Road To BAL 2025 - The Big Tip Off

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.

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.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ivan F Almeida (@ifalmeida)

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.

Almeida, Al Ali to bring the noise at Intercontinental Cup Read More »

Hectic playing schedule will make Banda a busy baller

Leave a Comment

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.

The experienced Banda, winner of the fifth edition of the Bravehearts International (BIBC) challenge earlier in the month with the Suns, will be with the 2022-2023 ZBL champions temporarily. The reason for the short stay with the Suns is that Banda has to rejoin Brave Hearts for the preliminary phase of the Road to BAL, which starts around October.

So, the Suns, 2-0 in the provincial league, have to make full use of 28-year-old Banda’s talents before he heads back to neighbouring Malawi for Bravehearts’ continental sojourn.

Harrison Banda Munali Suns — **Harrison Banda is looking forward to the derby match against Matero Magic. Picture: The BTO**

While playing in continental competition is always a thrilling prospect, Banda also wants to give Munali his best. He is locked in for the expected humdinger league battle on Friday. He says winning the BIBC has improved confidence within the Suns team.

“It’s great for our morale. It motivates us to push harder this season. We have not won anything in a while, so it sets a good precedent for us for the rest of the season,” said Banda, the BIBC MVP.

Ahead of the battle royale against the Magic, the veteran big man feels the Suns will be a more competitive outfit this time around. He also highlighted the importance of paying attention to every detail.

“We are very excited. I am looking forward to the game. We have a good team compared to last season,” said Banda. “Looking back at when we played them last season, we focused a lot on their imports and ignored their local guys. This time around, our approach will be different.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Harrison Banda (@harrison_unofficial)

Banda rolling with the Bravehearts once again

The Suns have only won one championship, but Banda spoke with determination about the 21-year-old club’s hunger to recapture the title they won two years ago. He believes being one unit will be key to unlocking success for Munali.

“I think we should stick together as a group and focus on one goal. There are a couple of players who left at the end of last season. So the new players that have come in know what the mission is, and I am confident they can help us achieve,” said Banda.

Banda also looks forward to his fourth Road to BAL, especially after playing a crucial role in leading Brave Hearts to Elite 16 qualification last year. While their run ended at the latter stage, Banda, who averaged 10 points and 13.3 rebounds last year, says the playing personnel brought in can improve the team’s chances.

“I think this time around, we need to look into recruitment and bring in the right players. Another thing is the strengthening of the technical team. We struggled a bit because we had one coach, so with an assistant, we can cover the blind spots,” said Banda.

**Harrison Banda feels Bravehearts needs to improve certain departments for this year’s Road to BAL.**

Banda is hungry on all fronts. His experience is second to none, and while many would see him as stretched, given his commitments, the veteran player believes he is well aware of this rodeo. As long as his legs can carry him, Munali and Bravehearts will get the best of him.

Hectic playing schedule will make Banda a busy baller Read More »

Chona holds off retirement talk for shot at BAL qualification

Leave a Comment

CHONGO Chona pictured Season 5 of the Basketball Africa League (the BAL) 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.

Last year’s Road to BAL Elite 16 expedition in Nairobi, Kenya, was disappointing for Matero Magic and left 34-year-old Chona with a chip on his shoulder, which led to him doing a U-turn on retirement and vowing to make things right. Fortunately for Chona, the Tamanga Boys will have another run at the Road to BAL later in the year, after clinching a 12th domestic national championship.

**Chongo Chona says teams always get better at the different stages of the Road to BAL. Pictures: FIBA**

Chona, known as Stizzy in Zambian basketball circles, says consistency has been key to Matero’s success. They have also adapted after losing their bigs in previous seasons.

“It’s all about consistency and hard work… Never ever being complacent. Twelve titles are a lot, especially considering the past two seasons. We have lost some players in the last two years. Our centres Douglas (Kandulu) and Miles (Ndalama) got contracts after past Elite 16 competitions. We had challenges in the local league following the departures of those players,” said Chona. “… But getting the 12th title for Matero is an amazing feeling. A feeling of what hard work and consistency can achieve.”

The former UNZA Pacers player credited Manuel Silva, Matero’s coach in last year’s Road to BAL, for setting them up for success for the remainder of the domestic season. Chona says another ingredient that led to the championship was trust among teammates.

“We relied on each other (this season), especially given the challenges we faced with the playing personnel. Matero Magic has always been a dominant team in the post position in the league, but with the two bigs gone, we had to rely on each other more,” said the former Zambia international.

Chona expanded on what Angolan coach Silva left behind during his brief stay at the Tamanga Boys.

“I think Manuel Silva’s influence still impacted the team. He was with us from the Road to BAL first stage in Zimbabwe and the Elite 16 in Kenya,” said Chona. “I feel the knowledge he gave and being able to execute what he taught changed things for us. He elevated our game by introducing cardinal things like discipline, how to play better as a team, respecting the game and most importantly, enjoying it. So, those are the lessons we took, and they led us to this championship.

“He (Silva) may not have been there for the title run… But he was there in spirit. He is a good coach. I am glad I got a chance to work with him.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Matero Magic (@materomagicbasketball)

Recalling the Road to BAL, Chona believes teams always strive to improve at every stage of qualification which was not the case with the Zambian club. Matero finished the preliminary stages with an impressive 5-0 record but bowed out winless in the Elite 16.

“We have played Urunani and Oilers before, and the losses were close. When we played both teams last year, we lost by huge margins. It shows that every year is different in Road to BAL… Teams are always improving – it’s rare that they do not upgrade,” said Chona. So you can’t say we played Urunani last year and lost by nine. We almost had them. Complacency cannot be a factor at any level. Every game (in the Road to BAL) must be approached as a final.

“So complacency crept in because we looked at previous results, and we had an upgraded roster, so we thought things would be easy, but it wasn’t. We have to play like it is the last time we will play in these tournaments.”

Given Chona’s latter statement and how he imagined hanging up his sneakers not coming to pass, he feels he has enough in the tank to have another go at trying to help Matero qualify for the BAL.

“This was supposed to be my last season with Matero Magic and basketball. I wanted to take a different role, maybe in management, to see how I can continue impacting the game, not only for Matero and the country too,” said Chona. “After what happened at the Elite 16, a part of me says I am not done.

**Chongo Chona did a U-Turn on his decision to retire after last year’s disappointing run at the Elite 16.**

Chona says along with the physical toll the continental competition took, it also drained him emotionally and he questioned whether it was still worth it to continue playing.

“I didn’t have a good run in Kenya. I got injured in the first game against Urunani. It changed the tournament for me. I felt like I let down my club, teammates and country,” said Chona. “I felt like it was time for someone else to take the baton. So when we came back (from Kenya), I missed a couple of games in the season.

“I think I had to ask myself why I am playing. I also got messages from young kids telling me they were proud of the team for getting to that level. So I had to ask myself, ‘I know what I did to get my body right for this competition, am I willing to do it again and do it way better and at a higher level than last year?'”

Following the introspection Chona decided to make some changes to his game and reiterated that his career is far from done.

“Even when we got the (domestic) playoffs, I decided to take a different role… Everybody wants to score, but we can do other things like going for that rebound, making that stop or that extra dish to a teammate in a better position to score. So those are the things I tried, and things turned out great in the playoffs. So, as things stand, I want to give the BAL another go. Job not done,” concluded Chona.

It’s impressive to see Chona feeling more motivated and matching that motivation with the work needed to be successful. As Matero plot their qualification to the BAL, they will need players like Chona, who put the team first and can adapt to change when necessary.

Chona holds off retirement talk for shot at BAL qualification Read More »

New kids on the block to fight for supremecy in Group A

Leave a Comment

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.

All four teams have one thing in common – they will experience the Elite 16 for the first time. So, the teams will aim to have a memorable debut at this level of The Road To BAL.

Nairobi City Thunder (Kenya)

Founded in 1998 and became Nairobi City Thunder in 2010, the team from the Kenya capital rapidly established itself as one of the East African nation’s premier basketball clubs. They came to the Road To BAL after winning their domestic league with an unbeaten record.

Path to the Elite 16

The Thunder qualified for the Elite 16 by delivering a dominant performance in the BAL qualifiers, showcasing a blend of international talent and experienced leadership. With several key additions to their roster, they enter the competition as one of the favourites in Group A.

Tylor Ongwae ahead of Elite 16 — **Nairobi City Thunder player Tylor Ongwae has a versatility that can help the host club’s Elite 16 ambition. Pictures: FIBA**

Key Players to Watch

Tylor Ongwae is a versatile defender and vocal leader who will be essential in shutting down opposing players due to his ability to guard multiple positions. Derrick Ogechi is a dynamic offensive player with the skill to break through defences and create scoring opportunities, making him a vital part of the Thunder’s offensive strategy.

Additionally, Abdoulaye Harouna and Ater Majok bring significant experience and physicality to the team. Majok excels in rebounding and shot-blocking, while Harouna enhances the defence and leadership, adding depth to an already strong roster.

Outlook

With a balanced roster and the advantage of playing at home, Nairobi City Thunder can dominate Group A. Their success will depend on their defensive performance and ability to execute under pressure. Maintaining consistency throughout the competition will be crucial to their success.

MBB (South Africa)

Founded in 2020, MBB is a relatively new basketball club that has quickly risen to prominence in South Africa. Following the Cape Town Tigers’ withdrawal from the domestic competition in South Africa, MBB seized the opportunity to represent the country on the continental stage.

Path to the Elite 16

MBB earned their place in the Elite 16 by winning the 2024 South African National Club Championship. Their success can be attributed to their strong cohesion, as they primarily rely on local talent, with a few experienced players providing leadership and tactical insight.

Key Players to Watch

Neo Mothiba, a seasoned veteran, brings essential leadership, scoring, and stability to MBB. With his wealth of experience in high-pressure situations, Mothiba is an invaluable asset in Group A of the competition. His ability to remain composed and make critical decisions under pressure will be crucial for the team’s performance.

Lebesa Selepe, a former player for the Cape Town Tigers, adds another layer of depth to MBB’s roster, bringing with him valuable experience from his time in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) and a deep understanding of the tactical nuances required at this level of competition. His insight into the strategies of top-tier teams will be instrumental in shaping MBB’s approach.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MBB Blue Soldiers (@mbb_basketball)

Outlook

As newcomers to the Elite 16, MBB faces a steep learning curve, but their chemistry and disciplined play could surprise more experienced teams. Their teamwork and resilience will be essential as they compete against some of the best clubs on the continent.

Kriol Star Basketball Club (Cape Verde)

Cape Verde’s Kriol Star Basketball Club surprisingly earned a wild card entry to the Elite 16. They had a 0-2 record in the Division West preliminary qualifiers, and they will hope for a better showing in Kenya.

Path to the Elite 16

Early strong performances showcased their abilities, but losses to top teams like Stade Malien and Al Ahli Tripoli ended their interest in the competition. Nonetheless, the team’s wild card entry presents an opportunity to prove themselves.

Key Players to Watch

Dieudonne Ndayisaba Ndizeye, a standout player for Kriol Star, brings exceptional athleticism and defensive skills, making him a vital contributor, especially in rebounding and disrupting opposing offences. Kclejuan Brown’s presence in the paint and ability to control the boards are crucial to Kriol Star’s defensive strength, though improving his shooting efficiency will be critical.

De Angelo Stewart, a versatile scorer, can light up the scoreboard, but consistency in his shooting will be essential for the team’s success. Abdelali Lahrichi, as the playmaker, provides vital vision and passing to maintain Kriol Star’s offensive rhythm, though he must focus on reducing his turnover rate to avoid costly mistakes.

Abdelali Lahrichi of Kriol Star Elite 16 — **Can Abdelali Lahrichi make Kriol Star’s second chance count in the Elite 16?**

What the stats say

Shooting Efficiency: Kriol Star struggled with shooting accuracy during the qualifiers, posting a field goal percentage of only 37.3% against Stade Malien and 38.2% against Al Ahli Tripoli.

Turnovers: The team faced challenges with ball security, committing 18 turnovers against Stade Malien and 19 against Al Ahli Tripoli.

Interior Defense: Kriol Star allowed opponents to score heavily in the paint – particularly during their losses to Stade Malien, they surrendered 42 points inside.

Outlook

To succeed in the Elite 16, Kriol Star must strengthen its transition defence, limit turnovers, and improve shooting efficiency if they are to emerge from these qualifiers.

Bravehearts Basketball Club (Malawi)

Malawian club Bravehearts Basketball Club has rapidly established itself as one of the leading clubs in the country. Founded in 2015, the club has achieved significant success in national and regional competitions. Their historic qualification for the Elite 16 in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) qualifiers was the stuff of dreams. This accomplishment marks a significant milestone for Malawian basketball.

Path to the Elite 16

Entering the qualifiers with only eight registered players, Bravehearts defied expectations. They overcame early setbacks to secure their spot in the Elite 16. Their resilience was particularly evident in their thrilling 73-71 victory over Costa do Sol in the preliminary qualifiers and indicative of a team that can handle pressure.

Key Players to Watch

Harrison Banda is the beat of Bravehearts. His leadership and experience are invaluable to the team. Standing at just 6ft7, Banda defies expectations on the court, particularly with his impressive scoring and rebounding abilities. His standout performance against Costa do Sol – scoring 16 points and 13 rebounds – highlights his exceptional two-way capabilities and ability to outwork taller players. Banda’s experience in multiple BAL qualifying campaigns with different teams has sharpened his skills and mental fortitude, making him a crucial asset in high-stakes situations.

While Banda provides stability, younger players like Faad Billy and Ian Limbe were key contributors. Billy showcased his versatility against Costa do Sol, contributing 17 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, while Limbe added a much-needed scoring boost with 15 points.

Ian Limbe ahead of 16 — **Ian Limbe is one of the key factors in Bravehearts’ progress to the Elite 16.**

Outlook

Bravehearts has demonstrated they can compete at a high level despite facing challenges. With a limited rotation and a lack of depth, their focus will be on maintaining energy, teamwork, and resilience. They will rely on their strong defence and the ability to execute under pressure, which has been central to their success.

Conclusion

Group A is set to deliver thrilling matchups, with every team possessing the potential to shake up the competition. Nairobi City Thunder will look to dominate on home soil, while MBB aims to prove themselves in continental basketball. Kriol Star will fight to overcome their previous struggles, while Bravehearts, with their resilience and heart, will continue to defy expectations. This group is poised for an exciting and unpredictable run to the BAL playoffs.

New kids on the block to fight for supremecy in Group A Read More »

Affi and renewed ABC Fighters locked in for Road To BAL

Leave a Comment

AS anticipation builds toward The Road to BAL Elite 16, the ABC Fighters are gearing up for a comeback with renewed vigour. Being one of Côte d’Ivoire’s most celebrated teams, their legacy is marked by excellence, underscored by 22 national championships and a continental victory in the old FIBA Africa Champions Cup.

However, in recent times, the path to continental glory and playing among the best has been challenging. With their disappointing performance in The Road to BAL 2024 and subsequent absence from Season 4 of the BAL, the Fighters had to adopt a new mindset. Reinvention was the new mantra – leading to a dedication of time and resources to refining their strategies and tackling the issues that held them back.

In an interview with The Big Tip Off, coach Anderson Affi, who took over from Milutin Nikoli, discusses the ABC Fighters’ journey to the Elite 16, Division West (5-10 November). He emphasizes the critical role of Côte d’Ivoire’s Ligue d’Or played in their development. The lessons learnt from past experiences, the revitalized preparation and adjustments, and the importance of fan support in their quest for success on the African basketball stage.

The Role of Côte d’Ivoire’s Ligue d’Or in ABC Fighters’ Journey

Competing in the Ligue d’Or (formerly the Ivorian Basketball Championship) has been crucial to the ABC Fighters’ success. The most decorated team in domestic history, they have dominated and elevated the league’s standard. Affi highlighted how the league’s quality has improved with the influence of the BAL. “Our national league is of an average level within the sub-region, but with the BAL’s influence, the competition is gradually becoming more professional,” said Koffi

This progress has not gone unnoticed – it has shaped the ABC Fighters into a team well-prepared to face their opposition in continental play. The influx of foreign talent and increased investment have heightened the league’s competitiveness, pushing local players to rise to new challenges.

**Anderson Affi says Ligue d’Or has improved the quality of Cote d’Ivoire’s domestic game. Pictures: Supplied**

Transitioning from Domestic to Continental Competitions

The transition from the familiarity of Ligue d’Or to the elite competition of The Road to BAL presents unique challenges. Coach Affi emphasizes that competing on the continental stage requires heightened adaptability and intensity, both on and off the court. “Our biggest challenge is to prove that our high ranking in African basketball is well-deserved,” he noted.

Affi understands that overcoming these challenges necessitates significant financial investment and strategic planning to meet the demands of continental play. “To succeed in the Road To BAL, you must invest a lot of money to ensure proper preparation, and you need to recruit the best players,” he states. “When the team is well-prepared with quality players, everything else becomes easier.”

Challenges and Lessons from Missing Out on BAL Season 4

After their performance in Season 3 of the BAL, where they lost 88-84 to Angola’s Petro de Luanda in the quarterfinals, the ABC Fighters qualified directly for the Elite 16 per league rules. However, this proved disadvantageous, as they entered the Elite 16 without assessing the true level of competition in the continental league and finished with a 1-2 record, missing out on a spot in Season 4 of the BAL.

Reflecting on this missed opportunity, Coach Affi shares insights into the factors that stifled the ABC Fighters. “We qualified directly for the Elite 16 last season. Unfortunately, we did not prepare well. It was clear that we lacked teamwork and cohesion. Our automatisms were non-existent, and our defence was too lax,” said Affi. Late roster setups and limited training time compromised team cohesion and defensive strength, preventing the Fighters from competing at their full potential. This experience served as a wake-up call, prompting the team to rethink their approach and prioritize early, thorough preparation for the upcoming campaign.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ABC Fighters (@abc_fighters)

Revitalized Preparation and Strategic Adjustments

Determined to improve from last season, the ABC Fighters have revamped their strategy for the offseason. This year, they implemented critical changes in their preparation and roster-building, allowing for a comprehensive preseason where players could establish teamwork and communication. “We started our regroupings and training earlier. Our foreign players arrived earlier, which allowed us to focus on teamwork and cohesion,” noted Affi.

A notable new addition to the roster is Karim Mané, a former NBA player whose experience brings invaluable depth to the team. “He brings his experience from the NBA environment, which is invaluable for our team,” Coach Affi emphasized, highlighting Mané’s positive impact on morale and team dynamics.

This renewed approach has already yielded positive results, as the Fighters completed the West Division games in Libya undefeated. ABC showcased their strength throughout their three group matches – ending their campaign in Libya with a 94-66 victory over Benin’s Elan Coton. Despite this success, Coach Affi stresses that their job remains unfinished. “We are currently undefeated, but we must remain cautious because the Elite 16 represents a completely different challenge. It will not resemble the West Division, so we need to approach it with the utmost seriousness,” said Affi.

Anderson Affi of ABC — **Anderson Affi says the Elite 16 is a different challenge.**

Fan Support and the Quest for Continental Success

While national pride may be an overarching theme for ABC’s continental drive, it is not the sole factor, the value added by their unwavering fans is another key ingredient. The presence of their supporters is a constant reminder of the responsibility they bear as the country’s most decorated team. “Our immediate priority is to qualify for the final stages. The fans are our greatest motivation. We need their support because, without them, the task becomes extremely challenging,” says Affi.

The areas that need improvement have been identified and worked on, thus putting Coach Affi and the ABC Fighters in a position to be successful on the continental stage. With their sights set on Season 5 of The BAL, the ABC Fighters are committed to making Côte d’Ivoire proud and establishing themselves as a powerhouse in African basketball.

Affi and renewed ABC Fighters locked in for Road To BAL Read More »