In a surprising move, Basketball Africa League (BAL) standout Kelvin Amayo has signed with Burundi League champions Dynamo. This decision comes amidst Dynamo's recent expulsion from the BAL for non-compliance with the league’s stringent jersey and uniform regulations.
Last Updated on
July 4, 2024
Following his remarkable 2024 tenure in the Basketball Africa League, Nigerian-Canadian Kelvin Amayo has surprised fans by signing a deal to play with the Burundi Basketball League (Viva Basketball League—VBL) champions Dynamo.
In an exclusive conversation with AfricaBasket.net, Amayo shared his thoughts on his move to Dynamo:
I appreciate Burundi for giving me this opportunity to go on this journey with them, I can’t wait to get on the court and create memories with the guys and staff.
The highly skilled combo guard played a pivotal role in leading the Nigeria-based Rivers Hoopers to a third-place finish in Season 4 of the Basketball Africa League. In the third-place classification game against the South African giants Cape Town Tigers, Amayo recorded an impressive 25 points, five assists, seven rebounds, and two steals. The former Loyola Marymount University Lion had a phenomenal season with the Rivers Hoopers, averaging 16 points, seven assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.7 steals per game.
Kelvin Amayo's move to Dynamo is sure to surprise his fans across Africa and beyond. The 2023 Viva Basketball League champions were embroiled in controversy earlier this year when they were expelled from Season 4 of the Basketball Africa League for failing to comply with the league's strict jersey and uniform regulations.
Kelvin Amayo garnered significant attention during season 4 of the Basketball Africa League, prompting eager anticipation among fans for his potential return to the league.
However, whether the VBL powerhouse will opt to participate or pursue qualification for season 5 of the BAL through the annual Road to BAL tournament remains to be seen. This ambiguity arises following FIBA's provisional suspension of the Burundi Basketball Federation (FEBABU) due to Dynamo's withdrawal from the BAL in March.
FIBA alleged that FEBABU supported Dynamo amid the controversy, where the national champions refused to wear uniforms provided by BAL bearing 'Visit Rwanda' logos during their scheduled games.
[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of The Basketball Africa League]
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