are thrilled to have him as part of our group and look forward to whatever positive contributions he might bring to the team,” said the 2022 BAL coach of the year. “

Petro Team — **Petro’s Gerson Goncalves, Carlos Morais and Jone Pedro, right, have formed a part of the team’s core. Picture: The BTO**

The Ivorian has joined experienced heads like the legendary Carlos Morais, Jone Pedro, Childe Dundao and Gerson Goncalves, who form the core of the Petro squad. The Angolan internationals played in the first two BAL competitions, and Neto says the quartet add value to the team.

“Not only have they adjusted to our way of playing, but also they have helped to pass knowledge to other players. They are like my echo to new players on how I would want the team to play,” said Neto, who won the 2014 FIBA Intercontinental title. “Only two teams have played all editions of the BAL. That is Petro and Monastir. In our club, four players have been part of this process. You would think them still being here would weaken us, but instead, they have been key in helping other players buy into our system.”

Petro, who are in the Nile Conference, which takes place in Egypt (26 April – 6 May), will face off against host club Al Ahly, Cape Town Tigers (South Africa), Ferroviario da Beira (Mozambique), City Oilers (Uganda) and Guinea’s Seydou Legacy Athletique Club (SLAC).

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Neto acknowledged that his team is in a tricky group as their opponents, the Tigers, SLAC, and Ferroviario, have gone through the journey of the Road To BAL qualifiers. So it is not by chance that the three teams are in the mix. He also expects Egyptian champions and league debutants Al Ahly to give a good showing on home soil.

“It’s not an easy group by any stretch of the imagination. We are in a tough group. Out of the five teams, three made it through the qualifiers. So they know what the BAL is about. Al Ahly are at home and will try to make the most of their advantage,” said Neto, a FIBA Americas League winner in 2014. “We must approach each game like a final and not think about getting to that stage. Every game we play, we should treat it as a step toward a higher goal.

“We should not get ahead of ourselves and think about the final. If we do, we may never get there this season.”

The BAL may be a few weeks away, but Neto his team has the right ingredients: a winning attitude and a hunger to win more.

“One of the strengths in this team is the desire to win. The players are thirsty for victory. They have developed and enjoy a culture of winning. So, naturally there is a thirst for more,” concluded the successful Neto.

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Prinsloo talks fatherhood and BAL desire

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Tigers are locked in defensively

TURNING 31-years-old has given second year Cape Town Tigers captain Pieter Prinsloo a mature outlook on life.

Prinsloo, who celebrated his birthday in January, realises as he gets older, the window of opportunity to win is closing. Also, after many years playing overseas, the Tigers’ big man feels ready to settle in one place.

The former Marist Red Fox says being at the Tigers offers him an opportunity to become a family man and to build better bonds within basketball.

**Tigers captain Pieter Prinsloo does battle with Ngor Barnabar of the Oilers. Pictures: The BTO**

“I have enjoyed my career and the chance to see different parts of the world and to experience diverse cultures, but you get to a certain point where you are happy to be in a fixed location every year. When you play in a different country every season, it becomes hard to build permanent relationships,” said Prinsloo, speaking from Nicaragua earlier in the year. “Being based in South Africa allowed me to build relationships. I reconnected with guys like (Lebesa) Selepe, who I played with on the national team. Chris Gabriel is no longer at the Tigers, but we remain close friends. Also, Lebo (Mofokeng) and I lived together when we joined the team.

“It is also difficult because I have to travel to Nicaragua to see my son. But his mother and I have agreed that I bring him to South Africa to live with me for his education and other opportunities. So in the next six months, he will be coming, which is great for me as I can be a dad while still doing my job.”

Prinsloo described the difficulty of being a parent and a professional player at the same time.

“It’s hard man. It’s a hard thing to leave your kid behind for months at a time because it’s your career that is how you take care of them. Being a father has been one of the greatest experiences for myself and knowing the relationship I have with my father, I would want the same for my son.

“My dad did everything possible to make sure the family is taken care of. So it was my mom who attended at a lot of my sporting events because dad was making sure everything is good at home. When he had time he would come and support me. It’s concept I understand being in my profession, where had to be away from my son at certain months in the year. Now with my son coming, he’ll have chance grow up around basketball and a different culture. He will have a bunch uncles from the team, it’s something I see as a blessing.”

As Prinsloo strives to get his family matters in order, he also has to turn his attention to the business on the basketball court. The Tigers captain and his teammates are preparing for a second appearance at the Basketball Africa League (BAL), which tips off in Dakar, Senegal (11-21 March).

The BAL may be a month away, but while on holiday in Central America, the 6ft10 forward had reflect about the league and being at the winning end this year.

“I have been looking forward to what is coming and wondering if we will be in Dakar or Cairo. I think we understand the importance of the games this time around. We can’t afford to drop games,” said the former Universdade de Concepcion player. “The concentration needs to be different this year. That is what has preoccupied my mind. I would also like to add another championship to my rèsumè.

“I’m thirty-one, and the years I have left to play at this level are getting less. We did well last year and the results have shown. The team’s roster and chemistry have improved a great deal.”

Prinsloo has observed this year’s Tigers unit is adept defensively, and they will not solely rely on trying to beat their opponents at the attacking end like they tried to in their debut season at the BAL.

“I feel like we are a lot more locked in defensively. We understand that defence is a big thing and that we can’t always try to outscore teams. It is an important aspect of the game because there will be nights when things are off in offence,” said the big man. “That is why management made adjustments to the roster. Talent on paper is not the best thing for a team. At last year’s BAL we were considered a top team in terms of talent, especially looking at our starting five. But having the most talented team does not mean we will win.”

“Sometimes we need guys in certain positions to fulfil specific roles on the court and make the right plays. I understand everyone likes to score, but there is only one basketball. So we need guys that can fit into the system as well.”

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Since they arrived in South Africa, the Tigers, who qualified for this year’s tournament at the Road To BAL qualifiers held last year in Johannesburg, have made no secret about their desire to win the main event. Prinsloo, who already echoed a similar sentiment, says they have learnt lessons from their debut appearance. He also issued a warning statement to teams that will take this group of hungry Tigers lightly this year.

“I feel like if anybody underestimates us, they will be in for a bad night. We were in the quarter-finals despite our chemistry issues last year,” said Prinsloo. “We have players and a coach (Florsheim Ngwenya) who has done a super job with us. He has attention to detail, from how he prepares us for practice to his management in game situations.

“We made significant progress late last year, and in my opinion, I don’t see us outside of the championship game.”

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