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Preview of Group A of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Africa
GROUP A of the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifier sees strong nations Cameroon, Cape Verde and South Sudan and minnows Libya, trying to make headway in the first round in Rades, Tunisia. The Big Tip Off writer Sindiswa Mabunda gives an outlook on the chances of the four competing nations in Group A.
A review of Group C of the 2027 World Cup Africa Qualifiers
The opening round of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Africa Qualifiers begins Thursday in Rades, Tunisia, where the host nation will join Nigeria, Rwanda, and Guinea in seeking a strong start to their Group C campaign. The Big Tip Off writer Sindiswa Mabunda outlines the chances of the teams in Group C.
Daho talks commentary journey and winning on the court
MALICK Daho is a popular commentator in African basketball, but his connection to the game runs much deeper than being one of the voices of the game on the continent. Back in the day, Daho laced them up, and he graced many courts for club and country, but his journey was one of foresight, too. He understood he could not solely lean on basketball, and he would need something to fall back on – that wisdom paved the way for his present career as a commentator.
Kalua believes getting to the BAL is a marathon not a sprint
GRIFFIN Kalua will steer his club, Bravehearts Basketball Club, during the Road to BAL, having armed himself with new knowledge. This, after he journeyed to Saly, Senegal, for the BAL Pro Camp last month. The trip to the camp (25-27 September) in the West African country both opened Kalua’s eyes to new strategies and left him asking questions.
Ramabu, Dolphins chase Elite 16 spot in Road to BAL
BOTSILE Ramabu intimated that playing in continental basketball gave him a rude awakening. The Botswana-born baller, a former student-athlete at West Virginia University Potomac State College, admits he initially underestimated the game on the African continent. So, it took something special to convince him African basketball was no child’s play.
Ubisse and Beira look to get on track at Road to BAL
FERROVIARIO da Beira forward Helton Ubisse has been sporting a distinctive look, which has set him apart from his teammates. While not by choice, the Mozambican has worn goggles in late 2023. The eyewear which Ubisse has had to wear after sustaining an injury that kept him out for six months has not diminished his prowess on the court, and he has referred to it as a part of his style.
Chukwurah, Blazers to follow players who know the Road to BAL
ANTHONY Chukwurah was reflective about what basketball has done for him. Having started in South Africa, the idea that the game could take him all over the continent was far-fetched, given the timing he picked up the game. Since turning pro, he has won a second career major title last year with Liberia’s Mighty Barrolle, and this year with his current club, Uganda’s Namuwongo Blazers, he is on the verge of securing another major career title.
Kadiwa aims to end his Bravehearts career on a high
MADILITSO Kadiwa has been with Bravehearts from 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.
Lele banks on BEAC ending Cameroon’s BAL roadblock
CAMEROON’S Valentin Lele is carving out a successful career for himself in his homeland. Since 2023, he has won a domestic championship. But this year, along with the national trophy, he added the title of MVP to his list of successes.
Odero ready for Road to BAL take off with the Thunder
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.
Investing in youth yields tangible benefits for African nations
ANGOLAN stars Bruno Fernando and 2025 AfroBasket MVP Childe Dundao. Malian standouts Sika Kone and Sira Thienou. Apart from making their names in basketball, the quartet have one thing in common. They all play for the national teams of their respective countries. As you unfurl the thread, a little bit is revealed about their journeys in the setups of their countries’ various national teams.
Giants survive Marlins fightback to capture national title
THE newly formed Johannesburg Giants saw off the KwaZulu-Natal Marlins 79-76 in the men’s Basketball South Africa (BSA) National Club Championship final on Monday evening at the University of Cape Town. Despite a second-quarter lapse, the Giants would dominate proceedings for most of the game.
Vikings awarded walkover in Club Championship final
MONTANA Vikings clinched the Basketball South Africa (BSA) Women’s National Club Championship on Monday at the University of Cape Town (UCT) without taking to the court. Johannesburg’s MBB were unable to field a team for the hastily rescheduled match, resulting in a forfeit. The Cape Town-based club won by default (20-0).
Nemutambwe expects Hounds to bite in the Road to BAL
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.
Almeida, Al Ali to bring the noise at Intercontinental Cup
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.
It’s not a national competition, it’s a national farce
IN an ideal world, the upcoming South African National Basketball Club Championship would be an event worth celebrating — one to look forward to and write home about. Instead, much like previous editions, the organisation of the men’s and women’s tournaments scheduled for this weekend (19–22 September) in Cape Town has been farcical.
Hectic playing schedule will make Banda a busy baller
HARRISON Banda is going to experience a hectic club schedule in the coming weeks. With his club, Munali Suns, Banda is already two games into the domestic Midlands Basketball Association League campaign. Coming up is a highly anticipated derby match against Lusaka rivals and 12-time Zambia Basketball League (ZBL) champions Matero Magic on Friday at 8 pm.
Mabika and Bravehearts itching for continental competition
BRAVEHEARTS Women’s Club have made the BASMAL domestic championship their own for over five years, and their success has heightened the team’s ambition. The desire to compete now stretches beyond the home comforts of Malawi and into the continental realm. With the FIBA Zone 6 (Southern Africa) Women’s Basketball League Africa Qualifiers likely to take place this year, that dream could soon become a reality for the Bravehearts.
