Basketball Africa League - The Big Tip Off

Ogechi, Thunder ready to put on a show for Kenya at the BAL

DERRICK Ogechi has experienced the upsides and downsides of basketball on the continent. Late last year, he and his Nairobi City Thunder teammates were celebrated like kings for scaling new heights in Kenya’s basketball. Sadly, the table turned when he donned the national team jersey. He and the Morans experienced a baptism of fire in the recent AfroBasket qualifiers.

Last month, to be exact, Ogechi and the Morans experienced an abysmal final window of the 2025 AfroBasket qualifying campaign, losing all their matches, one by forfeit due to their late arrival in Libya. Their 0-3 run in North Africa meant they could not match the qualification feats of 2021. Following the disappointment with the Morans, Ogechi’s attention is now on the Basketball Africa League (BAL), a tournament he helped the Thunder qualify for last year on home soil. The BAL qualification was a historic first for a club from the East African nation.

The former Midwestern State University Mustangs player told The Big Tip Off he and his Thunder teammates, who made up the bulk of the Morans team, will use the BAL to avenge the misery of the AfroBasket qualifiers.

“How we finished was disappointing. I think it was a wake-up call for us. [The] opportunity to play in the AfroBasket qualifiers [was incredible]. Experiencing the physicality and everything [invigorates]. When we lost, we took it personally. We are regrouping and getting ready for the next continental stage,” said Ogechi. “So Thunder are preparing to show Kenya our ability… I don’t think we played to the best of our ability in the AfroBasket qualifiers.”

Derrick Ogechi Kenya Morans — **Derrick Ogechi feels the Morans did not bring the best version of themselves to the AfroBasket qualifiers. Pictures: FIBA**

Small forward Ogechi, who joined the Thunder in their successful Road to BAL adventure last year, was always confident when he moved to the club that they would make it as far as they have.

“Seeing that the Thunder finished as league champions, I knew they were poised to make a good run at the Road to BAL. They knew, and I knew,” said 26-year-old Ogechi. “I met with the management, and at the end of the discussion, they felt I would be a good piece. I wanted to be part of history – part of the first team from Kenya to make it to the BAL.

“So when it happened… I was excited.”

Ogechi, who was playing professionally in Spain for Cordoba CB before his move to the Thunder, says he could have opted for other offers overseas, but being in Kenya and playing in the BAL was more enticing.

“I did hear that there were offers for my services elsewhere, but I wanted to play here at home and play in a team with a whole bunch of my friends,” said Ogechi.

So far, Ogechi has enjoyed himself in his new surroundings. He’s also loving the journey of impacting basketball in Kenya with the Thunder in Kenya.

“It’s definitely been great. It’s a change in scenery and pace, but it’s been nice,” said Ogechi. “Basketball is starting to grow here in Kenya… To be on a team that is changing basketball here has been amazing.

“Seeing the fans and community come out in their numbers to support the game has been great. And a lot of people mentioning your name when you walk the street has also been nice.”

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He felt that the level of professionalism has also moved up a notch since the Thunder entered the domestic fray.

“During the Elite 16 (Division East) qualifiers, a lot of people attended the games because they were here in Kenya, which was great for us. Speaking to some of them – they told me they were attending basketball matches for the first time. So, for Thunder to change the way the game is seen here, from it being recreational to being professional has been a good change,” said Ogechi.

Ogechi and the Thunder are looking forward to their BAL Nile Conference debut (17-25 May) in Rwanda. He also described a good vibe within the team and expressed that they are ready to take on host club APR, Al Ahli Tripoli and South Africa’s MBB.

“This being our first time, we are definitely excited. We are in a good conference. We are looking forward to the challenge. I think we can have a good run,” said Ogechi.

Derrick Ogechi Nairobi City Thunder — **Derrick Ogechi believes they are underdogs of the Nile Conference.**

Preparing for the BAL will require a good run of games – for the Thunder, that run has come through their domestic league, where they have been on a tear lately. Since the start of the Kenya Basketball League season, the Thunder have an 11-0 record, which should help with their momentum ahead of the BAL.

“Playing here in the local league is good. We know we have a target on our back because we are undefeated. Now going to the BAL for the first time, we are probably the underdogs. That being said, it will motivate us. It will help push and attack the teams we will face in our Conference,” said Ogechi.

The Thunder will want to put their best foot forward in the BAL debut. Kenyan basketball fans will expect nothing less. For Ogechi and his teammates maybe a chip on their shoulder is the right fuel in their battle to restore Kenya’s name in African basketball.

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Vincent wants to add brush and polish to MBB’s game

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FEELINGS of excitement and anticipation engulfed new MBB coach Sam Vincent since he arrived in South Africa last week, a country he last set foot in almost three decades ago. Back then, he was a pro player sweating it out on the hardwoods of the then-Professional Basketball League, one of the catalysts of the country’s exciting but short-lived basketball boom and buzz.

American-born Vincent wasted no time in being reacquainted with the country’s basketball scene, as he was treated to a Johannesburg Basketball Association Chairman’s Cup final on Sunday involving MBB, South Africa’s representatives at the Basketball Africa League Season 5. The latter is the reason why Vincent, who started his job on Monday, was appointed to the helm of iTeam Yase Dladleni.

Watching from the bleachers, he saw his team go down 55-53 to coach Florsheim Ngwenya’s Super Elite, nonetheless, it (the defeat) did little to dampen his mood. Judging by his demeanour and words, the cool and collected Vincent, a coach at Beacon College before joining MBB, told The Big Tip Off he was impressed with the quality of basketball produced at the Klipspruit Centre in Soweto.

“The basketball is definitely a lot better. These guys played tough. They played physically. They made some big shots. I can see the progress. There is a lot of progress. The players have improved and they played hard,” said the 61-year-old from Lansing Michigan.

“So MBB had a chance to win it… They missed some shots down the stretch. But I was happy with what I saw.”

Sam Vincent MBB head coach — **MBB coach Sam Vincent at the BAL Combine in Morocco. Pictures: The BTO and the BAL**

From his vantage point, Vincent, a 1986 NBA champion with the Boston Celtics, did make some mental notes on what he would like to improve when he begins his first official practice. He particularly noted that team chemistry was an area of concern – he felt the on-court awareness was lacking at particular points in the clash against Super Elite.

“There are moments in the game where you gotta know who you are going to, who you are looking for. I felt near the end of the game, guys took shots that were a little premature,” said Vincent. “I think part of getting better means really understanding the plays to run at critical times… Knowing the players to give the ball to. I think they slipped up a little on that today.”

Vincent will have ample time to tighten loose ends as MBB’s Nile Conference campaign begins only in May (17-25). He believes MBB has a solid core of South African players and that the right recruits from the rest of Africa and overseas will make them a stronger team.

He also gave his thoughts on the BAL. “This is an exciting opportunity. The NBA has big plans for the BAL. They want to grow it. I have had a chance to watch previous seasons. It’s great basketball,” said Vincent.

Turning his attention to the makeup of MBB, he maintained a tone of excitement about his team’s prospects. “Watching these guys… I feel we have some solid South African players. They are going to come in and make major contributions. We have to bring in the right players from overseas and here in Africa, and then we will have a strong team. I am excited about what is coming,” said Vincent.

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The former Nigeria women’s team coach says he and the club have identified the players they need for the campaign, and it is only a matter of time before they lock down deals for them.

“We are close. The chairperson has been managing that process. I know he has got some guys that he likes. I have had a chance to watch some videos. So, I think we are really close to getting our international players locked in and knocking down the list of South African players,” said Vincent.

With playoffs and finals coming to South Africa’s capital, Tshwane, Vincent has targeted a top-two finish to guarantee that MBB can also show out in front of their home fans.

“The competition is going to be stronger. That third leg (Nile Conference) is going to be difficult. But we are going there to secure a chance to come back and compete in Pretoria and in front of the home crowd,” said Vincent.

MBB head coach Sam Vincent — **Sam Vincent will prioritise team cohesion ahead of MBB’s BAL Nile Conference campaign.**

Returning to South Africa must evoke memories for the Michigan-born coach. How does he remember the PBL era?

“The PBL era in the ’90s and early 2000s was good basketball. We didn’t have the size, muscle and speed of the game today, but I must say, it was a good building block. I think now the guys are faster and stronger,” said Vincent. “What needs to happen now is more structure. There is no reason for South Africa not to have a strong national league. So, if the game is to move forward, the organisational national structure has to improve.”

After spending three decades away carving out a successful coaching career, how is Vincent experiencing his full circle moment?

“For me, it’s exciting… It really is. I was here 27 years ago. That’s where I started coaching. Having had a chance to coach in the NBA, and then at the college level, throughout Europe and Asia and coming back (to South Africa) to participate at this level… It’s exciting. I am really excited to see basketball here grow,” concluded Vincent.

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Shousha dreams of BAL glory and the Intercontinental Cup

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AL ITTIHAD Alexandria, one of Egypt’s most prestigious basketball clubs, is set to make its long-awaited debut in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) this season. As a powerhouse in Egyptian basketball, the 16-time Egyptian Super League Champions have long aspired to compete on the continental stage, but the path to this moment has been filled with challenges.

Years of close calls, setbacks, and unwavering determination have defined their journey, making this qualification all the more significant.

Ittihad player Youssef Shousha knows this journey all too well, as he, his teammates and the club’s fans had to watch rivals and fellow giants Zamalek and Al Ahly dominate the domestic scene for four years and then become BAL champions. That is, until last year when the Super League championship script finally flipped in Al Ittihad’s favour. For Shousha, the labour of eventually getting to the BAL was momentous, but it also took a significant physical toll.

A Journey Years in the Making

“During the 2019-2020 season, we won the title and were excited to play in the BAL. Due to various reasons, including COVID-19, the winner of the 2020-2021 season Zamalek went instead,” said Shousha, reflecting on how COVID-19 derailed their progress and halted the BAL’s inaugural season in 2020.

The ensuing years saw Al Ittihad endure a miserable run of second-place finishes in three Super League finals. Thirty-one-year-old Shousha lamented the years of Al Ittihad coming close but yet being so far.

“Being so close to the dream of playing BAL and then losing three years in a row in the finals was a nightmare for us. We thought we’d never get there,” said Shousha. “We were winning other trophies like the Cup and Super Cup, but trying to win the league… It was a struggle.

“Also, going through that loop of changing coaches all those years wasn’t good for any team.”

**Youssef Shousha believes that Al Ittihad are ready to fly in Season 5 of the BAL. Pictures: Al Ittihad**

Last season, Al Ittihad broke free from its cycle of disappointment. Not only did they reclaim the Egyptian Super League title, but they also secured the cup and the Super Cup, completing a dominant domestic treble. More importantly, the Super League triumph earned them direct qualification to the BAL.

For Shousha and the team, winning the league championship fulfilled a dream that once seemed out of reach. “Finally, last year, we were able to win the Cup, the League, and the Super Cup. We qualified for the BAL and if we win it we make it to the Intercontinental Cup. It’s a dream for us. That’s how hungry and excited we are for it,” said Shousha.

Clinching the BAL Spot: A Story of Grit

Shousha had to put his body on the line to help Al Ittihad secure its BAL ticket. The hard-fought four-game (3-1) series victory over Al Ahly saw Shousha fracture his nose in Game 2 and suffer a broken toe in Game 3, leading him to sit out the next game. His teammates rallied around him, promising to secure the championship and avoid a Game 5.

“It was a huge boost for the team as a whole. They told me they were going to bring home the championship. It was a fantastic moment to see the team playing for me in Game 4. They did not want the series to go to Game 5. We got the job done… They kept their word,” said Shousha

Al Ittihad’s BAL Debut: Anticipation and Preparation

Al Ittihad will compete in the BAL’s Kalahari Conference in Morocco (5-13 April). However, the club is not merely satisfied with participating; they are determined to win and advance to the Intercontinental Cup. This ambition drives every aspect of their preparation.

“We’ve been looking forward to this moment for a long time. We’ve been watching the BAL, and we’ve wanted to be part of this for years,” Shousha expressed, highlighting the club’s strong desire to compete at the highest level. He elaborated on the team’s vision. “We want to experience the full spectrum of the BAL and the Intercontinental Cup. We want it all,” said Shousha. “We’re energised and ready for this. We’ve been hungry for this for two or three years. Our players and the entire organisation are prepared.”

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A robust defensive strategy is central to their game plan. It’s a strategy that led to the domestic league title last year. This focus, championed by Coach Ahmed Omar, remains fundamental to the team’s identity.

“What is really unique about us is that we have a very good defensive team. That’s what helped us win the league in Egypt last year, as we were able to hold all our opponents to an average of 65-70 points per game, which is a commendable average. Defense is our focus,” said Shousha. “We have the same coach, who will ensure that we are solid defensively, providing the foundational aspects of our game. That’s our strength.”

The BAL season is fast approaching, and Al Ittihad has begun integrating new signings into the squad. Team cohesion is key despite a limited pre-season period.

“It’s a very short time before the season. We are preparing and accommodating our new players to ensure we become a strong team,” Shousha noted.

South Sudanese acquisitions and stars Majok Deng and Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. bring valuable BAL experience from their time with last season’s surprise finalists, Libya’s Al Ahly Benghazi. Lual-Acuil averaged 21.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in his BAL debut season – he would cap it off by winning the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards. If Lual-Acuil can match or exceed his past performances, then Ittihad will be poised for a maiden continental trophy.

Youssef Shousha playing for — **Youssef Shousha hopes to add the BAL trophy to his list of titles.**

Deng averaged 15 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in the BAL and represented South Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The forward comes with championship credentials to Al Ittihad – winning the 2024 NBL title with Australia’s Tasmania JackJumpers.

An enthusiastic Shousha praised the signing of Deng and Majok. “We are very excited! We’ve been following them since the last BAL season… I think they are exceptional players who will significantly enhance our team… They share our mentality and are solid defensively, which will allow them to fit into the team rapidly,” said Shousha.

Looking Ahead: Goals and Expectations

As the countdown to the BAL continues, excitement will build among Al Ittihad’s fans and players. Like their rivals, they will cherish the experience of being there. As an ambitious team, they also aspire to taste the same glory that Zamalek and Al Ahly have enjoyed. For Shousha, he’ll remember the punishment his body took and the promise made and kept by his teammates last season, how it led to a once-distant prize, and how it now fuels the Masters of the City’s renewed ambition.

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Zouzoua says the excitement for the BAL is bubbling in Rabat

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THE days are ticking towards one of Africa’s premier sporting spectacles, Season 5 of the Basketball Africa League (BAL). It is also a time when teams move swiftly to secure top-tier talent that can give them the best opportunity to win.

Moroccan club FUS Rabat is one of the teams that have shored up their roster with the signings of the Cote d’Ivoire duo of Nisre Zouzoua and Mike Fofana.

Speaking to The Big Tip Off, Ivorien star Zouzoua says he is finding his feet in his new surroundings of Rabat, the newly minted host city of the Kalahari Conference (5-13 April).

FUS Rabat new signing Nisre Zouzoua — **Nisre Zouzoua has adapted to life on the court with FUS Rabat. Pictures: FUS Rabat and FIBA**

The experienced Zouzoua also noted that the reception to the first leg of the BAL is lukewarm as Morocco, a predominantly Muslim country, observes the holy month of Ramadan (28 February – 30 March).

“I am thoroughly enjoying my time in Rabat. It’s a beautiful city, and the people are friendly. It has not been too difficult of a transition, so I am thankful and happy to be here,” said the 28-year-old.

The former ABC Fighters player is positive the people from the Atlas nation will get into the BAL vibe. “It’s currently Ramadan, so people here are focusing on the spiritual aspect and prayer… But listening to talk on the ground, people are excited, and we are excited that the BAL is coming to Morocco,” said Zouzoua. “It’s going to be a great experience. It will be a great way for the people of Rabat and Morocco to show what their city and country is about. It’s going to be an exciting time!”

While the excitement still bubbles under in Morocco and especially Rabat, Zouzoua is confident that FUS has the making of a championship team and nothing less than the BAL trophy will do.

“We are playing to win. We are playing for a championship. If you are not playing for that, what’s the point of being on the court?” asked Zouzoua. “We are trying to make it as far as we can. That is our goal and it is my personal goal too. I try to win every time I step on the court.”

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Zouzoua, who signed with FUS for the remainder of the season with 19-time Division Excellence Champions, hit the ground running and stepped up with a 26 points, six rebounds, and three assists performance in a 97-81 victory over IRT Tanger in a league match last Thursday.

While acclimating to his new life in Morocco ahead of the Kalahari Conference, Zouzoua has felt at home on the basketball court and has liked what he has seen of his new club and teammates so far.

“I have played in two games, and we won both. They were great team wins. Everybody plays together and we have fun out there. It’s not been long, but my time here has been great,” said Zouzoua.

Playing alongside Ivorian national team member Fofana at FUS is a big plus, says Zouzoua. The shooting guard feels arriving at the same time as Fofana, a former AS Douanes player, has helped with shared camaraderie.

“It’s definitely helped with our transition to Morocco. Mike is a great player. He is a great guy. He works hard. We hold each other accountable and push each other in practice,” said Zouzoua. “He is somebody I can trust. We have spent time with each other and are familiar with one another’s games.”

Nisre Zouzoua latest signing for FUS Rabat — **Nisre Zouzoua feels Cote d’Ivoire can make a run the AfroBasket title this year.**

Wearing their Ivorien jerseys, Zouzoua and Fofana could link up again later in the year with the national team. The rampant Elephants finished unbeaten during the AfroBasket qualifiers that ended last month and will compete in their 24th tournament. After losing to Tunisia in the 2021 AfroBasket final, Zouzoua feels this year’s tournament, in Angola (12-24 August), can be theirs for the taking.

“I have full faith we can go all the way. We have the team for it (AfroBasket) and coaches to get the job done,” said ZouZoua. “We have been there before and I feel we have a lot to prove. I feel if we can prepare well mentally and physically we can make strong push for the championship,” concluded Zouzoua.

Being in a potential winning situation for club and country is a dream for any player. That is where Zouzoua finds himself. Given his ambition, he will be keen to make the most of his opportunities with FUS and Cote d’Ivoire.

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Slimane defying father time as passion for playing keeps burning

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NOT many ballers in Africa embody what success looks like in basketball than Tunisia’s Sekka, officially known as Radhouane Slimane. Be it in the red vest of Tunisia or at the club level, Slimane, one of the greats of the African game has won it all, and at 44, is still going.

While many of his contemporaries have already hung up their sneakers and possibly sought out alternative careers, Slimane continues to defy the age narrative. So, what keeps him on the hardwood? Well, Slimane, who has shed many drops of sweat on many a court, gave a simple answer to his long-standing devotion to basketball.

“It’s for the love of the game, a love of the game. I am healthy and enjoying the game. I have sacrificed for this game and if I have more years to give, then I will give them,” said Slimane, speaking to The Big Tip Off.

Slimane’s longevity has brought positive yields for the clubs he has played for and the Tunisian national team. With the latter, the Carthage Eagles, he won three AfroBasket titles, and at the club level, he captured the Basketball Africa League (BAL) trophy with US Monastir. In the coming months, Slimane faces a hectic playing schedule, starting in April with the BAL and later the AfroBasket (August 12-24) in Angola. Both Monastir and Tunisia will cross their fingers that their maestro remains healthy for the two tournaments.

Radhouane Slimane of US Monastir — **Radhouane Slimane believes the experience in US Monastir can take them far in this year’s BAL. Pictures: FIBA.**

The nine-time Tunisia Championnat Pro A winner, Slimane and the Blue Empire will journey to Dakar, Senegal, for their Sahara Conference (26 April – 4 May) of the BAL to face AS Ville de Dakar, BAL champions Petro de Luanda of Angola and debutantes Kriol Star from Cape Verde.

Before speaking on Season 5 of the BAL, Slimane recalled Monastir’s maiden title win (against Petro) in the second instalment of the NBA-backed league in 2022. He explained that the loss to Zamalek in the inaugural BAL made them a tougher team.

“It was our revenge season. We had a great team, with several international players (in Season 1), but it was not a great final for us, and we lost,” said Slimane. “Season 2 was amazing for us, we deserved to win the title. We came back a tougher and more focused team. It was an incredible tournament for us. It was an unbelievable edition because all the teams came back stronger. I think every year, the BAL is becoming harder to win. So for us to win it was amazing.”

While Slimane did not explicitly say the aim is to go for the title this year, he believes they have the playing personnel to go the distance in the BAL.

“We are playing in the playoffs (of the domestic league) as I speak… It should prepare us well for the BAL. We have a good opportunity. We have a good roster. There is a good mix of local talent and import players. I believe we have the potential to go far in this season’s BAL,” said Slimane.

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Experience will count in Monastir’s attempt to capture a second BAL trophy, and the additions of veteran players Mourad Al Mabrouk and Mokhtar Ghayeza bring together an unmatched basketball IQ.

Slimane concurred. “They have a lot of experience… You need that in big games. The young players are talented, but in difficult match situations, talent is not enough. You need smart players – Players with a good IQ,” said Slimane. “It’s not only about having quick feet, you also have to use your head.”

As Slimane leads the team on the court, Walid Zrida, recently hired as coach, will give instructions from the bench. The veteran player says the returning Zrida is a “child of the club”. He is also a coach the players are familiar with, which is a big plus for Monastir.

“We won two championships and two cups with him. So we know him and enjoyed success with him. We know how he wants us to play, and the team understands his philosophy. There is chemistry between us and him, which will make things easy. That is why he was hired (as coach) because he knows everything about Monastir. He is a child of the club,” said Slimane.

Focusing on this year’s AfroBasket, Slimane is one of the great sons of his country’s basketball and has already contributed to all three of Tunisia’s continental titles (2011, 2017 and 2021). Does he have another title run in him?

Slimane in action for Tunisia — **Radhouane Slimane says defending the AfroBasket title will be tricky this year.**

Having won back-to-back AfroBasket gold, Slimane, who helped Tunisia qualify for a 23rd tournament last month, took a pragmatic tone about talk of a threepeat.

“Staying at the top will be more difficult. We are in transition. It is not the same generation of players. Three players remain from the old generation – myself, (Makrem) Romdhane and Ghayeza,” said Slimane. “New players are coming in, but they lack experience. We have to be there to guide them… Maybe we will achieve something, but it will be difficult.”

The upcoming BAL and AfroBasket bring different challenges for Slimane, but being a seasoned campaigner, this is not new to him. You can expect his on-court wisdom to shine through in the two competitions. And you can expect him to give his all for as long as his mind and body allow him to.

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Mothiba ready step into bright lights and action of the BAL

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FRIDAY, 28 February, was a day of contrasting emotions for South African certified baller and legend Neo Mothiba. On that day, while looking forward to what he termed a grudge match against his former club Jozi Nuggets, the draw for the much anticipated Season 5 of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) took place a few hours earlier.

Mothiba was probably feeling the anticipation too when the draw formalities had ended. His was the anticipation of taking another step towards finally getting a crack at the BAL.

As the reality playing in the BAL sinks in, Mothiba’s team MBB will travel to Kigali, Rwanda in two months to compete in the BAL’s Nile Conference (17-25 May) against home club APR, Al Ahli Tripoli of Libya and Kenya’s new giants, Nairobi City Thunder.

Speaking a day after the draw, Mothiba told The Big Tip Off that MBB’s ICSL (Inner City Super League) clash against the Nuggets is one of many matches that will prepare the wild card entrants to the BAL for potentially gruelling battles in the Nile Conference.

“What a time to be alive,” said Mothiba, a day after the 73-58 win over the Nuggets, a club he served with distinction as captain. “It was a grudge match… It was in preparation for the bigger picture of the BAL. We needed games like that. It was a close one.”

Neo Mothia in action for MBB — **Neo Mothiba says MBB will be competitive in the Nile Conference. Pictures: FIBA**

Turning to the BAL, Mothiba’s journey to getting there was arduous. As a player for the Nuggets, he experienced disappointment, first at the Road to BAL in 2019 and consecutive national championship losses (2021 and 2022) to the Cape Town Tigers. The veteran player for iTeam yase dladleni, as MBB is known, even began to wonder if the BAL was becoming a far-fetched dream.

“To tell you the truth, I thought the window had closed. It was one of those things where I thought this opportunity would never come,” said Mothiba. “On the flip side, I knew I had to stay working hard, so when the opportunity arrived, it found me ready.

“The fact that MBB made it is a dream come true. It’s also one of the things I have always wanted to do – play on the biggest stage. BAL is the biggest in Africa right now.”

Mothiba relishes the upcoming duels in May against APR, Al Ahli and City Thunder, and while he feels MBB is not highly favoured, they are not at all deterred by the opposition.

“It’s going to be tough. If it wasn’t, everybody would be doing it (playing in the BAL),” said Mothiba. “We are excited. Obviously, we are the underdogs, but we will give our best shot and see what happens.”

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For Mothiba and his teammates to have a chance at being competitive at the BAL, incoming coach Sam Vincent will be the man drawing up the X’s and O’s that hopefully march the Blue Soldiers to the battlefield of success.

The former Tshwane Suns captain says the experienced Vincent, current coach of Beacon College in the United States, will bring the energy of college basketball to MBB’s play, something Mothiba seems to ascribe to.

“From having conversations with Coach Vincent, I think we are all on the same wavelength in terms of professionalism and the game plan,” said the former South Africa captain. “We want to play at a high tempo, be in guys’ faces, and he believes in that. I think once the guys understood his plans, they bought in. It was interesting to see the guys get into that competitive mode over the past three weeks. It’s like college basketball: high tempo, high pressure, good defence and execution on offence.”

Mothiba says Vincent, a former Nigeria Olympic team coach, has also worked on the players’ attitudes and approaches ahead of the tournament.

“Most important is our psyche… He has been working on our mindset and reminding us that we are a professional setup, which means everyone has to take care of their body and ensure they are ready. When we go out there and compete, teams should beat us with special stuff and not things you can control,” said Mothiba.

**Neo Mothiba has pushed the ethos of hard work in the MBB camp.**

If anyone is well-versed in continental competition and its challenges, it’s Mothiba. Having five AfroBaskets under his belt, his less experienced teammates will do well to pick his brain on what to expect at the BAL.

Aside from tapping into his knowledge well, Mothiba has been impressed with how MBB players have treated the pending mission with the seriousness it deserves.

“The message I have pushed is hard work. You can be the most skilled player ever, but if you are not going to work hard, all that can come to nothing. Luckily, the guys know my resumé, and if I tell them something, they’ll likely encounter it down the road,” said Mothiba. “What has been interesting to watch is the guys getting into it (training). On the team WhatsApp group, guys post their 5 am workouts, putting up shots during their breaks. These are the little sacrifices that build morale.

“When you know the guy next to you is working as hard as you are, it means something. The way we are doing things is unprecedented for a South African team. We are all professionals and that is how we are carrying ourselves.”

Mothiba’s long wait to play in the BAL has ended. Listening to him, he is ready to lace-up his sneakers against some of the best on the continent. As soon as the Nile Conference action tips off in May, one of South Africa’s finest and his teammates will look to make a splash in Kigali.

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Almeida shaping Kriol Star and CBL to be shining lights in Africa

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JOEL Almeida has entered a phase of his life and career where legacy has become paramount, and making a meaningful contribution to Cape Verde’s basketball ecosystem has become a part of that mission.

Almeida, 39, is an influential figure in Cape Verdean basketball, and he has used that virtue to effect change for the island’s youth.

In addressing the future needs of basketball in his country, Joel and his younger Ivan founded the now 10-year-old Kriol Star, a development foundation that evolved into a club just last year. Since then, it (Kriol Star) added another first for Cape Verde’s basketball reputation – qualifying for the Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Kriol Star's Joel Almeida — **Joel Almeida says Kriol Star came to the Road to BAL in Kenya with a mature perspective. Pictures: FIBA**

Another pioneering effort by Joel was starting the Cape Verde Basketball League (CBL), which began in 2023. These are significant milestones, but Almeida sees Kriol Star and the CBL as his way of contributing to the game’s growth and ensuring an outlet exists for talent to develop.

Speaking to the Big Tip Off, Almeida cited Cape Verde’s debut at the 2023 World Cup and Kriol Star’s qualification to the BAL as signs that he should invest more in his country of birth.

“I wouldn’t say they are milestones. It’s giving back to the country and setting up a legacy for the next generation,” said Almeida. There is a great amount of talent in Cape Verde and it needed a platform to showcase it.

“We are able to prove that we belong on the world stage by qualifying for the World Cup. We have also proven it at the club level with Kriol Star qualifying for the BAL. So that’s why it was important I implemented those two projects.”

Looking back at Kriol Star’s BAL qualification, a stroke of fortune would play its hand after they faltered in the preliminary phase of the Road to BAL Division West and finished winless in the group phase in Tripoli, Libya, last year.

Almeida felt the initial Road to BAL experience was a reality check for a club formed a few months before the qualifying tournament for Africa’s elite league.

“We learnt lessons… Tough ones. Kriol Star is a team that was formed in less than two months and went to compete,” said Almeida. “For us to be there was good. We didn’t have bad games, but the process of having experience and playing together counts a lot.”

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His focus turned to Kriol Star’s wild card entry to the Elite 16 Division East in Nairobi, Kenya, which led to its historic qualification to BAL Season 5.

“The second time around, we were like ‘Yes, this is our chance to prove what we are really about’ and to show that we belong on this stage,” said Almeida, a semi-finalist with Cape Verde in the 2021 AfroBasket. “We took this with a great sense of responsibility. There was also a sense of relief that we got a second chance.

“We fought tooth and nail to build the roster and to create the logistics to be there. All we had to do was go out there and proving it on the court and we did that.”

Having played in Season 2 of the BAL with Cameroon’s FAP, Almeida, who averaged 8.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 1.8 apg at the Road to BAL, described getting to qualify for the tournament with a club from his country as “special”.

“It feels special… So special. I am extremely proud of what we achieved. A club from Cape Verde has never competed at the Road to BAL. Last year was the first time. A club from Cape Verde has never qualified for the BAL. Last year was the first time it happened,” said Almeida. “I feel a sense of pride… To be part of this big stage in African club basketball and putting my country on the map. Great things are coming, but this is just the first step. We are hungry for more.”

Joel Almeida in action for Kriol Star — **Joel Almeida feels proud of Kriol Star’s achievement in qualifying for the BAL.**

The accomplished Almeida elaborated on his desire for more from CBL and Kriol Star.

“I see Kriol Star as a permanent participant in the BAL and achieving great success at the highest level. I want to see more growth for the CBL… To see it developing Cape Verdean talent and seeing more African talent in the league,” said Almeida. It can be a point of reference for Africa on what is possible when you invest resources, knuckle down and work. The CBL is something the African continent can duplicate to help elevate talent. I believe in it because I see Africa as the next frontier… Many entities come to the continent to extract talent. So why not have a platform where that talent can grow.”

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Mali and Diarra face uphill battle to qualify for AfroBasket

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THE final window of the 2025 Men’s AfroBasket qualifiers will have begun on Friday, and Mali enters this phase with significant pressure to win every game. The Sahel nation is up against some of the continent’s toughest teams: South Sudan, ranked No.1 in Africa; the Democratic Republic of the Congo, undefeated in the previous qualifying window; and Morocco, always a formidable contender.

Fifteen spots are up for grabs for the tournament in Angola (12-24 August), and the stakes have never been higher.

In an interview with The Big Tip Off, floor general Cartier Diarra, a recent addition to the team, discusses the energy within the squad, his role in the revamped roster, and the team’s strategy for the upcoming qualifiers. The 27-year-old also hinted at a potential return to Stade Malien, where he showcased his skills during the Road to BAL.

Mali Team Cartier Diarra — **Mali and Cartier Diarra, bottom row third from left, have to make their games count in the final window of the AfroBasket. Picture: FIBA**

Diarra, currently on the books of Spanish Segunda FEB club Teknei Bizkaia Zornotza, is known for his pass-first mentality and ability to shift momentum with his scoring. His recent stint with Stade Malien, where he averaged 8.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, enhanced his capacity to facilitate play while also creating scoring opportunities for himself.

A key roster addition: Cartier Diarra

Reflecting on how his recent experiences prepared him for the qualifiers, Diarra says building a bond with teammates has given him insight into how they play. “In preparation, it made me more connected with the guys. I’m playing with a good number of them right now, and I understand their games better – knowing where they like to catch the ball,” said Diarra. “The assistant coach here, Boubacar Kanoute, was the head coach of the Stade Malien team. So just having that familiarity helps because he knows me. A lot of playing time depends on the coaches trusting you.”

A winning mindset and strategic blueprint

Diarra’s commitment to winning is evident. “I’m just here to do my job, which is to influence winning in any way I can. That’s my approach, to show consistency and demonstrate that we can win,” said Diarra. Although another victory against Morocco would greatly aid their qualification, Diarra emphasised that winning the first game is essential. “Winning the first game is crucial because Congo didn’t lose a game in the last window,” said Diarra. “The key will definitely be fewer turnovers, better spacing, more shots, and playing together. It’s about ensuring we get the best available shot each time.”

Diarra also highlighted the importance of playing with confidence and trust in their game. “We have a different squad in comparison to the last window, and I believe everyone here wants to win every game. They all believe that we can execute,” said Diarra.

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A unified, unyielding spirit

Mali set a positive tone for the upcoming matches by securing a victory over Gabon in a practice game. Diarra stated, “The energy is great. Everybody’s super focused.” He also noted that the team’s leadership had instilled a strong sense of purpose even before they arrived in Rabat: “The captains have reminded everyone how important these games are, making it clear that we are here to win every game – not just to qualify, but to dominate this window. We’re not satisfied with merely qualifying; we want to prove to ourselves and the world that Mali is a team to watch.”

The road ahead

With the final qualifying window now underway, every game is critical for Mali. The rematch against DR Congo presents an opportunity to set the right tone, while a victory over Morocco could provide the momentum needed for qualification. The revamped roster, featuring strategic additions and an emphasis on consistency, signifies a promising shift in the team’s approach.

As Mali embarks on these decisive matchups, all eyes will be on their ability to execute the refined strategy. The coming days will reveal whether these changes, combined with a renewed mindset, can help Mali turn past setbacks into a new era of success on the African basketball stage.

Stade Malien and Cartier Diarra — **Cartier Diarra has hinted at a possible return to Stade Malien for the BAL.**

Looking to the future: BAL and Stade Malien

While focusing on securing a spot in AfroBasket, Diarra has another eye on the future, specifically, the Basketball Africa League (BAL). He is considering a return to Stade Malien for the league’s fifth season. “I would love to return, and if everything aligns, you’ll see me with them,” said Diarra.

Although his immediate focus is on the qualifiers, Diarra is preparing for the next phase of his career. “I’m with a club right now, so it’s going to come down to that and being able to transition and get ready for the BAL,” he explained. Diarra also discussed the evolution of the BAL, particularly the caravan-style format, which involves teams travelling to multiple locations and playing between 6-10 games, depending on playoff progression. He believes having more games will enhance the league’s credibility and provide a better evaluation of players. “More games make the league more credible, when you play 30-plus games, that’s when people can evaluate you,” Diarra stated.

Diarra has a full plate of basketball and the first portion to bite on is helping Mali secure their place at AfroBasket 2025 and proving that the team can rise to new heights.

At the time of publishing, Mali lost (66-59) their first game of the final AfroBasket qualifying window on Friday to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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Selepe embraces inner coach and leading MBB to the BAL

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DURING his playing days at Jeppe High School for Boys, Lebesa Selepe says he learnt he had an inner coach in him, something he took time to warm up to. In a full-circle moment, Selepe has embraced his ability to impart basketball knowledge from the sidelines at his former school.

The MBB player explains that he is not new to the stressful job of being a coach, which has formed part of his love for the game.

“I have coached basketball before in 2009, 2010, and 2011. So I can say is it feels good to be back (to coaching),” said the former Jeppe High pupil. “It feels good to be back at my old school because of the passion I have (for the school) and the game. It’s an emotional thing and I can feel my blood pressure boiling on game day.”

Lebesa Selepe Road To BAL — **Lebesa Selepe believes the Road To BAL gave pertinent lessons. Pictures: FIBA**

The 33-year-old Selepe is not sure when the coaching bug bit – what he does remember is his love for executing the plan and coaches telling him he can become one. “I don’t know exactly… Whenever I play, I am the type of player who implements whatever the coach wants us to do. Also, some of my coaches used to say to me I am one of those guys who can be like a player/coach… I can’t say this is when the bug bit… Maybe it’s something I have always had in me,” said Selepe.

The South African international says he is in coaching for the long haul and has also taken to being a mentor to the younger players.

“Coaching and commentating are things I see myself doing when I stop playing basketball… I am enjoying it. When I was younger I did not like it as much as I do now,” said the South African international. “I think I have a lot more to teach now than back then. I definitely want to do it for as long as possible and to keep on imparting knowledge given the different levels of basketball I have played.”

Selepe is a seasoned hooper. He played for South Africa in the 2017 AfroBasket. Before joining last year’s national champions MBB, he had already played in two Basketball Africa League (BAL) tournaments in the colours of the defunct Cape Town Tigers.

This year, he will make a third appearance at the BAL in the Blue of MBB, and what makes the journey fulfilling for Selepe is that he is achieving his milestone with a South African-owned outfit.

“It feels great. MBB is a South African product, a homegrown club and they are also close to my heart. So going there (to the BAL) with them is absolutely amazing,” said Selepe.

MBB got a taste of things to come in the BAL during the Road To BAL Elite 16 in Nairobi, Kenya, last year. iTeam Yase Dladleni (The Home Team) managed one victory in the group stages and did not progress to the next round.

Jeppe coach Lebesa Selepe — **Lebesa Selepe has embraced being a coach at his former high school.**

Reflecting on his fourth Elite 16 tournament, Selepe cited administrative matters and a lack of preparation as MBB’s stumbling blocks. Despite the challenges, the former Jozi Nuggets player believes things will improve.

“The two games we lost, one against the hosts Nairobi City Thunder – in that game, we did not have enough depth because some of our players could not play because of registration, so we were thin (in the game against the Thunder) and ran out of gas. The lesson there is to make certain the house is in order in terms of paperwork and admin and to ensure our conditioning is at a higher level,” said Selepe. “Against Kriol Star, I think it is a game we should have won. We had numerous opportunities to win that game. So we have to stay locked in to win basketball games.

“The results may not look that way, but we were competitive as MBB… We are on the right track.”

Having the evergreen Neo Mothiba and the battle-hardened Pieter Prinsloo in the team solidifies the spine, and a good run of preparatory matches will see MBB raring to go.

MBB's Lebesa Selepe — **Lebesa Selepe has enjoyed many battles alongside Neo Mothiba, left.**

Selepe spoke on teaming up again with his 2017 AfroBasket teammates. “Neo Mothiba is a warrior. You can go to war with him any day. He is ageing in reverse. It’s always great to play with him. He is a super leader, a guy that commands a lot of respect. He plays the game at a high level despite his age so that is the type you want to go into battle with,” said Selepe. “Pieter is a high-calibre player. He is a 6-foot-10 guy who can knock down the three and secure the middle. He is a treasure to have on any team.”

For Selepe and Co. the work to be ready for the BAL continues. Hopefully, by the start of the tournament, the Blue Soldiers will be well-armoured for continental battle.

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Affi and renewed ABC Fighters locked in for Road To BAL

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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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