FIBA Africa Zone 6 Weekly Review: 16/09/2024

FIBA Africa Zone 6 Weekly Review: 16/09/2024

The FIBA U18 AfroBasket in Pretoria, South Africa was a great display of basketball wizardry from the continent's teenage sensations. The tournament where we get to witness Africa’s future champions was almost amiss due to the absence of the national federation in South Africa in organizing. However, it was successfully held, and we were reminded that the future of Basketball is in safe hands. Mali was crowned champions in the men and women’s divisions. Angola had the best finish of all Zone 6 countries. They were sixth in the men and women’s divisions. The Angolan point-guard, Aginaldo Neto, was named in the all-star squad for men. This tournament has shown how crucial development and governance are in ensuring a successful program. It has left federations in Zone 6 reflecting on how to get their teams become more performant in these continental competitions.

The FIBA Intercontinental Cup 2024 took place in Singapore. This is where the champions of each continent compete for the ultimate international trophy. As winners of the BAL this season, Angolan side, Petro de Luanda, went to represent the continent. They made some notable changes throughout the season. They got a new head coach and parted ways with two core players, Carlos Morais and Jone Pedro.

They faced Unicaja from Spain in their first game where they lost 94-78. Clesio Castro had 13 points and 9 rebounds in that game. In their second game, they took on Al Riyadh Beirut and lost 80-75. It was a valiant effort but not enough to guarantee them a spot in the finals. Abou Gakpo had 20 points in this game and shot an impressive 4/7 from the 3. In the classification game for fifth position, the Angolan side defeated the Quimsa from South America 70-64. Abou Gakpo continued with his impressive run and score another 20 points along Solo Diabate who had 15 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals.

Botswana continues to improve the state of their basketball federation. This weekend, they hosted the first round of the playoffs in the men and women’s divisions. These games were hosted in Gaborone, the capital city. Dolphins Men defeated Police 69-61 to win the series and advance to the next round. BDF Men had already secured their spots in the next round as they won 2 games in the best of three. Tigers defeated BA Isago 72-30. BDF V defeated Warriors 87-55. It was a showdown in the women’s division between Dolphins and BDF V. Dolphins went on to win that game in a nail-biting finish 52-41. Still in the women’s division, Elite Academy took on Police V where Police V won 55-39. On Sunday Lions Men outclassed Saints by 27points in a 73-46 blowout.

Zimbabwean champions, Basket Houndz are now in camp ahead of the Road To BAL. The Harare-based team know how difficult it is going to be, so they have started camp early and have beefed up their squad with some national team players. They have called Kudakwashe Pfachi (plays for South African Champions, MBB), Tashana King and Evaristo Pasipamire (champion in South Africa with Tshwane Suns in 2017). However, coach Tawanda Nemutambwe has added some youth by adding two U18 national team players, Tandekai Mavera and Clayton Chikwengo. Though unsure of where the tournament will be, coach Nemutambwe wants to ensure that they will be ready. The east division of Road To BAL will be held in either Zambia or Mozambique in October.

‍

[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of FIBA and Big Tip Off]