FIBA Africa Zone 4 Weekly Review: 05/11/2024

FIBA Africa Zone 4 Weekly Review: 05/11/2024

DR Congo

Congolese professional basketball took several steps forward as some of their domestic clubs demonstrated resolve at the recent Zone 4 qualifiers, with noteworthy victories coming from BC Makomeno, CNSS, and Chaux Sports in the men's Road To BAL and women's WBLA tournaments, respectively, in Douala, Cameroon. These wins have secured the Congolese representatives a place on the continental stage, advancing them toward the Women's Basketball League Africa (WBLA) and the Elite 16 (last 16 Road To BAL qualifiers). Their performances have instilled a sense of pride among Congolese basketball fans, highlighting the nation's burgeoning talent and ambition on the court.

In the WBLA qualifiers, BC Makomeno and CNSS faced tough opponents from the Central African region. Representing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), both teams demonstrated excellent teamwork and strategy to claim their spots in the Women's Basketball League Africa. BC Makomeno and CNSS encountered some of the toughest teams in the region, including Cameroon's Forces Armées et Police (FAP), the Daniel Battiston Foundation, and NABA from Gabon. FAP, known for their disciplined and organised play, posed a significant challenge to both Congolese teams. However, Makomeno and CNSS rose to the occasion with lockdown defence, agility, and outstanding shooting, ultimately triumphing over the competition.

These victories mean a lot for women’s basketball in the DRC. With CNSS and BC Makomeno now advancing, Congolese fans and young players alike can look forward to seeing their clubs competing at highest level in professional African basketball, inspiring a new generation of female basketball talent in the country.

Chaux Sports asserted their supremacy by qualifying for the next round of the Road to BAL tournament after an outstanding performance. They now advance to the Elite 16 phase, set to take place in Abidjan. This journey places them just a few steps away from the Basketball Africa League, bringing them closer to joining some of the continent's top clubs in Africa's premier basketball competition.

Chaux Sports emerged victorious after competing against a tough lineup of some of Africa's best basketball clubs, defeating the likes of Kadji Sports Academy (KSA), King Africa, Abeilles, and Moanda Basket Club. Their impressive showing against Kadji Sports Academy caught many people's attention, as the host (backed by their fans) team provided stern opposition, leveraging home-court advantage and a passionate crowd to apply pressure. However, Chaux Sports held their ground and exhibited a well-rounded game plan, combining solid defensive efforts with swift, effective offensive plays led by Etienne Tametong.

Throughout the qualifiers, Chaux Sports showed the rest of Africa why they deserved to present DRC in the Road To BAL. From accurate shooting to strong rebounding, they demonstrated their readiness to compete with some of the top clubs on the continent. As they head to Abidjan, Congolese fans are hopeful that Chaux Sports can navigate the Elite 16 and secure a place in the prestigious BAL tournament.

Kadji Sports Academy finished second in the qualifiers, securing the second ticket for the Elite 16 in Abidjan. Moanda Basket will join them from Gabon, who obtained a wild card to participate in the tournament.

The achievements of BC Makomeno, CNSS, and Chaux Sports in the qualifiers mark an inspiring chapter for Congolese basketball. As all three clubs progress, they bring renewed hope and ambition for the sport within the DRC. Their participation in the continental leagues (the BAL and the WBLA) will provide invaluable experience, international exposure, and motivation for the players, coaches, and basketball community in Congo. Gabon also looks forward to being a breath of fresh air, as this will be their first appearance in the Elite 16 tournament.

With these three teams leading the way, Congolese basketball is on the rise, with promising prospects for increased participation and success in future continental tournaments.
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[Photography Courtesy of FIBA Africa]