Road to BAL - The Big Tip Off

Ozabor ready to take giant career leap

JOSHUA Ozabor explains that two years ago, while playing in South Africa’s national club championship, he was naive about how serious the competition was and what it would have meant had the team he played for won the final.

Ozabor, one of the standout players for the Johannesburg Giants in the recently concluded BAL Kalahari Conference, which ended in disappointment, says playing for the haphazardly put-together Tip-Off Sport Vikings at the 2024 national tournament was a wake-up call.

Despite being a hastily arranged outfit, the then Florsheim Ngwenya-coached Vikings made it to the final but lost to MBB, who would earn the ticket to represent South Africa at last year’s BAL. During a telephonic interview with The Big Tip Off, the athletic Ozabor, who was playing NCAA Division I basketball at the time, recalled the lesson he learned two years ago.

“Not to take anything for granted,” said Ozabor, a former Bryant University Bulldogs player. “At that time, I was still at university. I was back for like three or four weeks. I think that was the third game I was playing in that tournament. I did not know what it was for. I was close with Florsh, who asked me to come and play and get some experience. I took that final for granted. I treated it like a normal game, not understanding the ramifications.

“It taught me that no matter where you are playing or who you are playing, you always have to come with that competitive mindset to win.”

Joshua Ozabor BAL Kalahari 2026 — **Joshua Ozabor feels the BAL showed he can get to his spots. Pictures: The BTO**

The attitude adjustment showed last year, and he won. This time, it was with the less-than-a-year-old Giants, who captured the national title and had a dream run in the Road to BAL, which led to automatic qualification for this year’s BAL Season 6. Sadly for Ozabor and Co., their Kalahari Conference debut held in South Africa’s capital, Tshwane, did not go according to script.

A humbling 0-5 record saw the Giants make an early exit. Despite finishing last in the opening leg of the BAL – the Kalahari Conference – Ozabor was one of the team’s shining lights. The 23-year-old statuesque baller averaged 14.8 points, 3 assists, and 4 rebounds during the Kalahari Conference. Ozabor was second in minutes (31.9) for the Giants in the five games he played, and he hit double figures after a quiet seven points in the opening game against Dar City.

Ozabor scored 18 points vs Nairobi City Thunder, 17 points vs RSSB Tigers, 13 points vs Al Ahly Libya and 19 points vs Petro de Luanda. While he held his own in terms of points production, he feels he could have done more to improve the fortunes of the Giants.

“Individually, numbers-wise, I did pretty well,” said Ozabor. “I am my own harshest critic. I feel I could have done better. Especially in that first game, I wish I could have done more offensively and defensively.”

While the Giants’ debut BAL campaign ended disappointingly, Ozabor feels his performances can only propel him forward.

“I am grateful for the opportunity. What I did in the tournament will help progress my career,” said Ozabor. “I definitely could have done better. Especially at the free-throw line. Just overall shooting percentage-wise I could have done better.”

He did feel he was able to get to his spots and make shots. “In terms of the aspects of my game that helped. Definitely my floaters and my finishing at the rim,” said Ozabor. “I thought I did a pretty good job putting the ball in places I know I wouldn’t get blocked.”

While a tournament of this magnitude requires meticulous preparation, sadly, the Giants were found wanting in that department, as competition in South Africa is not on par with leagues in Angola, Rwanda and Libya – countries which are home to the clubs that finished in the top three of the Kalahari Conference.

Joshua Ozabor JHB Giants BAL 2026 — **Joshua Ozabor put up some good numbers at the Kalahari Conference.**

Ozabor pointed to the experience factor and how it may have counted against them at the Kalahari Conference.

“I know for the most part, other than two imports (Jakobi Heady and Caleb Magua) and David Craig, the guys I was playing with, we had been together for a bit. Since last year, October,” said Ozabor. “Obviously, we are a new team. Many of these teams have played together, and as organisations, they have been around for over ten years.

“Individually, players like Nino (Dim) or Vees (Aviwe Mahlong) prepared extremely hard… As hard as they could have. We had been together since February, maybe we could have started earlier, but I think we prepared as hard as we could have for this opportunity.”

Having had the experience of facing off against high-calibre players like Childe Dundao, Nisre Zouzoua and the Jean Jacques Boissy’s of this world, how did he feel he measured up?

“The best play against the best of the best,” said Ozabor. “As a team, we never felt overwhelmed or scared. We didn’t perform to the level we should have, but we never doubted our abilities. It’s basketball at the end of the day, and there has to be a winner and a loser.

“Individually, or if I speak for myself and people like Nino and Aviwe, we feel like we are right up there with all those players. We are definitely younger and less experienced than they are, but when we step on the floor against them, we didn’t feel inadequate. We had trust in our work, our abilities and trust in God.”

Joshua Ozabor JHB Giants — **Joshua Ozabor enjoyed playing in front of his friends and family.**

With the Kalahari Conference being held in Pretoria, Ozabor says he enjoyed playing in front of “friends and family”.

“It was a blessing. Of course, we did not get the results we wanted, but playing in front of my friends and family is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Ozabor. “Every time you score a point or make a good play, you look to the side and see people that you know. The atmosphere as well… Seeing the fans there cheering… The overall excitement in the air. It was overwhelming at times and just a blessing to be a part of.”

The BAL season may have ended earlier than expected for Ozabor and the Giants, but his performances on that stage were surely enough to attract potential suitors for his services.

While there isn’t anything concrete yet about his future, Ozabor is taking everything in and hopes he does not have to wait too long to be rewarded for his talents.

“My family and I are still deciding that right now. By God’s grace, I’ll progress in my career. Whatever continent or country that is… We are still processing everything…. Still making decisions about who I want to do that with. By God’s grace, I’ll know soon enough. I am just grateful to Jesus Christ for having had the opportunity, which I had,” said Ozabor.

It is clear Ozabor moves by faith. With his added maturity brought by experience, he will be able to navigate obstacles on and off the court.

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Kalua believes getting to the BAL is a marathon not a sprint

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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.

While he left with a few more tricks up his sleeve, Kalua, speaking to The Big Tip Off early in the month, could not help but note that the camp benefited one part of Africa and excluded the other. From an Xs and Os perspective, Kalua pointed out that some African coaches and players had come catching up to do.

“There is much we can learn about modern concepts from the NBA and other professional leagues, including how they expect their players to do certain things. It was vital for me to attend the camp,” said the Bravehearts owner and coach. “They (The BAL) want to prepare coaches and players… If they get opportunities (to go overseas), they should not feel out of place because some players have gone to America for trials, and there were concepts that coaches there had looked out for, which those players were not familiar with. Or if African coaches go for (job) interviews, and it is found that they do not know the concepts.

“So they want to bridge that gap between professional basketball and where we are in African basketball. We learnt a lot of concepts that are modern and popular in the NBA and Euroleague. So it was vital for players and coaches to be there.”

Kalua Bravehearts BIBC 2025 — **Griffin Kalua says Bravehearts are good to go for the Road to BAL. Pictures: The BTO**

Kalua, who funded his trip to Senegal, noted that Africa is gradually making progress. However, he emphasised the importance of inclusivity, stressing that the benefits of the program should reach the entire continent.

“The gap is narrowing a little bit. Unfortunately, it’s only narrowing for certain parts of Africa. Not Africa as whole. It’s like there is a bias towards certain parts of Africa. So the gap will be growing among African countries,” said Kalua.

Questioned further why he thought the gaze of organisations like the NBA and the BAL would focus on some countries and not others, he lamented the lack of leadership, particularly in Southern Africa.

“If you look at Zone 6, only Angola and Mozambique are serious about their basketball… The rest of the countries are behind. So it’s understandable why there would be a kind of bias. Why these programs are concentrated in countries like Senegal is that they are serious about basketball,” said Kalua.

With the Southern African leg of the Road to BAL around the corner, he hopes the X’s and O’s concepts he learnt in Senegal will pay off for Bravehearts.

“We have already started to implement some of the concepts. Fortunately, because we travelled a lot and we played different teams, we were already on the right path,” said Kalua. “This (the pro camp) has pushed us closer to where we want to be. So, the implementation was not difficult because we were already aware of some of the concepts.”

With ballers like Harrison Banda, Ian Limbe, Faad Billy, Milton Caifaz and Americans Kirk Smith and Marquis Cunningham being part of the Bravehearts team and lessons learnt from the Bravehearts International Basketball Challenge (BIBC) in late August, Kalua believes the club can qualify for the Elite 16.

“I am confident because we have sorted out the areas of concern. We only have to finalise the clearances of our players. We don’t want a repeat of what happened in Zimbabwe, where we couldn’t field players because of clearances. So we hope to clear everybody as soon as possible,” said Kalua.

Griffin Kalua BIBC 2025 — **Griffin Kalua says his players are up to scratch with new basketball concepts.**

While Kalua’s ambition is to qualify Bravehearts for the BAL, he reiterated the message of patience.

“I am not in a hurry. When you look at the level of competition at the BAL or the Elite 16, it’s not easy, it’s hard,” said Kalua. “Our goal is to make the Elite 16. Our experience at the Elite 16 last year helped us make adjustments that we believe are good enough.

“We are not going to buy our way to the BAL. We are going to work and the results will speak. It’s not something that we will be denied for a long time. We will get that opportunity to play at the BAL.”

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Ramabu, Dolphins chase Elite 16 spot in Road to BAL

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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.

“It has been a big transition for me. I was one of the people who came from the US, and maybe I did not respect the game in Africa the way I should have. Tournaments like the Road to BAL and 3X3s around the continent showed me the talent and competition is there. It showed me African basketball should be respected as well,” admitted Ramabu.

Past experiences on the court have humbled the 24-year-old Ramabu. While making the Road to BAL looks to have been the easy part, unfortunately, the attempt to advance beyond the preliminary stages with the Dolphins Basketball Club (2023) and Botswana Defence Force (2024) has proven a tall and frustrating task.

Botsile Ramabu Dolphins 2025 — **Dolphins’ big man Botsile Ramabu has learnt to fly high in the Road to BAL. Picture: FIBA Africa**

For Ramabu and the Dolphins, the disappointments of the past can change in the coming weeks. With the Southern African leg of the Road to BAL qualifiers set to take place, possibly in Zambia (at a date to be determined), the supremely talented Ramabu and the five-time domestic league champions, Dolphins, will return to the Road to BAL competition for a third time.

“From the beginning (of the season), one of our objectives was to win our domestic league and get back to the qualifiers. Losing the title to BDF last year was disappointing, so it felt good to get it back. Going back to play at this stage again with the Dolphins also feels good. It’s great to put the Dolphins on top again,” said Ramabu.

Recalling the journey to once again capturing another title for the Dolphins and winning his first as a professional, the 6ft8 (2.03m) forward highlighted a hurdle early on for the club, which would go on to solidify them as a unit.

“We had some adversity at the beginning of the season. We had a preseason tournament, which the Police (V Basketball) won. From that moment, they (Police) were seen as the favourites to win (the title). So the adversity helped us push through, and we finished the season undefeated. It shows we deserve to be where we are,” said Ramabu, a former St Albans College pupil. “It also felt good to win my first championship. In 2023, I joined Dolphins for the qualifiers, as I was playing for another team prior.”

Ramabu continued: “It feels good to be doing it with a team I want to be on. This is a team I am comfortable with – my brothers. Great coaching staff. Great management. Amazing leadership from my captain and coach. It feels good to win something like this with the right team.”

Having learnt from falling short with the Dolphins and BDF, Ramabu says ensuring the team is fine-tuned and singing from the same page on the court will be crucial to the success of the club (Dolphins).

“It’s something we have spoken about as teammates. Small details can be the difference between winning the game by 10 or losing the game by 10. The good thing about this group is that several of us have played at the Road to BAL before. Having guys who have been there will help us execute the right plays in offence and defence in crucial phases of the game,” said Ramabu. “Those are the small details I am talking about. They can help you win the game.”

Botsile Ramabu in action for Dolphins 2025 — **Botsile Ramabu hopes to be all smiles at the end of the first round of the Road to BAL.**

Knowing where they are and the playing personnel in the team, how far will the Dolphins go in this year’s Road to BAL?

“I see us going to the Elite 16. It’s no knock on the teams that will be there, it’s just the faith I have in my group,” said Ramabu. “We have gone through challenges of a financial nature – fortunately, our coach has helped us focus on the game, while management deals with the financial stuff.

“So I see us taking a step closer. In 2023, when we hosted, we won two out of our three games, and we had hoped to get a wild card, but that did not happen. So this time around, the goal is to take big steps towards making it.”

Both Ramabu and the Dolphins will hope the coming third Road to BAL appearance will also be the charm that leads to the Elite 16. The road to the tournament comes with financial challenges, but with the necessary support, a solution will be within reach. These Dolphins are ready to swim against the tide and make waves on the big stage!

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Ubisse and Beira look to get on track at Road to BAL

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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 since 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.

“I had a small surgery on my eye, so I have to protect the area because of the physical nature of the game. At first, it was hard to adapt to the goggles, but now I’m more comfortable. I sometimes forget I have them on,” said Ubisse. “They have become a part of me. They are my style. People characterise me with them.”

Another trait Ubisse possesses is being a formidable scorer and rebounder for the six-time Liga de Mocambicana de Basquetebol champions. The long-serving nimble-footed big man has always shifted a gear for the Locomotivas in inter-African club competitions. In the years Beira competed in the old FIBA club tournaments and the current Road to BAL, the 30-year-old has delivered the goods.

Ubisse has a career average of 12.2 points and 7.3 rebounds in club qualifiers and competitions. The 30-year-old says he always strives to play at a high level and improve his game.

“I have to invest more in shooting the ball because it’s Modern basketball. The goal is always to improve the average of points and rebounds. I’m working hard to be at the highest level this year,” said Ubisse.

Helton Ubisse Ferroviario da Beira 2025 — **Helton says the Road to BAL qualifiers are tougher than the old FIBA Club qualifiers. Pictures: FIBA Africa**

Having competed in the old FIBA qualifiers, how do they compare to the Road to BAL? “The FIBA qualifications tournament is easier than the Road to BAL,” said Ubisse.

“Teams in the Road to BAL are stronger because everyone wants to be in BAL. The teams invested more in their players and coaches, and there are quality foreign players.”

Beira, who competed in 2022 and 2023 BAL, are also making a return to the Road to BAL after last competing in 2023. He says it was “frustrating” to miss out on the Road to BAL after making consecutive appearances from 2021.

“It was frustrating because in the last three years we were always Mozambique’s team… That’s why we organised ourselves this year and won our national championship to be able to be on the Road To BAL,” said Ubisse.

While citing the lack of preparation in their last Road to BAL, he says this year the approach will be different.

“We need to work harder and go into this year’s tournament with more humility. Importantly, there should be respect among us players. I think these are the things that will make us successful on the court,” said Ubisse. “We didn’t prepare well as a team (in 2023). We thought the competition would be easy, and we would enter BAL. Instead, we got a surprise.”

Helton Ubisse Ferroviario da Beira — **Helton Ubisse says the goggles are part of his identity on the court.**

Since then, Mozambique have not had a team compete at the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in the last two years. The absence from the BAL is a concerning issue for Ubisse, given his country’s strong passion for basketball.

It’s not good for Mozambique because BAL is the highest level of basketball in Africa. It also shows that clubs from other countries are investing well,” concluded Ubisse.

Ubisse is correct that clubs are investing in continental competition, and Beira have not been left behind. They may have gone off the rails two years ago, but a tightening of nuts and bolts and a good greasing of the wheels could make the Locomativas a mean machine in their return to the Road to BAL.

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Chukwurah, Blazers to follow players who know the Road to BAL

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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.

During his interview with The Big Tip Off, Chukwurah dropped more interesting insights about how he is adapting to his present environment and how South Africa set the stage for him to pursue a basketball career.

A late bloomer

Nigeria-born Chukwurah did not play basketball until he came to South Africa, a country he regards as his home. Already in his late teens, the forward had come to the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) to further his studies, and along with pursuing education, the hoops bug bit.

“South Africa is my home. It (South Africa) made me who I am regarding basketball. I always give props to Mr. Thabang Kgwedi and Mr. Andrew Brown. Coach Brown was the second team coach at VUT. He is the one who gave me the opportunity,” said Chukwurah. “I was always playing football. I started playing basketball when I got to VUT.”

Anthony Chukwurah Namuwongo Blazers — **Anthony Chukwurah and Namuwongo Blazers will compete in the NBL final. Pictures: Namuwong Blazers**

Chukwurah describes himself as a sports aficionado, and taking up basketball was an adjustment process – he also learnt quickly to adapt.

“It was a lot at first. I had an idea of the sport, but I had never played it. All I knew was that you bounced the ball and you shot it,” said Chukwurah. “I am a quick learner. You can put me on a baseball pitch and, given time, I will learn. That is the thing about me and sports.

“So with VUT, I had guidance from Andrew Brown, and the team was also welcoming. So that helped a lot.”

He did carve out a successful university career, winning USSA titles in 2018 and 2022.

Business of going pro

He intimated gratitude to the game and the place it has taken him. “It’s been a blessing. I never thought that bouncing a ball would take me to all these places. It’s been a blessing getting to learn different cultures and languages. So it’s an experience I am grateful for,” said Chukwurah.

While in South Africa, he also played for Basketball National League (BNL) franchises Egoli Magic and the Tshwane Suns, where he won his first league title in 2021. But there was another country that wholly cemented the idea that he could pursue a pro career.

Mozambique, where Chukwurah played for Ferroviário de Nampula, opened his eyes to a more established professional setting.

“In South Africa, I thought ‘there could be something here’. When I got the chance to go to Mozambique, I realised I could actually make a living out of basketball. I understood the logistics and business side of things,” said Chukwurah. “As long as I put in the work to increase my value, I can make a living from the game.

“I have always loved sports. If you give me that, than sitting behind a desk, I’ll take sports anytime.”

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From the looks of things, Chukwurah has made a wise career choice. Apart from playing in Mozambique, his talent has seen him grace his home country, Nigeria, where he played for Hoops & Read. Following the success in Liberia, he and Uganda’s Namuwongo are riding the wave, which could lead to a championship.

Blazing a trail with Namuwongo

The NBL final series against the country’s 10-time champions, City Oilers, has been postponed to a later date (26 October) as Namuwongo are set to compete in the Road to BAL in Tanzania next week (17 October). Chukwurah and the Blazers, who go to the Road to BAL based on their current season’s performances, will take on host club DarCity and Burundi’s Dynamo.

Chukwurah will, together with Namuwongo, share a first, competing in the Road to BAL. At the time of the interview, Chukwurah, who was nursing a left toe injury, spoke in an adamant tone about being part of the continental qualifiers. Saying it was part of his mission during his time in Uganda.

“Definitely, that is the goal. I have not played in the last two games because of an injury. So I have been working hard to get back on time for the finals,” said Chukwurah. “It’s a cutthroat business. It’s a performance-based business. Having said that, I want to go (to the Road to BAL) with the Blazers.”

He expanded more on his appreciation for the Namuwongo’s fans. “It’s beautiful. In the last two games I have sat out, I have seen things from a fan’s perspective. I experienced the atmosphere. Basketball out here is like a religion. We have a whole community supporting us, you see the joy you give to people when we have won. That’s when you feel that this is more than just a sport,” said Chukwurah.

Another interesting aspect of Namuwongo is the significant influence of former City Oilers players. Ivan Muwhezi, James Okello, Tonny Drileba and Jimmy Enabu are seasoned internationals who have played in numerous Road to BAL campaigns. Chukwurah has learnt a lot from rubbing shoulders with them.

“We have a saying in Nigeria, ‘follow who know road’. Follow those who know the way. These are guys who have won the championship. Some of them have done it nine times. So it has been a pleasure learning from them,” said Chukwurah. “I stick close to these guys. I listen to everything they have to say because they possess a lot of knowledge.

“A guy like Tonny Drileba has helped me a lot. He helped me adapt to the game this side.”

Chukwurah has warmed up to Namuwongo and is looking to trailblaze with the 10-year-old club, aiming to make their mark on the African continent.

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Kadiwa aims to end his Bravehearts career on a high

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Lele banks on BEAC ending Cameroon’s BAL roadblock

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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.

As he prepares for a third Road to BAL appearance with his third club, the domestic Elite Messieurs champions Bank of Central African States (BEAC) from Cameroon, Lele reflected on his journey of growth. Apart from playing continental club qualifiers, Lele has also donned the colours of the Indomitable Lions at the 2023 AfroCan and the recent AfroBasket in Angola.

Lele says playing at the Road to BAL, AfroCan, and the AfroBasket has allowed him to acquire knowledge from top players.

“As a player, these competitions have allowed me to rub shoulders with great and professional players. I have learned a lot from them, about the mental and physical aspects of the game,” said the 21-year-old.

Looking back at the AfroBasket, where Cameroon finished in fourth place, Lele was thankful to coach Alfred Aboya for giving him a shot, but was disappointed at how the tournament ended for the Indomitable Lions.

Valentin Lele Cameroon — **Valentin Lele, second from left, and the Indomitable Lions finished fourth at the 2025 AfroBasket. Pictures: FIBA Africa and Supplied**

Before the third and fourth place, the Lions had lost their semi-final encounter to eventual champions Angola in the final seconds.

“It was a very difficult moment because we believed in ourselves, we gave it our all, but it wasn’t enough. We hope to do better next time. I want to also thank the coach for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. Through this experience, I was able to assess my level of play and identify areas for improvement”, said Lele.

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Chasing a third Road to BAL

Lele turned his attention to the Road to BAL, where his team, BEAC, the seven-time champions, will compete for the first time and try to qualify for the BAL. The last Cameroon team to qualify for the BAL was FAP, who made it to the semi-final stage in 2022.

Looking at the recent history of Cameroon’s clubs at the tournament, teams like FAP and Kadji Sports Academy have fallen short at the Road to BAL stage.

It’s a storyline Lele is familiar with. He was part of the FAP (2023), and Kadji Sports (2024) when they hit a roadblock in those tournaments. Explaining those disappointing runs, Lele cited a lack of preparation.

“I would simply say that we weren’t sufficiently prepared, and we faced teams that were stronger than us,” said Lele.

So, can BEAC be the Cameroon club that bucks the trend of the country’s clubs struggling on the Road to BAL? Lele is confident they can.

“The elements that can allow BEAC to succeed in the Road to BAL, in my humble opinion, are discipline and hard work,” said Lele. “We have exceptional staff, a good team spirit and a hunger for victory.”

Valentin Lele BEAC — **Valentin Lele was crowned MVP during the championship season with BEAC.**

Lele also spoke on the impact of coach Kevin Ngwese, who led Cameroon to second place in the U18 AfroBasket last year and has won a national title with FAP.

“Our coach is a hardworking and rigorous man who knows how to put players at ease and, above all, create a good team atmosphere. I think these qualities are what will lead us to success,” said Lele, of Ngwese, the former national team player now turned coach.

From Lele’s words, everything is in place for him and BEAC to be successful at the upcoming Road to BAL, but can they cash in on their talent and qualify for the BAL?

Lele banks on BEAC ending Cameroon’s BAL roadblock Read More »

Odero ready for Road to BAL take off with the Thunder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Odero ready for Road to BAL take off with the Thunder Read More »

Nemutambwe expects Hounds to bite in the Road to BAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nemutambwe expects Hounds to bite in the Road to BAL Read More »

It’s not a national competition, it’s a national farce

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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.

Given that these championships serve as the gateway to continental competitions — the Road to BAL and the FIBA Zone 6 WBLA Qualifiers — one would expect meticulous preparation. Careful planning should be the bare minimum. But not for this Basketball South Africa (BSA) executive. For them, doing the least seems to suffice. Serving the game appears less a responsibility and more a side hustle.

Given the stakes, why is the federation stumbling and tripping? It is hard to believe the federation was unaware that continental qualifiers are held around October and November each year. Would it be asking too much for BSA to structure their calendar accordingly and communicate with members in advance? Apparently, yes.

Cape Town Tigers National Club Champs 2022 — **South African basketball had a short-lived experience with the Cape Town Tigers. Picture: The BTO and Supplied**

True to form, BSA has not failed to plan, but planned to fail. As a result, clubs and teams have been forced into a frantic race to raise funds for participation fees, travel, and accommodation at the last minute.

Worse still, the federation has bent its own rule book, cutting corners with guidelines that allow non-compliant teams into the championship.

Take the Montana Vikings (men and women) from Cape Town, Rhodes Titans (men), and Hustlers Academy (women) from the Eastern Cape. These four sides at least qualified for the national championships as winners of their respective provincial tournaments. Meeting the guidelines set by BSA.

Meanwhile, teams that do not compete in district leagues or do not have junior or women’s programs found their way into the tournament. A glaring example is the newly formed Johannesburg Giants. They do not compete in the Johannesburg Basketball League, but they will be in Cape Town this Friday.

How is that possible? BSA, what is going on?

This is just one illustration of how low the custodians of South African basketball have stooped, ticking boxes for the sake of appearances rather than building a credible national competition.

Also concerning is the inclusion of the KwaZulu-Natal Marlins, a Basketball National League (BNL) franchise that only competes for three months a year in the BNL. By turning to the courts, the Marlins forced their way into the championship. And while they won the case, the fact remains: they don’t compete in any district league in the KZN Province.

What makes this even more contradictory is that BSA — through president Sanele Mthiyane and secretary general Sibongile Fondini — publicly announced last year that their license agreement with the BNL had ended.

All of this erodes the foundation of the sport. It undermines the importance of developing strong district and provincial competitions. And it strips the club championship of any real prestige.

The winners of this hastily assembled men’s and women’s tournament will eventually compete beyond South Africa’s borders. It will also be interesting to see how they will acclimate to high-level continental basketball.

KwaZulu Natal Marlins 2025 — **KwaZulu-Natal Marlins won their court battle to compete in the National Club Championship.**

If we were to use the Cape Town Tigers as a measure of ourselves, we would only serve to fool ourselves. That Tigers’ run to the 2024 BAL semi-finals was a shining moment. But their quick disappearance from the scene afterwards is a reminder that chasing short-term glory bears little to no fruit. And a bite from that fruit can often lead to a bitter taste.

Legendary gridiron coach Vince Lombardi once said, “The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary.” Those involved in South African basketball would do well to take his words seriously.

Instead of rushing to tick boxes, it is time to put in the hard work and build lasting structures. It is what successful nations and clubs do. South Africa should be no different.

It’s not a national competition, it’s a national farce Read More »