Teams made strategic roster changes for playoffs.
Key players return to maintain team strength.
New additions aim to boost team dynamics.
Coaches bring fresh strategies to the playoffs.
As the 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Playoffs approach, teams are making strategic adjustments to enhance their chances of clinching the championship. The highly anticipated playoffs, scheduled to take place at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, from May 24 to June 1, will feature eight formidable teams, each striving for glory.
Al Ahly Ly (Libya)
Returning Stars and Fresh Faces
Al Ahly Ly, guided by Serbian coach Ivan Jermic, has made tactical adjustments to its squad. Key returning players include Sofian Hamad, Adrees Zeew, and Jo-Lual Acuil Jr., who were pivotal in the 2024 Nile Conference. The team has also added Omar Aldirfeeli and Robert Wilson Golden to bolster their lineup. Departures like Pierre Jackson and Anees Almansouri have been replaced with new talent, aiming to bring a fresh dynamic to the court.
Squad:
Returning: Sofian Hamad, Adrees Zeew, Ghayth Almaghribi, Asmaeli Aljahmi, Mahmoud Benalhaj, Rasheed Alrashidi, Souleyman Diabate, Majok Deng, Jo-Lual Acuil Jr., Kevin Murphy, Assane Mandian.
New Additions: Omar Aldirfeeli, Robert Wilson Golden.
Players Out: Pierre Jackson, Anees Almansouri.
Key Insight: Al Ahly Ly’s strategic additions and the experience of their returning players could make them a formidable opponent.
Al Ahly SC (Egypt)
Reinforcing a Strong Foundation
Under the leadership of Spanish coach Agusti Julbe Bosch, Al Ahly SC remains a powerhouse with a robust roster from the Nile Conference. Ehab Amin and Omar Oraby are among the notable returnees. New recruits Omar Azab and Seifeldin Saied have been added to enhance the team’s depth. With Marwan Sahran and Ahmed Moheib exiting, the team aims to maintain its competitive edge.
Squad:
Returning: Ehab Amin, Amr Gendy Abdelhalim, Moustafa ‘Kejo’ Elmekawi, Mohamed Abdelkawy, Mark Lyons, Omar Oraby, Karim Elgizawy, Prince Ali, Tony Mitchell Jr., Patrick Gardner, Seifeldin Hendawy.
New Additions: Omar Azab, Seifeldin Saied.
Players Out: Marwan Sahran, Ahmed Moheib.
Key Insight: The combination of seasoned players and new talents positions Al Ahly SC as a strong contender for the title.
AS Douanes (Senegal)
Consistency with a Focus on Strength
AS Douanes, under Senegalese coach Mamadou Gueye, has retained a core group from the Sahara Conference, including Alkaly Ndour and Samba Fall. This consistency is expected to bring stability and experience. The team has not made significant changes, signaling confidence in their existing roster’s ability to perform.
Squad:
Returning: Alkaly Ndour, Samba Fall, Abdou Aziz Sy, Jean Jacques Boissy, Mamadou Lamine Diop, Ibrahima Thomas, Abdoulaye Harouna, Mike Fofana, Adama Diakhite, Madut Akec, Chris Obekpa, Michael Ochereobia, Khadim Mboup.
Key Insight: AS Douanes’ stability and retained talent could provide the cohesion needed for a deep playoff run.
Cape Town Tigers (South Africa)
New Blood and Familiar Faces
The Cape Town Tigers have refreshed their roster with new additions like Brian Bridgeforth and Mouhamadou Ndoye, while retaining key players from the Kalahari Conference, such as Dylan Whitbread and Samkelo Cele. Head Coach Florsheim Ngwenya will be looking to integrate these new elements smoothly to maintain team synergy.
Squad:
Returning: Dylan Whitbread, Samkelo Cele, Nkosinathi Sibanyoni, Somusa Mthembu, Lebohang Mofokeng, Ngor Manyang, Cartier Diarra, Yakhya Diop.
New Additions: Brian Bridgeforth, Mouhamadou Ndoye, Dhieu Deng.
Players Out: Billy Preston Jr., Storm Gilchrist.
Key Insight: The blend of continuity and fresh talent might give the Tigers the versatility needed to adapt to different playoff challenges.
FUS Rabat (Morocco)
Staying the Course
Moroccan coach Said El Bouzidi leads FUS Rabat with a squad that remains largely unchanged. Returning stars like Abdelhakim Zouita and Abdelkarim El Haoua are set to drive the team’s efforts. This continuity suggests a strong foundation and a well-understood team dynamic, crucial for playoff success.
Squad:
Returning: Abdelhakim Zouita, Badr Azouga, Abderrahim Najah, Aliou Diarra, Omar Laani, Ayoub Nouhi, Yacine Baeri, Soufiane Benmhine, Abdelkarim El Haoua, Jonathan Jordan, Kendrick Brown, Mohamed Zeghloul, Mohamed Sylla.
Key Insight: FUS Rabat’s unchanged roster can provide a consistent and unified front in the playoffs.
Petro de Luanda (Angola)
Strategic Additions and Leadership Change
Petro de Luanda, now under the guidance of Spanish coach Sergio Moreno, has seen significant changes, including new players Nicholas Faust and Clesio Castro. They aim to fill the gaps left by Anthony Nelson and Edmir Lucas. Returning stars like Carlos Morais and Gerson Domingos will be crucial to their success.
Squad:
Returning: Gerson Domingos, Childe Dundao, Carlos Morais, Jone Pedro, Eduardo Simao, Aboubakar Gakou, Yanick Moreira, Gerson Lukeny Goncalves, Markeith Cummings, Glofate Buiamba, Aginaldo Neto.
New Additions: Nicholas Faust, Clesio Castro.
Players Out: Anthony Nelson, Edmir Lucas.
Key Insight: The coaching change and new additions could bring a fresh approach, potentially revitalizing Petro de Luanda’s playoff campaign.
Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria)
Minimal Changes, Maximum Impact
Nigerian coach Ogoh Odaudu’s Rivers Hoopers have made minor adjustments, with Victor Damilola Mohamed joining the team. Retaining a core group from the Sahara Conference, including Victor Koko and Peter Olisemeka, the Hoopers aim to leverage their established chemistry.
Squad:
Returning: Victor Koko, Onyebuchi Nwaiwu, Mustafa Oyebanji, Abel Offia, Will Perry, Johson Anaiye, Kelvin Amayo, Peter Olisemeka, John Wilkins, Devine Eke, David Ike.
New Addition: Victor Damilola Mohamed.
Player Out: Michael Daramola.
Key Insight: Stability with slight enhancements might provide Rivers Hoopers the edge in consistency and teamwork.
US Monastir (Tunisia)
Focused Enhancement
US Monastir, coached by Egyptian Mohamed Kerdani, has brought in Avry Marshall Holmes to strengthen their lineup. With key players like Mokhtar Ghayaza and Chris Crawford returning, the team looks to build on their previous successes and rectify past shortcomings.
Squad:
Returning: Mokhtar Ghayaza, Firas Lahyani, Ahmed Addami, Oussama Marnaoui, Lassad Chouwaya, Achrouf Gannouni, Ater Majok, Chris Crawford, Yassine Marmouch, Attitebi George Williams, Sadio Doucoure, Ahmed Bedoui.
New Addition: Avry Marshall Holmes.
Player Out: Amrou Bouallague.
Key Insight: The targeted addition of Holmes could provide the critical boost needed to propel US Monastir to the finals.
