Basketball Feature

Bulgak aims to inspire generations of women with South Sudan

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ADUT Bulgak once donned Canada’s jersey in international basketball, but it did not feel right for her. Why, you might ask? The answer is simple. South Sudan, the country of her birth, was and is still in her DNA, and despite playing for Canada, the desire to eventually put on South Sudan’s vest was hard to pass up for Bulgak.

Thirteen-year-old South Sudan, the world’s newest country, was in its toddler phase and building its basketball program, as Bulgak, a 12th pick in the 2016 WNBA draft, decided to ditch a possibly promising international career with Canada and chose to bide her time until her motherland’s basketball reached a stable phase.

It meant waiting until the 2023 AfroBasket qualifiers to achieve her dream, which ended in disappointment. After the same qualifiers this year, good fortune befell Bulgak and South Sudan. The gift of a wild card qualification to this year’s Women’s AfroBasket in Cote d’Ivoire will see South Sudan, who finished third in the AfroBasket qualifiers in Egypt, compete against the best teams on the continent.

Before discussing her country’s milestone, the national team captain reflected on her journey of waiting to represent South Sudan, watching longingly as teammates at her different clubs suited up for their national teams and why her connection with Canada was not as strong as it should have been.

“I played for Team Canada in 2015, but it did not feel like home. It is where my family emigrated, but I am South Sudanese. I have always wanted to represent South Sudan in international basketball,” said Bulgak, who plays for Spanish club IDK Eusk. “It felt like I was left behind at times seeing all of my friends, who I started with, go on to represent their countries at competitions like the Olympics. I was like wow, ‘I wish I could be there for my country’.”

Adut Bu;gak AfroBasket qualifiers
Adut Bulgak chose to play for South Sudan to inspire the young women of her country. Pictures: FIBA

The former WNBA player says the urge was there to throw her lot with Canada, which at the time offered her brighter prospects at international competition. She maintained her resolve, which meant missing out on a great sporting event in 2016.

“It was a year before the Rio Olympics. It was a huge sacrifice and decision for me to make. For a professional athlete, the highest honour you can have is playing at the Olympics. So, for that opportunity to be at the doorstep… I decided I really want to play for South Sudan,” said the 32-year-old Bulgak.

She explained that she could not see herself in the vest of another national team.

“If I found myself wearing the jersey of a different nationality with South Sudan having a national team [represented at a tournament and then the potential] to play against them, I would be distraught about that,” said Bulgak. “Yeah. There was a time when I selfishly wanted to continue representing Canada, but I saw something bigger. I want to give an opportunity for young girls who are from South Sudan to see me and follow in my footsteps.”

 

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The young women from the East African nation will have more reason to be inspired by Bulgak and the Bright Starlets, who will compete at the AfroBasket (26 July – 3 August). For Bulgak, getting to this point was taxing as she recalled how injury derailed her in 2021. 

“The first opportunity came in 2021, but at training camp, I tore my Achilles, so I missed out. When it finally happened in 2023 I was elated… It was a dream come true because that was what my entire career was based around,” said Bulgak.

Focusing on the present, Bulgak hopes more players will be available to add depth and quality to South Sudan’s campaign.

“It’s an exciting feeling. You always hope the opportunity will be there, but it seems so far because most of our players are young. Most of them are in college, so they never had the opportunity to compete in the qualifiers because they are in the middle of their season,” said Bulgak. “So getting the wild card means the door is finally open for those young women in college… The ones who are graduating or still competing will get a chance to represent South Sudan because the chance would not be there in February.”

Bulgak believes a shift in the players’ attitude made the difference for South Sudan in this year’s AfroBasket qualifiers in Egypt, compared to the 2023 edition.

“I think in the 2023 qualifiers, some of the players were excited to be there. But in the same contrast, players that did not get the opportunity to play, take the time to get in shape, and refine their game,” said Bulgak, who averaged 12.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists in February’s qualifiers. “A huge factor for us in 2025 is that the players took the opportunity to focus and play for South Sudan. So it was an exciting moment for those girls.”

Adut Bulgak in action for South Sudan
Adut Bulgak feels the players’ level of commitment improved in this year’s AfroBasket qualifiers.

This being young South Sudan’s first AfroBasket, what expectations does Bulgak have ahead of their debut tournament?

“I am a high shooter. I have been a professional for over 10 years and I always play to win. We are a young team. For most players, this will be their first experience at that level of competition. So everybody has to commit to the process,” said Bulgak. “There are 12 teams, so the aim is to be in that top bracket – in the top six. As I said, I am a high shooter. I believe in my team. I am never gonna bet against us.”

She also paid homage to the fans who have cheered them on during the journey. “It is a huge honour to play for our fans. We have the best fans in all of Africa. Being able to give back to them because they have poured their energy into us will be amazing… We can’t wait to play for them,” concluded Bulgak.

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Celtic’s Finest pushing the envelope for women in basketball

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BASKETBALL clubs run by women are few and far in South Africa. One club set on bucking the trend is Celtic’s Finest which has provided a platform for women to thrive on and off the court. The road has also seen Celtic’s adapt and transform while trying to grow as a brand.

Club chairperson Boitumelo Masenamela says the club came to life after realising women had few playing opportunities in South Africa’s capital, Tshwane, and many had to commute to Johannesburg to get their dose of competitive basketball.

“Many years back, most of us Pretoria-based players used to drive to Joburg and play for teams there because we did not have a team here (in Pretoria). So a group of us gathered at the University of Pretoria and decided to form Pretoria’s Finest,” said Masenamela.

The name Pretoria’s Finest did not last long. For compliance purposes, a merger between themselves and a men’s team, Sunset Celtics, led to a name change. It also facilitated a passage to competing in the tough Johannesburg competitions.

“When Pretoria’s Finest was created, we couldn’t compete in Johannesburg because of the name we had at the time. So, we had to change to our current name,” said Masenamela, a postgraduate student at Wits. “Another reason was being able to compete in the national club championships. We needed a male team, so we had to source one. At that time, there was a team called Sunset Celtics, we merged with them to become and hold our current name.”

Celtic's Finest Boitumelo Masenamela
Boitumelo Masenaemla chairperson of says Celtic’s is an outlet for women to play basketball in Tshwane. Pictures: The BTO

The 33-year-old also pointed out that after completing their studies, women’s playing options become few and far.

“Throughout the years, the focus has always been on the men, even when women gave out the best games or even filled venues,” said Masenamela. “With the little recognition we got, we asked ourselves, ‘How do we encourage young women to continue playing basketball after varsity?’.

“It’s a practical question… Because, like the boys we start playing at school, then there is varsity, and after that, the playing opportunities are limited. Meaning many of us stop playing.”

Masenamela continued: “So that is why you have more men playing after 25. Now women in the city know there is a club for them when they finish at varsity.”

She believes the Finest, champions of the 2023 Tshwane Basketball League, have set a trend in the capital city, and others will follow suit and start their own clubs.

“This motivated other Pretorians to say we want to beat Finest. So other clubs were founded, that allowed for women to continue playing and helped in growing the game,” said Masenamela.

Part of growing the game in the city is creating exposure to opportunities for high school girls. Masenamela says their Celtic’s Festivals can be a potential gateway for younger players to access university while offering regular competition for the girl child.

“We want to empower young girls at the high school level, by exposing them to university players. They will also have a chance to interact with university coaches and managers it can help them access scholarships. That is our main focus,” said Masenamela.

Another area the Finest has paid attention to is building innovative partnerships. The club recently joined forces with content creation company Prolific Sports, owned by club player Gcina Panyana. Since the start of the relationship, Prolific Sports has produced social media content for the Celtic’s.  

Celtic's Finest Gcina Panyana
Gcina Panyana’s Prolific Sports Group provides social media content for the Celtic’s.

Panyana, who occupies an administrative assistant role within the club’s structures, stated that the partnership between her company and the Celtic’s could foster growth for both entities.

“There is a business opportunity. Celtic’s have also provided us with a blank canvas. It’s an opportunity for Prolific Sports to execute the services that we have,” said Panyana. “It also allows us to grow in our profile and reach while showing our vision and the club’s vision.”

The Celtics-Prolific Sports partnership is pioneering at a district level, and Panyana hopes it can be an example of helping to grow the basketball ecosystem.

“Our focus is on women. There are other avenues that we want to grow in. We are not just basketball players, when we leave the court we go to our other lives. This could be in the corporate world or another space,” said Panyana. “So this can foster growth for the current businesswomen and future businesswomen. And possibly grow business for basketball.”

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Prinsloo beginning to light up in the colours of REG

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SOUTH African-born baller Pieter Prinsloo needed to be near his country of birth, even if it meant being airborne for a couple of hours. So when the Rwandan club REG tabled a good offer for his services, the big man did not have to think twice about signing on the dotted line and jetting off to the land of a thousand hills with his family in tow.

Prinsloo, who had been in South Africa early this year after a stint in Chile, signed a short-term regular-season contract with REG. The deal also allows him to join a team competing in this season’s Basketball Africa League (BAL). The move to the Rwanda Basketball League has meant getting competitive basketball for Prinsloo. With REG being a contender for the RBL title, Prinsloo could be in line for a contract renewal with the three-time champions.

Prinsloo has played in big competitions such as the AfroBasket, South America’s Basketball Champions League and the BAL, and his presence enhances any team’s competitive advantage.

“They know who I am. That’s why the offer came so quickly. The agent I’m working with told them I’m available and interested in playing, so they jumped at the opportunity,” said Prinsloo, who is to rejoin South Africa’s MBB for this season’s BAL. “I also know about their league, having played a lot on this continent in the BAL.

“At a personal level, I also wanted to be in this part of the world. Be closer to home. It was easy to bring my wife and daughter with me. It’s a quick flight, three hours and 50 minutes from Joburg to Kigali. Those factors played a big part.”

Pieter Prinsloo in REG colours
Pieter Prinsloo says he is enjoying playing in Rwanda. Pictures: Supplied

Prinsloo, 33, understands there are high expectations at REG to win a fourth championship and qualify for continental basketball. “They have the expectation of winning the league and returning to the BAL. That’s why they brought me in, to help them achieve that. They have been there twice. Their goal is to win and get back there again,” said the former Cape Town Tigers captain.

Having been in Rwanda for two months, how has Prinsloo experienced playing for a successful club like REG and competing against clubs like APR and the Patriots?

“It’s good. There are a bunch of guys on the team who I know from competing against in the BAL. Being one of the stronger teams, you understand that there are expectations,” said Prinsloo. “It’s nice to be on a team that competes for championships and playing against top-level competition while you are doing it.”

Apart from strong teams, Prinsloo mentioned that according to league rules, a foreign player’s status changes after spending a certain period in the country.

“They have an intriguing rule here. If an import plays for more than three seasons, they don’t count as an import anymore. So a guy like Adonis Filer, who you have seen play in the BAL or my teammate Cleveland Thomas Jr are no longer seen as foreign players because of the years they spent here. The league allows for two foreigners, so myself and Jean Jacques Boissy have been able to fill those spots,” said Prinsloo. “Also, players born outside the country but are connected to Rwanda through family have been brought in. So all those things have added to the quality and strength of the league.”

 

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Prinsloo took time to find his feet at REG, but in his last game against the Patriots, he got going, posting 11 points, six rebounds and three blocks in a 79-77 victory a week ago. He pointed to the reason he struggled to adjust to the REG setup.

“It was not as easy as it used to be. In some countries, you get thrown in to play 30 to 40 minutes every night. It took me a couple of weeks to get integrated, but recently, I have put in some good shifts. The coaching staff have figured how I fit into the rotation,” said Prinsloo.

Recalling the clash against the Patriots, he says it was a see-saw battle which eventually tilted in their favour: “It was a real tough game, a lot of back-and-forth. Eventually, a buzzer-beater from Boissy sealed it for us,” said Prinsloo.

Pieter Prinsloo loves the competitive element of the Rwanda Basketball League.

Things seem to be going well for Prinsloo and second-placed REG, holders of an 8-2 record in the RBL. As things steady on the court how, has he experienced playing for one of the most supported teams in Rwanda?

“The fans here are absolutely amazing. They love the sports here. At REG, we have our superfans. They are at every game supporting us. Then we have fans who come to the arena because they love the sport in general,” said Prinsloo. “At the last game against Patriots, you had one half the arena against you. Booing you while you were shooting free throws with two minutes remaining,” said Prinsloo. “I love it. It’s one of the places where I love the fans.”

Prinsloo has warmed up to his new surroundings, but his time in Rwanda will be short. His aim should be to use the opportunity and arrive in the best shape possible for MBB ahead of the BAL. A great showing in continental basketball can win him a contract renewal with REG or attract new suitors.

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

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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.”

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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Abada chasing domestic glory with Club Africain

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TUNISIAN virtuoso floor general Omar Abada returned home a year ago after spending two years in the Middle East, after being on what you could call a basketball pilgrimage. The point guard says those years spent between Saudi Arabia and Syria helped refine his game.

Abada, who joined the ambitious Club Africain last year, departed Tunisia after his then star-studded US Monastir team succumbed to an equally strong Zamalek in the inaugural Basketball Africa League final in 2021.

The quintessential point guard says the move to Al-Ittihad Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) and Al Wahda Damascus (Syria) was worth it for his career. He believes what he learnt in the Middle East has put him in a position to help Club Africain compete at home and qualify for continental competition.

“I enjoyed my experiences (in Saudi Arabia and Syria). I don’t regret the choice to play over there,” said the 31-year-old, speaking to The Big Tip Off. “There are aspects of my game that I wanted to improve on. Those two seasons away were crucial for my growth.

“I am the type of player who is never satisfied. I always want to do better. Any team I play for I must do a good job for them.”

Omar Abada in action for Club Africain
Omar Abada says Club Africain has learnt from last season’s Championnat A finals mistakes. Pictures: Club Africain

The two-time AfroBasket winner has since returned to Tunisia. He gave the reasons for returning and why he preferred his current club. “There were a couple of reasons why I came back home. One of them is to win the league and to qualify for the BAL,” said the Tunisian international. “I liked what their board presented to me. I could feel that they were motivated and wanted to win, that’s why I signed with them.”

Four-time league champion Abada and Club Africain came close to winning the Championnat A last season, but US Monastir stood in their way. He recalled the 3-2 Championnat A finals loss to the 2022 BAL champions.

“It was a very competitive final. Homecourt advantage was key. It was painful to lose the final after a five-game series. We gave it everything, but this is sport and only one team wins,” said Abada.

Club Africain, four-time league champions, is again in the throes of the playoffs and likely to compete in the domestic finals again. Abada is confident about the team’s title charge. He feels the lessons from the past and the arrival of new players have improved the club’s chances this year.

“We have a big chance to win the league this season. We have learnt from the mistakes we made in last year’s finals. Our roster has improved with the imports brought in and moves made locally,” said Abada.

 

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The signings Abada referred to are Montenegro big man Gligorije Rakocevic, who has played continental basketball in Europe for Mornar Bar and point Michael Dixon Jr, a BAL champion and MVP with US Monastir.

Al Lfriki also brought in former youth international Mohamed Selmi, who played for Tunisia at the 2016 U18 AfroBasket. The Seward County Saints player was a 2014 Basketball Without Borders All-Star and three-points champion.

Abada says the trio are part of a “special group of players.”

“We have great talents in the team and definitely a lot of quality. We are like a family. That is what makes us a special group of players,” said Abada.

On the day of the interview with Abada, Club Africain had a 5-1 record in the playoffs and stretched their record with another victory over DS Grombalia. Abada scored 12 points and had three assists in his club’s emphatic 96-48 win on Saturday. Before the match, he said winning on their opposition’s home court helped the team’s momentum.  

“We have five wins in a row. A win will be good for our momentum because we have an objective. We have to play our best basketball to reach it. It is what we have been doing since the beginning of the season and it is what we are doing now in the playoffs,” said Abada.

Omar Abada in action of Club Africain
Omar Abada believes three teams have a shot at the Championnat A title.

US Monastir, his former employer, has been a dominant force in the last league for six years. This year again Monastir is among the contenders for the coveted Championnat A title. Can Abada and his teammates end the Blue Empire’s rampage?

Entering the final year of his contract, Abada expressed his determination to win while wearing Club Africain’s red and white striped jersey. However, he acknowledged there are at least three contenders in the race.

“Club Africain, US Monastir and JS Kairouan… We are all in. We all have a shot at the title,” said Abada. “It is a crucial season for the team and I. We have set ourselves a goal. We must play our best basketball to reach it.”

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Darlan finds his groove in Delaware with the Blue Coats

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THIERRY Serge Darlan cracked a smile when asked about a picture of his much younger self holding up a certificate on his IG account. The image in question is the last in a series depicting Darlan’s journey from his homeland, the Central African Republic, to his current NBA G League franchise, the Delaware Blue Coats.

The Big Tip Off was interested in uncovering the feelings that were evoked when he looked back at the picture of his formative years, considering his journey and the hurdles he has had to jump to get to where he is.

Responding to the question, the 21-year-old, who honed his game at the NBA Academy in Saly, Senegal, recalled a version of himself intent on putting in the hard yards to fulfil his basketball dreams.

“I am really proud of that young man for the effort he put in. Back home, he worked hard every single day. I mean every single day,” said Darlan. “The only time I would miss training is if I was sick or something else. So, yep, I am really proud of that young man.”

Thierry Serge Darlan is finding his groove with the Bluecoats.
Thierry Serge Darlan has found his groove with the Blue Coats. Pictures: Bluecoats and The BTO.

Before moving across the Atlantic, Darlan, one of the finest talents from the continent, had to prepare himself for that transition. The NBA Academy, while making sure the youngster perfected his craft on the court, also shaped him.

“It was one of the best experiences since I started playing basketball. Over there, I began to believe in myself more and that I could make it. That place changed my view of how to play basketball,” said Darlan. “When I started playing basketball, I was just playing for fun. As soon as I got to the Academy, my attitude shifted. The people there helped me achieve my dream. They pushed me every day to give my best. They did it at practice and at the weight room. I am really grateful for that opportunity.”

Darlan also shared some wisdom imparted to him during his stay in Senegal. “I learnt a lot of things while I was there. One of the first things you learn is how to be a man, on and off the court. Another thing is the importance of being on time. You have to be on time no matter what,” said Darlan.

Keeping time has not been an issue for Darlan, but the second-year G-League pro had to deal with the injury bug in his first season during his stint at G-League Ignite.

A dislocated ankle, which saw him play only 29 games, stalled his progress at the now-disbanded G-League Ignite franchise. With Ignite he averaged 4.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 0.8 apg.

This year, Darlan – first drafted by Rip City Remix this season – has remained healthy, appearing in 24 games for the Blue Coats while boosting his production to 9.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, and 1.6 apg.

Darlan is also happy with his own progress after his struggles in his first G-League season. “I am pleased with my current situation. I have put in so much work and feel this is only the beginning. It’s a learning curve… I am grateful for these experiences,” said Darlan.

He also spoke about his jump in productivity in this season’s G-League. “I don’t really pay attention to the statistics. I just wanna hoop and enjoy myself on the court. If I can learn and be that guy who brings value to the team, that’s great. I am the piece in the team that can do the dirty work, the one that can do everything,” said Darlan.

Thierry Serge Darlan NBA Academy
Thierry Serge Darlan says he matured as a person at the NBA Academy.

It is exciting to see one of the promising talents from Africa playing again. Having gone through struggle and now being back on the basketball court, we asked him how he felt about now living the dream of playing in the NBA?

“Good question. To be honest, I don’t know. I am out there doing my best. If I get drafted, that’s great. If not, it was probably not God’s plan for me,” said Darlan. “I try not to worry about that stuff. I am living in the present.”

At present, Darlan is in a good space in his career. He speaks with an understanding that nothing is guaranteed, so enjoying each moment is paramount. It is also the best way to honour the Thierry in the picture holding up a certificate many years ago.

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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.”

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
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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