Basketball Feature - The Big Tip Off

Kadiwa aims to end his Bravehearts career on a high

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MADILITSO Kadiwa has been with Bravehearts since the club’s inception. In those early days, pain and struggle were the order of the day as Bravehearts were establishing themselves on the court. As club captain, Kadiwa has led Bravehearts through a time of prosperity. Since 2018, the 38-year-old has won four national championships, turning Bravehearts into giants of the game.

After his long service to the 10-year-old club, which became the first from his country to make the Elite 16 of the Road to BAL last year under his leadership on the court, Kadiwa will hang up his sneakers this season.

Kadiwa expressed contentment with his legacy with Bravehearts and what the club has become.

“It has meant so much. When Bravehearts started, we could only dream about what the club could be. Of course, we wanted it to be big and break boundaries, like competing in international tournaments,” said Kadiwa. “So I am pretty happy with how my basketball career turned out with the Bravehearts… and to now see where the club is.”

Madalitso Kadiwa Bravehearts 2025 — **Madalitso Kadiwa say the BIBC showed where Bravehearts need work. Pictures: The BTO and FIBA Africa**

As a Bravehearts player, three things shaped his career: “Discipline, hard work and passion for the game,” said Kadiwa.

Before Kadiwa calls time on his career, he will lead the club to another Road to BAL mission. After Bravehearts’ historic qualification for the Elite 16 in Kenya last year, eyes will be on them and how they fare this year.

He says the club’s recent Brave Hearts International Challenge (BIBC), where they lost in the final to Zambia’s Munali Suns, was a good measuring stick. There they also faced Zimbabwe’s Basket Hounds and Zambia’s Matero Magic, two teams that will also head to the Road to BAL, which takes place later this month.

“We had the BIBC, and it showed us where we are lacking. Our coaches have also discussed areas that need improvement. We will need a couple of friendlies so that we can come in match fit and improve our chances of going back to the Elite 16,” said Kadiwa.

While the qualification for the Elite 16 was impressive, Kadiwa says they are hungry to go further, and their ultimate goal, while ambitious, is to make the BAL.

“When we made it out (of the preliminary phase in Zimbabwe last year) and qualified for the Elite 16, it painted a clear picture that we can go far,” said Kadiwa. “We can qualify if we prepare well. I am sure everyone is ready and they feel we can take the club to the next level. Not just the Elite 16, but to another level.”

Madalitso Kadiwa Road to BAL 2023 — **Madalitso Kadiwa and Bravehearts want to go all the way in the Road to BAL qualifiers.**

Kadiwa is optimistic about his immediate playing future for the Bravehearts, but he is also preparing for his next move after his playing days.

Coaching is his next stop. During the BIBC tournament, Kadiwa attended a course facilitated by FIBA instructor Ronnie Owino.

“Given what Bravehearts has done for me, I want to give back. I took the opportunity to do a coaching course led by Coach Owino from Kenya. It is a Level One and Two course that focuses on youth development,” said Kadiwa. “Bravehearts have a couple of youth teams, and I want to be involved in those programs.”

Bravehearts club owner and coach Griffin Kalua describes Kadiwa as the heart and soul of the club. “There would not be Bravehearts without Montana. That is what we call him. Montana. He has been a leader on and off the court. He has gone to war for us even when he was injured,” said Kalua.

While Kadiwa has stated his intention to call time on his career, Kalua feels he still has a few more years in him. “He is in his late 30s, but he still suits up and outperforms the young ones. I don’t think he will retire anytime soon,” Kalua said with a light chuckle. “He is another Lebron. I don’t know what will happen the day that he stops wearing the Bravehearts jersey. It will be a sad day for us as we are used to having him on the team.”

Kalua does hope Kadiwa will still be a part of the club when he calls it a day. “I hope he can remain part of the team when he stops playing. We would want him to come and coach the youngsters.”

The curtain is still far from closing on Kadiwa’s glittering and fulfilling career. The hope is that he bows out having led the team to qualification for the BAL. It would be a great exclamation to his undying commitment to Bravehearts.

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Odero ready for Road to BAL take off with the Thunder

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HE is nicknamed Kenya Airways. A moniker he earned for his spectacular high-flying dunks, which have wowed fans at various gyms in the East African nation. His actual name is Albert Odero, and he is part of a group of star players who make up Kenya’s super team, Nairobi City Thunder.

The 28-year-old Odero was nicknamed by his teammate Faheem Juma, who compared his high-flying style on the court to the nation’s air carrier.

While being a skywalker has made Odero popular, he feels there is more to his game. “One of my teammates, Faheem, gave me the name four or five years ago, and it just stuck. I feel like I do more than jump high and dunk on people. It’s a blessing to have the athleticism, and if it entertains people, then I don’t mind putting on a show for the crowd,” said Odero.

Albert Odero and Ken Wachira 2025 — **Ken Wachira and Albert Odero celebrate qualifying for the BAL last year. Pictures: FIBA Africa**

The Thunder fans are certainly loving it! They have seen Odero and the Thunder rocket to the stratosphere after being crowned champions in Kenya’s Basketball League for the second time running. The Thunder outdid themselves once more, ending their spectacular charge to the title with another unbeaten run.

Odero, speaking to The Big Tip Off on Monday, a day after they beat Kenya Ports Authority 3-0 in the finals series, attributed the success to a positive team dynamic.

“It’s consistency. We have guys who work hard, well together and who want what’s best for the team, said Odero. “So in those two years, we have become familiar. It’s a whole lot of things put in a pot, and it’s working,” said Odero.

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Having one unbeaten season is no easy feat, but to do it a second time, while astounding for the Thunder, it would raise questions about the quality of the teams they faced in the domestic league.

Odero, on the other hand, took a different view. “I would not say it was easy. You still have to come in and prove yourself. These teams are not going to let you come in and walk all over them,” said Odero. “It was not easy. We put in the hard work. We know how much investment the owners put into the team, so that is what they expect.”

Winning the league again means another Road to BAL, where they could potentially qualify for the BAL, as was the case last year.

In the Road to BAL stage, the Thunder posted an impressive 8-1 record. In the Elite 16 final phase on home soil, they delivered inspiring performances that made them the first Kenyan team to qualify for the BAL.

Odero says knowing the terrain of the continental qualifiers is an advantage for the Thunder. “We have one year under our belt… So we will be more comfortable. The other teams, too, have been there before, so they will invest. It’s just coming there with a chip on our shoulder. We know it’s not going to be easy, we know what it takes,” said Odero.

Albert Odero Nairobi City Thunder 2025 — **Albert Odero understands this year’s Road to BAL will be more challenging.**

The experience at this year’s BAL was a step in the growth of the Thunder and their players. However, their record, 1-5 in the BAL’s Nile Conference, shows the Thunder are a work in progress.

“It was a good learning experience for the management and the players. This year, if we get the opportunity again we should not repeat the mistakes of last year,” said Odero.

His words carry wisdom from lessons learnt, and confidence in what the future holds. As the Thunder return to the continental realm, there will be turbulence and, at times, smooth sailing. So if the Thunder are to remain in flight on the Road to BAL, it will require Odero and his teammates to maintain level-heads.

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Nemutambwe expects Hounds to bite in the Road to BAL

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ZIMBABWE’S Basket Hounds have had a fearsome bite in the country’s basketball scene. The man who has kept the Hounds’ teeth continuously razor-sharp and being a cut above the rest is club coach Tawanda Nemutambwe. In October, months after the Hounds won their second national domestic title, they will make another appearance at the Road to BAL.

Looking back at the Hounds’ debut tournament last year, held in the Zimbabwe capital, Harare, Nemutambwe says they were trying to find their feet.

“It was hard because we did not know what we were getting into. Everything, from preparation to scouting, we learnt on the go. Recovery was also hard for us because we did not get a rest day,” said Nemutambwe, whose team finished with a 2-3 record last year. “I think it was the hardest Road to BAL in our region (Zone 6). Going into this year’s tournament, we will do better. Our tactics and scouting will be better.”

Tawanda Nemutambwe 2025 — **Tawanda Nemutambwe will lead Basket Hounds to a second Road to BAL. Pictures: The BTO**

Knowing the demands of African basketball, Nemutambwe, who coached Zimbabwe’s U18 men’s team during the 2024 age-group AfroBasket qualifiers, says players must maintain clean lifestyles. Another aspect he stresses to the players is being physically up to par with their opponents in the Road to BAL.

“We have spoken to them about taking care of their bodies… Not consuming alcohol or taking substances,” said Nemutambwe. “Going to the gym is another thing. It’s something we lack as a country. Our players don’t like to work out.

“With this group of players that has improved. They are putting in the work. It’s something I have been hammering since our first Road to BAL. I feel it has gotten better.”

Sharing his reflections on the domestic season, Nemutambwe says having the same group of players who retained the domestic championship last year was a key ingredient.

“Maintaining the core of our team was important for us. These are the same players who became part of the team when it started,” said Nemutambwe. “We have trained together and formulated a system that we trust and that works for us.”

Nemutambwe’s team recently tested themselves at the Bravehearts International Basketball Challenge in Malawi, where they fell to the host club, Bravehearts, in the semi-finals.

Tawanda Nemutambwe Basket Hounds 2025 — **Tawanda Nemutambwe says conditioning of his players will be key in the Road to BAL.**

He says the tournament was to gauge themselves and where they were since winning the league championship.

“We wanted to see where we were because we had just got back to training. Some of the teams at the tournament (Bravehearts and Matero Magic) are going to compete at the Road to BAL,” said Nemutambwe. “One of the takeaways from that tournament was our conditioning. We must work on that because the games we lost (in the BIBC) had a lot to do with conditioning.

“It’s something we noted. To get the results, we must pay attention to our conditioning.”

Namutambwe has a few weeks to tighten the nuts and bolts within his team. Going far on the Road to BAL requires clubs to be lean, mean and flawless machines. Or in the case of the Hounds, they will need a ferocious bite!

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Almeida, Al Ali to bring the noise at Intercontinental Cup

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CAPE Verdean superstar baller Ivan Almeida gave a light chuckle during a telephone interview when he was asked about adding another FIBA competition to his playing rèsumè. The Intercontinental Cup, which commences on Thursday (18-21 September), will be amongst the tournaments he has played in during his illustrious career.

He downplayed the significance of the milestone, intimating that Al Ahli Tripoli, the team he helped qualify for the Basketball Africa League (BAL) last year, and their mission in Singapore, far outweighs his adding another tournament to his playing rèsumè.

“We keep building. For me, it’s another competition. I want to go there and ensure the team is well-represented. It’s not about me having another tournament on my rèsumè. I look at it as an opportunity,” said Almeida. “The team won the BAL, so we are representing Libya and the African continent… Having that opportunity is amazing.

“Whatever we can do to get a good result while we are there, we will do.”

Ivan Almeida Intercontinental Cup 2025 — **Ivan Almeida brings experience to the ranks of Al Ahli. Pictures: FIBA**

Almeida’s time as a basketball player has seen him slip on the Cape Verde jersey on basketball’s great stages – the World Cup and AfroBasket – five times. He has turned out for Portuguese club Benfica in the European Champions League, and lit it up for home club Kriol Star in the Basketball Africa League. The Cape Verdean remarked that he feels right at home with the Libyan giants, and it’s understandable, given the history he’s helped build for the club.

“Joining Al Ahli is good. I know the people here – the management and the players who were there before. I don’t feel like I am coming to something new,” said Almeida, who was speaking from the club’s training camp in Tunisia.

The 37-year-old says he appreciates the club’s new Egyptian coach, Mohamed Elkerdany, making him a part of the club.

“I appreciate the coach for bringing me in for my experience and ability to help the team. The conditions here (in Tunisia) are good. We have been working, and then the next day (Monday), we will leave for Singapore,” said Almeida. “Everything is on the right track, and I hope I can help the team win a lot of games.”

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Almeida is among five recruits for the Libyan club, alongside 2025 BAL MVP Jean Jacques Boissy, Makur Maker (from South Sudan), Ismael Romero (Puerto Rico) and Marcos Knight (United States).

Despite being assembled in a short time, Almeida says the core of the squad and the recruits have acclimated to one another.

“We have been practising since the sixth. We played a friendly (on Saturday), which we won. It has been a process of adjustment and getting to know each other. The club has high-level players with international experience,” said Almeida. “I think we can go to the Intercontinental Cup and represent ourselves well. And make some noise.

“The practices have been going great, and the coach has been able to implement his system. There is focus and discipline in our team. We are doing everything the coaching staff are demanding of us.”

He again emphasised experience when asked about the value he and other recruits bring to the team.

“I think it’s about combining the energy of the young guys and the experience of the older guys. A player like Boissy is young and energetic. He can play both ends of the floor. I think that’s what defines us. Nobody takes breaks, we play defence and offence,” said Almeida. “It is one of the building blocks when a coach builds the team. From there, we have to hold each other accountable and take the best decisions for the betterment of the team.”

Ivan Almeida FIBA World Cup 2025 — **Ivan Almeida says he is considering his international future with Cape Verde after appearing in a fifth AfroBasket for the island nation in August.**

The future

With the year far from over and still a lot of basketball to play in Africa, with the Road to BAL and World Cup Qualifiers. Are these tournaments part of Almeida’s plans?

The Road to BAL: I am not certain about the Road to BAL. I have signed with Al Ahli for a month, so after October 6, we will see about the Road to BAL,” said Almeida.

FIBA World Cup Qualifiers: “It’s a big question mark regarding the national team. I think it was my last one. I am not sure… It is a big question mark,” said Almeida.

His international future with his country may be in doubt, but on the club front, Almeida can be expected to play lights out for Al Ahli in Singapore.

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Akello and Uganda to leave it all on the floor at the AfroBasket

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TWO years ago in Rwanda, Uganda’s rising Gazelles stunned the basketball world with a historic, unforgettable, and hard-fought victory over the fierce and highly regarded Senegalese team at the Women’s AfroBasket. Many would have opined that the group stage victory was a fluke, that the Lionesses had an off day, and the result would not repeat itself.

For Hope Akello and her teammates, the thoughts of the majority would not have mattered then as they backed themselves in that win over the 11-time champions.

This year at the same stage, in the lush green setting of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Akello and the Gazelles wrote an even better script for themselves. They shook out of the tight squeeze and claws of the Lionesses to win 73-70 in overtime at Palais des Sports de Treicheville, which guaranteed Uganda avoided the playoffs this time around and leapt straight to the quarter-finals.

Uganda, victors over Guinea in their opening game, achieved another first as they topped the log for the first time in their history. Akello, who was part of the Uganda team that triumphed over Senegal in Rwanda, intimated that the win this year over the same opposition was sweeter because they skipped the hurdle of the playoffs.

“We feel great because we played our hearts out. We topped the group and qualified for the quarter-finals,” said Akello, who scored 15 points and crashed six boards in the Monday afternoon win. Unlike two years ago, when we finished second in the group, our results have improved, and we are first in the group. We came to compete and leave everything on the floor.”

Akello AfroBasket — **Hope Akello and the Gazelles have brought smiles to Uganda’s hoop fans. Picture: FIBA Africa.**

What else is different about this year’s Uganda team, and how motivated are they to go even further than in 2021?

“Our objectives are higher with each tournament. We are taking one game at a time. We are also playing till the final whistle,” said Akello.

She continued: “We have been putting in the work. Everyone who steps on the court or comes from the bench gives their best. We want to make our country proud.”

While Uganda has improved as a team, Akello has also upped her production (eight points and seven rebounds) from their last encounter against Senegal. Akello also played almost double the minutes that she had against the Lionesses in the equally gruelling encounter.

She was happy with her performance, especially against the most decorated country in African women’s basketball. She also welcomed the day off on Wednesday after the battle against the West Africans.

“The game was physical. However, we have a rest day to recover. We have a team of doctors and physios who will get us ready for our next game. I am happy about my performance, because Senegal is a good team. They have won several AfroBasket trophies,” said Akello.

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Her teammates, Jane Asinde, who posted a double-double (18 points and 10 rebounds), and Paige Robinson, who put up 19 points, five rebounds, and three assists, both put in a 40-minute shift in the final group game. While the trio were the top performers, Akello says each player is aware of their job on the team.

⁠”I like the fact that everyone is doing their job. From starting five to bench to technical team. So, I really want to appreciate everyone for that,” said Akello.

While the win over Senegal two years ago showed that Uganda were becoming a competitive nation, winning the Zone VI AfroBasket qualifiers in Cairo, Egypt, in February has potentially set the tone for them to go further this year. Akello, on the other hand, believes the success in the Zone IV qualifiers enhanced their self-belief.

“⁠Winning the AfroBasket qualifiers was great for us. It was a head start to start to believe in ourselves and work on our weaknesses,” said the power forward.

The Gazelles are strutting with an extra spring in their step. They will need that extra bounce in the quarter-final clash on Thursday against fellow East Africans, South Sudan, who will have grown in confidence after beating Egypt in the playoffs on Wednesday.

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Craig putting in the work ahead of the big jump to Germany

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DAVID Craig has enjoyed his time in South Africa, and being temporarily out of the bright lights of competitive basketball, but he has not rested on his laurels. During this off-season, Craig, a first-time free agent, has put in the hard yards, living up to the adage often used in basketball that says, “If you stay ready, then you don’t have to get ready.”

Even with a career-defining move overseas signed and sealed, Craig ploughs on and quietly fine-tunes his game as his new German club awaits his arrival.

The 7ft2 (2.18m) Craig, who would be hard to miss in a crowded room, was going through his paces last Friday in the humble settings of the Mandeville Sports Complex. Settings which are a far cry from the spotlight and aesthetics of the BAL and NCAA basketball. Training with former Made By Basketball (MBB) teammate Nino Dim, they perfect their shooting form with baseline drills inside and outside the arc.

Craig also focused on his post-up game, working with his back to the basket and practising a series of hook shots. He and Dim then wrapped up with a scrimmage session before heading into Craig’s interview with The Big Tip Off. Twenty-two-year-old Craig spoke with great excitement about joining German third-tier club TSV Nuestadt Temps Shooters. The centre, who started his college career with Mercer, is seemingly content with closing that chapter of his life. At the same time, he felt his stint with MBB at the BAL prepared him for the professional ranks.

“I couldn’t be happier. It was the right time for me. I felt I had got everything I could from the Division I level. At this point, this is the right move for my career,” said Craig, who last played for NCAA Division I college Tennessee Tech. “After playing at the BAL level, I felt I could get a bit more out of my career by making the jump to the pros.

“There was a lot of dialogue between me and my agent. Ultimately, we agreed that Europe would be the right place for me to continue developing my game and play at a high level.”

David Craig working out — **David Craig says playing in the BAL opened his eyes to a bigger basketball world. Pictures: The BTO**

Craig says he has already had discussions with Temps Shooter coach Allen Ray about how he fits into the team’s plans. “I looked forward to working with the coach over there. I have had several discussions with him. It’s been positive. He is big on meeting players at their point and being able to help them grow their game,” said Craig. “From the discussion we had and learning about the club, I feel I will be a good fit.

“I also have a lot I can learn from the older players. I look forward to this experience and how it will help to evolve my game.”

He went on to elaborate on his experience with MBB at the Nile Conference of the BAL. He says rubbing shoulders with some of the wise heads in the team was humbling for him.

“It was one of the biggest blessings to have happened in my life… Being able to represent South Africa while also achieving a lifelong dream of playing professional basketball… Playing with some of the people who laid the ground for up-and-coming South African players like me. Guys like Neo Mothiba and Lebesa Selepe… Getting a wholesome and genuine experience of them and being in Kigali. Those moments I will remember for the rest of my life,” said Craig. “Just like the guys I mentioned, I hope to be an inspiration for the coming generation… Continue to pave the way and bring back expertise and information for kids who want to pursue basketball at any level in the future.

“It (the BAL) showed me how big the possibilities can be, especially from a professional perspective.”

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He says another thing the BAL did for him was to improve his temperament. Craig recalled starting in the most-watched game in the BAL (MBB vs APR), which had 168000 views on YouTube according to FIBA Africa.

“One thing the BAL taught me is to always embrace the big moments, like playing in the second game against APR, where I got to start. It was the most-viewed BAL game, and what it did for my career. There is no telling how many of those I could have in Germany. So you have to grab every big opportunity with both hands because you don’t know when you will get the next one,” said Craig. “I never thought Germany would happen. There was just the BAL, and we had to figure out the next move.

“The other thing I learnt was to stay professional and consistent regardless of what happens. You can’t let results dictate your work. You must show up every single day and maintain consistency. Don’t be results-oriented. It’s better to embrace the process.”

Each passing day means Craig is coming closer and closer to the cut-throat world of professional basketball. As he prepares himself for a career leap, he speaks with fondness about being home.

David Craig Woring out — **David Craig has a new appreciation for South Africa and the support system available to him.**

“Having this time does so much more than it seems on the surface. Firstly, South Africa is a very special place. It takes you leaving here to understand that – being around people who appreciate and understand you. People who respect your journey. It does more for you as a person than you can imagine,” said Craig. “The pressure now is for me to rest and improve… Get ready for Germany.

“There are a lot of people who will be watching me… As they have been, and that will never change. Right now, not having the pressure of performing in this very moment is relieving because being in that spotlight can sometimes be a lot to carry.”

Craig continued: “I think anybody coming up and wanting to make a career out of basketball needs to know that because it does take a mental toll… More so than it would physically.”

These are wise words from the big man, given that he is well-versed in high-level basketball, they carry weight. As he enters this next phase of his career, those words can hopefully guide him in navigating what awaits him in Germany.

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Niang thankful for education and the doors it opened for him

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THIERNO Ibrahima Niang divulged that in his youth, he did not take basketball seriously until a life-changing situation altered his attitude. It led to an opportunity, and along the way, it presented some significant life lessons for him. While fortunate to have pursued a basketball career, he came to terms with the fragility of his body and how that could have stood in the way of his dreams.

Niang, currently on the books of ASC Ville de Dakar, had to deal with injury as a player for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. It was a sobering moment in his life, which made him understand the value of education. But it was not the first place where that wisdom was imparted to him – that honour goes to the Seed Academy.

The Seed Academy, founded by the BAL president Amadou Gallo Fall, has former NBA players Gorgui Dieng, Saer Sene and this year’s BAL MVP Jean Jacques Boissy as some of its alumni. The former Senegal international says it (Seed Academy) offered him a broader perspective on life, which saw him go from an aimless juvenile to being moulded and shaped into an ambitious young man.

“If you ask me, education saved my life. It was at the Seed Academy where I understood how important it was,” said Niang about the program located in Thies, Senegal. “When they were recruiting me over there, I was not focused on school. I did not like school. Once I realised that basketball is something I loved and wanted to succeed in, I went back to school.

“They really made me understand that education is the thing in life. Basketball, you can play it for 10 to 20 years if you are lucky. But could you get injured… Tear an ACL or something else… Basketball is not safe – you need something to fall back on. And that thing is education. I feel it’s more important than basketball.”

Thierno Ibrahim Niang AS Ville de Dakar — **Thierno Ibrahima Niang wants the team to give improved performances at next year’s BAL. Pictures: Getty Images and Supplied**

The 35-year-old Niang, who graduated with a degree in information studies, reflected on the stress fracture in his lower back, which he feels somewhat diminished a more promising career. At the time, Niang revealed to the media that he thought it (the injury) would cut short his career, but it cemented his notion of athletes obtaining education.

“It was a scary season for me. It was my second season in college. I think the injury stifled my career a bit. Maybe if that didn’t happen, I’d be telling a different story,” said Niang. “What I can say is that the biggest takeaway I got from it is school. Sports are sometimes tricky. You will never know when it’s your last day on the court.

“What saved me was school. I had a chance to complete my degrees. Regarding the injury, I managed to fight back and have a career, it’s not how imagined it, but I am cool about it.”

Niang, who played in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup for the Lions of Teranga, has gone on to enjoy some success in the pro ranks in Spain, winning a LEB Oro (second division) title with Gipuzkoa in 2017. The guard also has a decent trophy haul in his home country, Senegal, where he has played since 2018.

He has turned out for Dakar Université Club Basketball, AS Douanes, Jean d’Arc and his current team, AS Ville de Dakar, whose men’s team is 10 years old. He feels the standard of club basketball has improved since his return.

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“It’s been great. If I compare this year to the year I started, the level is not as good as it is now. These kids are willing to return after studying in the United States. You have to give credit to the BAL,” said Niang, a four-time Senegal National 1 Masculine (NM1) winner. “We all wanted to play at a high level in places like the United States and Europe. I feel it (the BAL) has changed things in Africa. It has helped to lift the domestic leagues on the continent because every club wants to be part of it.

“The BAL took things to another level these last five years. It can only go up from where it is now.”

After winning the Senegal championship with AS Ville de Dakar, Niang will be heading back to the BAL next year. While Niang enjoyed his second BAL, he hopes next year’s campaign will be far better than their debut between April and May. The West African club, unfortunately, fell in the Sahara Conference stage on home soil.

“It was a great experience. This was my second one – I played in season two. It was a great season for my team, which is 10 years old,” said Niang, who played in the 2022 edition of the BAL with DUC. “Representing Senegal at the tournament was incredible, seeing the fans and all the behind-the-scenes stuff was just amazing. I’m glad we will have the opportunity to make it happen again.

“Next year, we want to have a better season, so we have to learn lessons from this past BAL experience.”

**Thierno Ibrahima Niang and AS Ville de Dakar will compete for two more domestic titles.**

With the domestic league done and dusted, the Dakar-based club captured another trophy, the Coupe de Meir (Mayor’s Cup) trophy (after beating Guediawaye on Sunday), and they are gunning for the Senegal Cup. Niang spoke with confidence ahead of the Coupe de Meir final about wanting to win both championships.

“We feel great. We have achieved our main goal – to win the championship and return to the BAL. There is still more to play for. We are confident and want to end the season on a good note,” concluded Niang.

Niang has found his feet at home. He has embraced the challenge of playing in Senegal, and so far, he has made a success of it. His presence and journey will inspire many harbouring a desire to follow in his footsteps, and who better to impart the wisdom than Niang himself.

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Bravehearts breathe life into the soul of Malawi basketball

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BRAVEHEARTS Basketball Club has become the epitome of success in basketball in Malawi. With every domestic title hoisted, the ten-year-old club’s status has been elevated in the hearts and minds of fans at its Lilongwe home base and possibly across the Southern African nation. Despite a lack of investment in basketball, the club has risen to become the face of the game, and the architect of that success is none other than Griffin Kalua.

Kalua wears a couple of hats inside and outside of basketball. He is a businessman as well as the founder and coach of Bravehearts. Last month (June), he led the men’s and women’s teams to four and five championships.

Before delving into the club’s recent success in both the men’s and women’s championships, he offered insights into building Brave Hearts in a climate that is not wholly supportive of basketball.

Kalua, who owns an import and export company, highlighted that basketball in Malawi receives little to no funding, so he has had to run Brave Hearts from his pocket.

“One of the reporters asked me why basketball does not get the kind of sponsorships that football and netball do,” said Kalua. “I raised two issues. The corporate world does not believe basketball can give immediate mileage in terms of advertising and branding.

“… Luckily, my companies have been sponsoring Bravehearts, and I have seen the benefits. Both of my companies are the reason we are able to do what we do. People are now also coming on board and want to do business with Bravehearts.”

Brave Hearts Women — **Griffin Kalua to move mountains for the Bravehearts women to get a shot at the continental qualifiers. Pictures: FIBA Africa and Supplied**

Kalua also emphasised the importance of visionary leadership at all levels in making basketball work, a consistent plea throughout the continent.

“The other issue is our leaders. They do not have a vision. When you get into leadership positions without a vision, you cannot attract anything,” said Kalua. “So that is why I decided to try to make the club self-sufficient. We have opened a business division at the club. It aims to generate funding for our day-to-day operations and philanthropic work. Another thing we want to do is to build a sports facility, which will also help us generate income. These are the dreams I have for the organisation.”

The success in the national championship led to prize money for both Bravehearts teams, but Kalua says he split the winnings among the men and women. While he commended the league for scaling up, he says the bulk of the money to fund the club still comes from him.

“We don’t get much from winning (the league). Both teams received a total of $2500. It’s not much, but it’s something,” said Kalua. “So when we get prize money, I leave it for the players and team officials. I do spend a lot of additional money every year to run the club.”

On the court, it has been another successful year for Kalua and Bravehearts. In June, the men captured a fourth national title, and the women added their fifth national trophy to the Bravehearts’ cabinet, meaning both teams will enter the continental stage.

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After becoming the first club from Malawi to qualify for the Road to BAL Elite 16 last year, Kalua is hoping for another return to that particular stage of the competition. He hopes they can go from qualifying to winning games.

“We did well in the preliminary stage in Zimbabwe, but what was crucial for us was to make it to the Elite 16. What helped us get that far was competing in tournaments in South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania and other parts of Southern Africa,” said Kalua. “We were not sure what to expect at the Elite 16. Getting that far and the exposure will help us prepare better this year.

“The first thing we want to do again is qualify for the Elite 16. Should we get there, we want to try and win one game. Last year in Kenya (at the Elite 16), we did not win a single game. If we get a win, it can be something to build on. It would be reckless to think we can go all the way, so what I am looking for is improvement from last year.”

Kalua also looks forward to the women’s team competing at the AWBL qualifiers after they last appeared in 2018. He hopes to do it via the Zone 6 (Southern Africa) qualifiers, which have not taken place for some time.

“I have a budget for the women. We have kept it for a long time. We thought we would go to the Zone 6 qualifiers last year. They did not happen. And by the time we tried to enter the qualifiers of another zone, it was too late,” said Kalua. “This time around, we are ready. We will go wherever the qualifiers take place. That is a promise.”

Brave Hearts Basketball Club — **Bravehearts are set to make another appearance at the Road to BAL.**

Being a dominant player in the Malawi basketball scene means the club has a strong culture, one that players can buy into and one that brings championships year after year. Kalua says never giving up is the creed they live by. This is a maxim that saw them qualify for the Elite 16 against difficult odds in Zimbabwe last year.

“These kids don’t give up. You would have seen the difficulty we experienced in Zimbabwe. We only had seven players, but against all odds, we qualified for the Elite 16. That culture has filtered throughout the club,” said Kalua. “We don’t give up easily. It’s one of the characteristics of Malawians. We go through a lot, being one of the poorest countries. It requires us to be resilient in the face of tough circumstances. So you will see the same on the court. These kids don’t give up.

“It’s a definition of a Malawian. We don’t give up easily. We fight for everything.”

Kalua’s passion for basketball has seen the club grow and thrive. He is investing in the long term, aiming for incremental wins, capitalising on Malawi’s resilience ethos, and building the club for sustainability. Brave Hearts are an emerging success story in African basketball. They are an example to follow in growing a basketball club and culture that influences an entire ecosystem.

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Kavakure carrying a mix of emotions ahead of VBL finals

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ANOTHER epic chapter between two of Burundi’s oldest clubs opens on Saturday when Urunani and Dynamo duel in a seven-game series to decide which of the two celebrated clubs from the capital, Bujumbura, will be crowned VBL champions and take the bragging rights that come with winning.

Urunani, the East African nation’s most titled club, and current defending champions, are looking to maintain the status quo. Dynamo, the older of the two clubs and a losing finalist last year, will hope it has the battery charge required to usurp the title they won two seasons ago.

Adding spice to this storied battle is Bryan Kavakure, a point guard who celebrated many a victory in the blue vest of Urunani but has since swapped it for the green of Dynamo.

Kavakure played for Urunani for four years, but last season he felt his time at the club had come to an end and he needed a change in scenery. The 31-year-old says he had to ponder the decision for a long time about whether to continue with Urunani or join three-time VBL winners Dynamo.

Brian Kavakure Dynamo — **Brian Kavakure believes Dynamo has what it takes to reclaim the title. Pictures: Dynamo**

He had already gotten a taste of things at Dynamo, having joined them for a short stint during the Road to BAL in 2023, where they became the first club from Burundi to qualify for the BAL. Kavakure says that reuniting with his former Urunani teammates, Guibert Nijimbere and Richard Ndikuriyo, during the Road to BAL and knowing they were still part of the Dynamo set up assured him that leaving was the correct move.

“I found that Dynamo was a well-organised team. Everything went well. Having spent time with Dynamo and having friends like Guibert and Richard made it easy to move on,” said Kavakure.

He also reflected on leaving Urunani. “Spending four years with one team and then joining their rivals was not an easy decision. Seeing how things went last season, I had to make a decision,” said Kavakure. “I spent two weeks deciding whether to stay or go. It was a tough one.”

Journeying to a third successive final, Dynamo finished top of the VBL table in the regular season and coasted to a 3-0 semi-final series win over Les Hippos. Ahead of Game 1 on Saturday, Kavakure naturally has a ton of emotions facing Urunani, a team with which he enjoyed success and developed friendships.

“I have mixed feelings. It will not be easy to play against them. It’s not easy playing against players who know your strengths and weaknesses. It will be a challenge, but the goal is the same,” said Kavakure. “I have moved from one good team to another one, and the goal is to win the trophy with them. The challenge will be trying to beat my friends.”

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To reclaim the title and make a second Road to BAL appearance, Dynamo has enlisted the service of Cameroon point guard Etienne Tametong, who has been with the club from the beginning of the season.

Going into the playoffs, Nigerian big man Chingka Garba and American Tyrone Jeffrey were also signed by Dynamo to strengthen the team for the playoffs and finals.

“They have helped us a lot. A player like Etienne has played for so many years and in many countries. Since his arrival, he has made a huge impact. The same goes for Chingka. He is a big man who dominates in the paint,” said Kavakure. “Jeff from the US has led us in the playoffs, and we have a good coach (Julian Chaingot). We have local players who can step up, so the team is good.”

Bryan Kavakure Dynamo — **Bryan Kavakure says Dynamo has the personnel to compete in the final.**

Having played in this final battle on many occasions, what makes this match special? Kavakure says it’s the fans that make Urunani vs Dynamo a great derby in basketball.

“Our fans and the trash talk amongst themselves makes the rivalry between Dynamo and Urunani what it is. If you have a chance, you should come and experience it. Even the club members have a rivalry among themselves. All those things make it extra special,” said Kavakure.

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Gannouni, LeFriki setting a higher bar in the coming season

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CLUB Africain, in late May, flipped the script in Tunisia’s Championnat Pro A championship, winning a fifth title in the Tunis-based club’s history. What made capturing the title sweeter for LeFriki was that it ended rival and finals opponents US Monastir’s six-year hegemony of the Pro A and earned them the prize of debuting at the BAL next year.

There was another element to the tale of Club Africain’s monumental success. Winning the league brought to an end the eight-year league title drought for one of Tunisia’s heralded clubs and its passionate fans. What made the journey of securing the trophy memorable for Club Africain was winning the five-game series, 3-1, in front of their supporters at their home arena, the Cherif Bellamine Gymnasium.

Twenty-eight-year-old small forward Achref Gannouni, a former Monastir player, says the fans provided the spark that lit the path to a decisive Game 4 victory.

“It’s always spectacular to play in front of the home fans. They have been with us from the start of the season right till the end,” said the four-time Pro A champion. “Winning in front of them was very special. The atmosphere they created was phenomenal, so the title is for them. As I said, from the beginning of the season they believed in us. We felt it, especially when we played at home. “

Gannouni Club Africain — **Achref Gannouni and Michael Dixon celebrate winning the Tunisia Pro A title. Pictures: Club Africain.**

Having ended the club’s long wait for the national championship, Gannouni felt ecstatic. “It feels amazing to win titles. I am happy for the club and the fans. What made it more special was that the club had waited for a long time to win. The joy is multiplied!” stated the Tunisian international.

On their way to the title, Club Africain won Game 1 of the series at Monastir’s Mzali Sports Hall. The forward says that the first-game victory against the nine-time league champs was the cushion LeFriki needed ahead of the remaining games.

“It was the key to the title for us. We knew if we won one game out of the two at Monastir’s home court, we would have a great chance of winning the series at our arena, and we were able to acheive that,” said Gannouni.

He also reflected on breaking the dominance of Monastir. For Gannouni, the victory had to do with more than who the opposition was; it was about feeding his and the team’s desire. “As an athlete, I always play to win. Achieving that goal every year is satisfying. It also makes me hungry. And it doesn’t matter which team we face,” he said.

Gannouni looks forward to the prospect of returning to play at the BAL after first experiencing it with Monastir two years ago.

“It meant a lot to us because it’s been part of our goal. We are looking forward to competing in it next year. Our journey doesn’t end at the qualification stage. We will be aiming for more,” proclaimed Gannouni.

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It may look like the season was smooth sailing for Gannouni and his teammates, but it was far from it. Players battling injury and the disappointment of losing the Tunisia Cup final to Monastir a week after clinching the league were part of the challenges to an otherwise celebratory season.

“Dealing with injuries was tough for us. Several players struggled with injuries, including me. It did affect the team’s chemistry because you are not playing as often as you would like. Luckily we have a good medical team. They got us ready for an important part of the season,” said Gannouni.

He also spoke about his own experience with injury during the season. “It was a bit tough. I had injuries that kept me out for two months. When I came back, I was stronger and helped my team to have a successful season. I was able to give everything for the team,” said Gannouni.

Part of the reason for Club Africain’s success was the togetherness, and Gannouni says this is the glue that should hold the team together in the coming season.

“Club Africain, this season was a family. We were all eager to win trophies together this year and bring joy to our fans. For the next season, we need to work hard and continue improving day after day to stay at the top,” said the former Rades player.

After the exertions of the past season, he’s now returned to social media. He felt he needed to focus a bit more to help the team be triumphant, and it has paid off.

“Going off social media is always a good thing to do. It helps to clear the mind and block out negativity. I knew that we were strong contenders to win trophies this year, so I needed to focus on the playoffs and the finals,” said Gannouni.

Next season will present a new canvas for Gannouni and Club Africain to write a new script. Having reached a milestone this year, they will prepare to exceed what they have already achieved.

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