Meet the BAL virgins who hail from the Central African Republic and find out how far they want to go in the Nile Conference debut.
Last Updated on
April 13, 2024
Ahmed El-Mansour
Staff Writer
Bangui Sporting Club, representing the Central African Republic, enters the 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL) with aspirations to make a significant impact. Despite being a relatively young club, Bangui SC has quickly risen to prominence, clinching the Bangui League title in both 2022 and 2023.
On Saturday, November 5, 2023, etched an indelible mark in the club founder and Chairman Cyrille Damago's memory. In a thrilling encounter against Al Ahly Benghazi, despite the Libyan club's overwhelming favouritism, Damago couldn't contain his tears of joy as he embraced each player.
Down by 12 points initially, Evans Ganapamo's three-pointer tipped the scales, granting Bangui SC their first lead at 46-44. Amidst a nail-biting finish, Max Kouguere's precision shot secured a sensational 87-85 victory.
The following day, in another high-stakes match against FUS Rabat, Rolly Fula Nganga emerged as the hero with a decisive three-pointer, sealing a thrilling 93-90 triumph.
Bangui SC's resilience stems from their collective strength, with each of the starting five consistently scoring at least ten points. Ganapamo's remarkable shooting prowess underscores the team's capacity, boasting impressive figures of 19/58% from beyond the arc and 28/57% from two-point range.
Established in June 2017, in Bangui. The team hails from the capital and largest city of the Central African Republic. Situated on the northern bank of the Ubangi River, residents are known for their vibrant culture and fondness of the game.
"With all that basketball has given to our country, it was unthinkable that we should disappear from the world of basketball." - Cyrille Damang
Bangui Sporting Club has quickly risen to prominence, clinching the Bangui league title in 2022 and 2023. Damango's unwavering commitment to the game is a reflection of the former Central African international players' ambition for his country.
"For our first appearance in this competition, we're aiming to qualify for the play-offs in Kigali, and the Final Four."
To achieve this, the team has been strengthened by the arrival of a new coach to replace Liz Mills, who had taken the team to the top of their group, qualifying for the Elite 16.
Under the tutelage of new Head Coach Justin Adrien Max Serressi, Bangui SC has bolstered its roster with notable signings, including Ahmed Abouelela, Emeka Nwabuzor, and Moses Bol. Despite the absence of captain Max Kouguere who has been retained by his team who are fight for promotion from NM1. The team remains optimistic, especially with the addition of promising young talent Thierry Darlan, poised to challenge conventional perceptions of African players.
Born on February 3, 2004, Darlan possesses an impressive skillset that sets him apart on the basketball court. As a point guard, he showcases exceptional ball-handling abilities, enabling him to navigate through tight defences with ease. His court vision and passing accuracy allow him to orchestrate plays efficiently, creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Moreover, Darlan's defensive prowess is notable, as he exhibits quick reflexes and anticipatory skills, often disrupting opposing offences and initiating fast breaks. With his well-rounded skillset and dedication to the game, Darlan continues to make significant contributions to any team he is on.
Based on recent performances and the addition of skilled players such as Thierry Darlan, Bangui SC is poised for a strong showing in the upcoming Nile Conference. However, potential challenges may arise if Darlan is sidelined, leaving Ganapamo to manage the point without adequate support in the shooting guard position. This deficiency could compromise their offensive strategy, especially against more experienced opponents. Nonetheless, Bangui SC's collective strength and ambition offer them the potential to secure notable victories and compete at a high level. Success in the conference will hinge on their ability to maintain consistency amidst fierce competition and overcome challenges posed by other competitive teams.
[Image/Photography Credit: FIBA and 274 Sports.com]
