Dakar Gears Up to Host Basketball Africa League’s Sahara Conference
The vibrant city of Dakar is set to tip off the second season of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) on March 5th. Senegal’s own DUC, carrying the torch passed by AS Douane, will be vying for a coveted spot among the top four teams in the Sahara Conference. This competitive group, comprised of six powerhouse teams, will battle it out at the impressive Dakar Arena.
Joining the DUC in this thrilling competition are AS Salé (Morocco), Clube ferroviario da Beira (Mozambique), Rwanda Energy Group (rwanda), Seydou Legacy Athletic Club (Guinea), and US Monastir (Tunisia).
Coach Sir Parfait adjivon’s UCAD squad will commence their BAL journey on March 5th against the Guinean challengers, Seydou Legacy Athletic Club. Their schedule continues with matchups against clube Ferroviario de Beira (March 8th), Rwanda Energy group (March 11th), US Monastir (March 12th), and culminating in a face-off against the Sports Association of Salé on March 15th.
the top four teams from both the Sahara and Nile Conferences will converge on the Kigali Arena in Rwanda from May 21st to 28th for the electrifying final phase. In Kigali, the intensity will escalate as the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and championship game will be decided in a single-elimination format, crowning the champion of the 2nd BAL season.Last year’s inaugural BAL championship saw Zamalek of Egypt emerge victorious. This year, Zamalek will compete in the Nile Conference alongside Cape Town Tigers (South Africa), Cobra Sport (South Sudan), Patriotic Armed Forces (Cameroon), Petro Atletico de Luanda (Angola), and BC Espoir Fukash (DR Congo).
The BAL, a brainchild of the NBA, is dedicated to fostering the growth and professionalization of basketball across the African continent. With its growing popularity and fierce competition, the BAL is poised to become a major force in the global basketball landscape.
dakar Ready to Rumble: A Chat with Basketball Legend, Cheick Diallo
Greetings, basketball enthusiasts! I’m your moderator, and today we’re diving deep into the heart of African basketball with a true icon, former NBA player and Malian national team star, Cheick Diallo. Cheick, welcome to the show!
Cheick: Thanks for having me. It’s always great to talk hoops!
Moderator: the Basketball Africa League (BAL) is gearing up for its second season, kicking off right here in Dakar. How exciting is it to see this league flourish and gain momentum on the global stage?
Cheick: It’s incredibly exciting! This is a dream come true for so many talented African players who deserve a platform to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level.The BAL is giving African basketball the spotlight it deserves, and it’s inspiring a whole new generation of athletes.
Moderator: Dakar is hosting the Sahara Conference, a tough battleground with six powerhouse teams including Senegal’s own DUC. what are your thoughts on the competition this year? Any early favorites?
Cheick: It’s going to be a dogfight! I love that the BAL brings together teams from different countries, creating a true pan-African competition. DUC has home court advantage, wich is huge, and they’ll be looking to prove themselves after AS Douane’s performance last year. But teams like US Monastir from Tunisia and Rwanda Energy Group are always a threat.
moderator: I noticed that Zamalek, last year’s champions, are in the Nile Conference this time. Do you think they can repeat as champs?
Cheick: Zamalek is a force to be reckoned with, no doubt. This year’s Nile Conference is loaded with talent too. You have teams like the Cape Town Tigers breaking new ground and cobra Sport bringing that South Sudanese energy. I wouldn’t count anyone out just yet.
Moderator:
A lot of fans are debating the single-elimination format for the final phase in Kigali. Some argue it’s too high-stakes, while others say it adds to the drama. How do you feel about it?
Cheick: I understand both sides. It’s true that a single misstep means the end of your championship hopes. However, that kind of pressure brings out the best in players. it makes every possession count and creates unforgettable moments for fans.
Moderator: Speaking of unforgettable moments, the BAL is all about promoting and professionalizing basketball across Africa. Witnessing its growth firsthand, what kind of impact do you think it’s having on the continent?
Cheick: I’m seeing kids who dream of playing in the BAL, who want to wear their national team jersey with pride.The league is inspiring a whole new generation of athletes while also attracting international attention to the talent we have here in Africa. This is just the beginning!
Moderator: That’s inspiring to hear, Cheick. Before we wrap up, what advice would you give to young african basketball players dreaming of making it to the BAL?
Cheick: Work hard, stay focused, and believe in your dreams. Never give up on what you love, and always represent Africa with pride.
Moderator: Great advice! Thank you so much for your time and insightful conversation, Cheick.
We want to hear from you, basketball fans! What are your predictions for the BAL this season? Who do you think will rise to the top? Sound off in the comments below.
