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Mali and Diarra face uphill battle to qualify for AfroBasket
THE final window of the 2025 Men’s AfroBasket qualifiers will have begun on Friday, and Mali enters this phase with significant pressure to win every game. The Sahel nation is up against some of the continent’s toughest teams: South Sudan, ranked No.1 in Africa; the Democratic Republic of the Congo, undefeated in the previous qualifying window; and Morocco, always a formidable contender.
Chona holds off retirement talk for shot at BAL qualification
CHONGO Chona pictured Season 5 of the Basketball Africa League as the stage where he would bid goodbye to his playing career, but it was not to be as the proverbial needle burst that bubble.
Phiri, Matero eyeing ZBF title to ease sting of Elite 16
LAST year in October, Saul Phiri and his Matero Magic teammates looked unstoppable in the early stages of the Road To BAL – their unbeaten campaign in Zimbabwe held a lot of promise – it looked like they would be the first from Zambia to qualify for the Basketball Africa League.
Selepe embraces inner coach and leading MBB to the BAL
DURING his playing days at Jeppe High School for Boys, Lebesa Selepe says in his learnt that he had an inner coach in him, something he took time to warm up to. In a full-circle moment, Selepe has embraced his ability to impart basketball knowledge from the sidelines at his former school.
SA coaches cry foul over non-payment for U18 AfroBasket
FOUR months have passed since the U18 AfroBasket (for men and women) ended on South African shores. However, some of the rubble from the chaotic way Basketball South Africa (BSA) organised the tournament remains.
Heavyweights to do battle in Group B of the Elite 16
GROUP B in the 2025 Elite 16 Division East promises an intense battle as Matero Magic, the City Oilers, Urunani, and Fox Basketball Club vie for the two remaining spots in the landmark fifth season of the Basketball Africa League (BAL). With everything on the line, each team must bring their best to ensure they make it to the tournament’s final game and secure their place on Africa’s grandest basketball stage.
New kids on the block to fight for supremecy in Group A
GROUP A of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Elite 16 sets the stage for a thrilling showdown as Nairobi City Thunder (Kenya), MBB (South Africa), Bravehearts Basketball Club (Malawi), and Kriol Star Basketball Club (Cape Verde) battle for a spot in the landmark fifth season of the BAL.
Nyatlo elevates her game after overcoming a series of injuries
FOR different reasons, Ipeleng Nyatlo says she has developed an appreciation for basketball. The reason for this renewed love for the game may have to do with two injury setbacks and getting to play in continental club qualifiers. The experiences have matured her as a player and a person.
Preview of Road To BAL Elite 16 Group B Division West
THE Elite 16 will feature an exciting mix of emerging talents and seasoned players. Clubs like Al Ahli Tripoli, Kadji Sport, Mighty Barrolle Basketball Club, and Spintex Knights will embark on their first journeys in the Elite 16.
Preview of Road To BAL Elite 16 Group A Division West
AS the Road To BAL enters the critical Elite 16 stage, Group A is gearing up for an exhilarating showdown. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with two coveted spots in the fifth season of the BAL on the line. Moanda Basket, ABC Fighters, Chaux Sport, and Stade Malien each bring a unique blend of talent, ambition, and competitive spirit to this crucial round.
Affi and renewed ABC Fighters locked in for Road To BAL
AS anticipation builds toward The Road to BAL Elite 16, the ABC Fighters are gearing up for a comeback with renewed vigour. Being one of Côte d’Ivoire’s most celebrated teams, their legacy is marked by excellence, underscored by 22 national championships and a continental victory in the old FIBA Africa Champions Cup.
Basketball South Africa executive fumble the ball
LIKE many in the South African basketball fraternity, I watched with great bewilderment on Friday as Basketball South Africa (BSA) made a comical and shoddy attempt to present their Annual Report and give feedback on their hosting of the FIBA U18 AfroBasket to the parliamentary portfolio on Sports Arts and Culture.
Boissy wants to give Urunani fans joy in Road To BAL
JEAN Jacques Boissy said when the opportunity to further his playing career in Burundi’s VBL came, he did not have to think twice. He saw the move as a chance to grow his game. But he did more than hone his skill set, he surpassed expectations on the court – Boissy played a pivotal role in Urunani Basketball Club’s championship run.
Almeida waxes lyrical about his music and success on the court
IVAN Almeida has wowed crowds in the colours of Cape Verde on the international stage and in the different vests of European clubs he has played for. His exceptional talent has been rewarded with an abundance of team and individual accolades at the club level. But there is more to Almeida than just basketball.
Basketball, the ace that shaped Ogharanduku’s life
SHARON Ogharanduku has four roles to fulfil: being a counsellor, marriage, motherhood, and playing basketball. She says having a supportive family has helped her maintain the balance she needs. Being married in basketball is also a bonus for Ogharanduku – she described her husband, former Rivers Hoopers player Precious Saliu, as a pillar of support.
Ongwae ready to rumble with Thunder in Road To BAL
TYLOR Ongwae is a heralded son in Kenyan basketball, from providing a historic clutch moment in a Morans vest to capturing domestic and continental success in Europe. He has done it all in his career. The latter achievement – winning the FIBA Europe Cup – quenched his thirst for a major trophy and was a fitting end to his lengthy and storied career abroad.
Harper excited about the growth of basketball in Africa
IN basketball, few figures have left as indelible a mark as Ron Harper. He has had a remarkable career, that includes five NBA championships. Coupled with his championship ring he’s also had the honour of playing alongside legends like Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant.
Sibanyoni’s stock rises after remarkable season in Burundi
NKOSINATHI Sibanyoni’s journey through basketball took an unexpected yet enriching turn as he ventured into the vibrant world of Burundi’s Viva Basketball League (VBL). By joining Urunani BBC in late June, Sibanyoni was part of a cast of star players that took Burundi’s league by storm.
