Latest news with #AlAhliTripoli
TimesLIVE
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
BAL x Hennessy: A night of cultural celebration
The Basketball Africa League (BAL) is the premier men's basketball league in Africa, which typically runs each season from March to June and consists of 12 teams. This time the BAL took place from June 6 to 14 at the SunBet arena in Pretoria, featuring eight teams from across the continent. In a thrilling finale, Al Ahli Tripoli from Libya emerged victorious, defeating Petro de Luanda from Angola in the championship game on Saturday. As part of its partnership, Hennessy brought together prominent figures, including Phindile Gwala, Gugu Nyatsumba and Kamo Modisakeng to name just a few, to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the continent through the universal language of sports. We chatted to Lungile Mpharu, Hennessy Brand Manager, to discuss the luxury cognac brand's collaboration with BAL. He said that Hennessy and BAL share many values — a commitment to excellence, self-expression, and crafting experiences that transcend their core offerings. The partnership is about amplifying the energy of the BAL and intentionally enhancing the overall fan experience. 'For Hennessy, the BAL aligned with our legacy of partnering with platforms that shape culture. The opening weekend gave us a chance to contribute authentically, through curated experiences that are rooted in who we are. Whether it was the elevated lounge environment or how we engaged with friends of the house, our approach was to enhance the overall experience, and basketball, particularly through how BAL is opening new ways for people to connect across borders,' he said. We caught up with celebrities and influencers who attended the BAL event to get their take on the exciting fusion of basketball and African culture. South African actress Phindile Gwala said the atmosphere during halftime was fantastic, and it was heartening to see young people showing an increased interest in basketball. The growing enthusiasm from young people indicates a brighter future for basketball in our country and across the continent. She added that the event emphasised inclusivity and highlighted Africa's potential in the sports industry, which can contribute to both global sports and the economy. 'We need more championships like this to nurture our African spirit and grow our economy.'
The Citizen
21-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
PICTURES: Highlights from the Basketball Africa League finals in Pretoria
PICTURES: Highlights from the Basketball Africa League finals in Pretoria For the first time in Basketball Africa League (BAL) history, South Africa hosted the Season 5 Playoffs and Finals. Emmanuel Onoja of Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) in the basketball game between Petro de Luanda (Angola) and Al Ahli Tripoli during the BAL Season 5 Final at the Sunbet Arena. Pictures: Barry Aldworth/eXpect LIFE The competition saw eight teams from across the continent competing at Pretoria's SunBet Arena from 6-14 June. The game between Petro de Luanda (Angola) and Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) during the BAL Season 5 Final at the Sunbet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa on 14, June 2025. Picture: Barry Aldworth/eXpect LIFE A close-up of a branded Basketball Africa League ball is seen during the tournament. Picture: Barry Aldworth/eXpect LIFE Sneakers are seen during the 3rd place playoff between Al Ittihad (Egypt) and APR (Rwanda). Picture: Barry Aldworth/eXpect LIFE The BAL mascot entertains the crowds. Picture: Barry Aldworth/eXpect LIFE Mohamed Bashir Sadi, captain of Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya), and team celebrate with the mascot. Picture: Barry Aldworth/eXpect LIFE Joel Almeida, captain of Kriol Star (Cape Verde) competes for the ball with Assem Mohammed Marei of Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) during the first quarterfinal game. Picture: Barry Aldworth/eXpect LIFE Ivan Almeida of Kriol Star (Cape Verde) during the 1st QF game against Al Ahli (Libya). Picture: Barry Aldworth/eXpect LIFE A player sneakers seen during the 1st QF game between Al Ahli (Libya) and Kriol Star (Cape Verde). Picture: Barry Aldworth/eXpect LIFE General view during the 1st QF game between Al Ahli (Libya) and Kriol Star (Cape Verde). Picture: Barry Aldworth/eXpect LIFE The game between Petro de Luanda (Angola) and Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya). Picture: Barry Aldworth/eXpect LIFE Mohamed Bashir Sadi, captain of Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) lifts the trophy after his team beat Petro de Luanda in the finals. The competitions' trophy is inspired by the adansonia (more commonly known as baobab). Picture: Barry Aldworth/eXpect LIFE PICTURES: Proteas receive heroes welcome in Johannesburg
Forbes
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Boris Diaw Feels The Pulse Of The BAL's Fifth Season As Al Ahli Tripoli Make Their Mark
PRETORIA, TSHWANE - JUNE 14: Al Ahli Tripoli celebrates after winning the 2025 BAL Championship ... More against Petro de Luanda during the 2025 Basketball Africa League Championship on June 14, 2025 at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, Tshwane. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Julien Bacotr/NBAE via Getty Images) Al Ahli Tripoli made history in Season 5 of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), defeating defending champions Petro de Luanda 88–67 in the final to become the first team from the Road to BAL qualifiers to claim the title. It was a season of many firsts, a conference winner went on to win the championship, and for the first time, a BAL Coach of the Year, Fouad Chacra led his team to the title. At the heart of Al Ahli's triumphant campaign was Jean Jacques Boissy, who was named the 2025 BAL Most Valuable Player, while also claiming the Scoring Title with an average of 18.7 points per game. Boissy anchored the team on both ends, earning selections to the All-BAL First Team and All-Defensive First Team, a rare trifecta that reflects his all-around dominance. As the confetti settled inside Pretoria's SunBet Arena, the venue buzzed with the unmistakable energy of a league that's beginning to embed itself into the global basketball consciousness. The atmosphere spoke volumes, about the growing appetite for the game, the hunger of emerging stars, and the potential for the BAL to not only grow within the continent but also to become a destination of choice for talent around the world. Among those witnessing it all for the first time in person was Boris Diaw, a former NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs, longtime French national team player, and general manager of team France. Despite being familiar with the BAL from its inception through his relationship with BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall, this was his first time experiencing it court side. 'It's the first time I'm coming, actually, to the BAL. It's the fifth edition every time before, I couldn't make it. So I'm really happy that I was able to make it after five years,' Diaw shared with during the playoffs in Pretoria. What stood out to Diaw wasn't just the skill level, but the emotional stakes. 'You can tell they really want it,' he said, reflecting on what struck him most. 'You can feel the tension on the court. That's what I love, that's what playoff basketball is about.' He added: 'In some leagues, players show up and they're just mercenaries. But here, everybody is really into it. They care. That exceeded my expectations.' OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MAY 31: Boris Diaw #33 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts to a play in the second ... More half as Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during Game Six of the Western Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena on May 31, 2014 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) As someone who's played on some of the biggest stages in the world, from the NBA Finals to the Olympics, Diaw has a sharp eye for style and structure. One of the most compelling aspects of the BAL, in his view, is the way African basketball is carving out its own identity while still evolving with the global game. 'African basketball is more athletic, more one-on-one,' he observed. 'Players here have a lot more athleticism than you'd see in Europe. But it's not quite like the NBA, and it's not as structured as EuroLeague either. It's somewhere in between.' That blend, he explained, is a strength, not a gap. The BAL's gameplay reflects how African players interpret and reshape the global basketball language on their terms. 'What's exciting is how these different influences are starting to merge,' he said. 'Everyone is feeding off each other, NBA, Europe, Africa. But at the same time, you can see Africa developing its rhythm, its style.' The result is a product that feels distinctly African yet globally relevant, a style that celebrates athleticism and flair, but is increasingly matched with organisation and tactical discipline. PRETORIA, TSHWANE - JUNE 14: A view of the BAL Finals logo after Al Ahli Tripoli won the 2025 ... More Basketball Africa League Championship against Petro de Luanda on June 14, 2025 at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, Tshwane. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Armand Lenoir/NBAE via Getty Images) For players navigating uncertain career paths, the BAL is evolving into more than just a seasonal competition, it's becoming a credible launchpad for growth, visibility, and long-term opportunity. 'Before, it was harder to get players to come,' Boris Diaw acknowledged. 'Now, more and more are looking at the BAL as a real option, whether they're just starting or looking to close their careers.' What's driving that shift is visibility, not just in Africa, but across the world. Through strategic partnerships with the NBA and G League, expansive media coverage, and accessibility via platforms like YouTube and NBA TV, the BAL offers something few regional leagues can: a global stage. 'There are so many eyes on this league, it's broadcast so widely, even more than some other leagues around the world,' Diaw said. 'For players, it's a great opportunity to come and show their talent.' That visibility is amplified by the digital age. Social media, live broadcasts, and streaming have made the BAL accessible to players, fans, scouts, and executives around the globe. It's this reach, and the sense of community it fosters, that's turning the league into a movement. Diaw sees a particularly powerful opportunity in countries like France, where large African diaspora communities are beginning to reconnect with the continent's basketball scene through the BAL. 'There are so many players in France with African roots,' he said. 'And I'd love to see more of them come back, contribute, and play in the BAL.' Many of them already follow the league closely. 'It's all over social media. You hear about it. You see it. It's global now.' Whether you're in Paris, Lagos, or Dakar, the BAL is no longer just a league, it's a bridge. 'It became so global and so easy to follow from everywhere in the world that I think all these countries are connected,' Diaw added. That interconnectedness, the feeling that this is a league for Africans everywhere, is part of what's fuelling its momentum and securing its future. Reflecting on his early days running basketball camps in Senegal in the early 2000s, Diaw recalled just how limited the infrastructure was. 'There weren't many indoor courts. There was just one old arena,' he reflected. 'Now, you've got the big arena in Dakar. There's the NBA Academy in Saly. New gyms in Thies. Things have changed.' For Diaw, the transformation of basketball infrastructure is part of a much broader story. 'I remember going back to neighbourhoods in Dakar and seeing how much had changed, roads that used to be sand are now paved. That mirrors what's happening in basketball. More courts. More youth programs. More support systems. It's all moving in the right direction.' And it's not just the physical structures. Coaching, development pathways, and organisational leadership are evolving too.'The coaching is improving, the level of preparation is better, it's not the same game it was 20 years ago and that's a good thing.' TOPSHOT - (From L) South Sudan's #11 Marial Shayok, South Sudan's #10 Jt Thor, South Sudan's #13 ... More Majok Deng, South Sudan's #26 Sunday Dech, South Sudan's #14 Peter Jok and South Sudan's #09 Wenyen Gabriel acknowledge the public at the end of the men's preliminary round group C basketball match between South Sudan and Puerto Rico during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, northern France, on July 28, 2024. (Photo by Sameer Al-Doumy / AFP) (Photo by SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP via Getty Images) Diaw's experience playing against African national teams spans nearly two decades, from the FIBA World Championship in 2006 to the 2012 London Olympics. Back then, teams like Nigeria, Tunisia, and Angola were fierce competitors but today, he says, there's a noticeable shift in how African teams approach the game. 'It was always hard to play against African teams because of their different style,' he recalled. 'But now, they've evolved even further. It's not just that they're physical or athletic, they're smart, organised, and prepared.' He pointed to South Sudan's recent performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics as a standout example. 'South Sudan is playing a new style of basketball, one that we haven't seen that much over the years. They're bringing something fresh and effective.' What's changed, in his view, is access. African coaches and players now have more tools than ever before to study the game, from international broadcasts to advanced analytics. 'Now, everybody is learning basketball that's more global and unified,' Diaw said. 'That knowledge transfer is helping teams become more competitive at the highest level.' PRETORIA, TSHWANE - JUNE 14: A view of the BAL Finals trophy and ring after Al Ahli Tripoli won the ... More 2025 Basketball Africa League Championship against Petro de Luanda on June 14, 2025 at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, Tshwane. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Armand Lenoir/NBAE via Getty Images) Al Ahli Tripoli's BAL title earns them a spot at the FIBA Intercontinental Cup, where they'll represent Africa against top clubs from around the world. For a team that started its journey in the Road to BAL qualifiers, it's a remarkable full-circle moment. But for Boris Diaw, the bigger takeaway lies beyond the silverware. 'I came here expecting good basketball, good vibes,' he said. 'But what I saw? The heart. The emotion. The fans. The competition. That exceeded everything.' The crowd energy in Pretoria, the celebration after every hard-fought win, and the unfiltered passion on the court made it clear: The BAL is a competition of consequence, one that means everything to the players, coaches, and fans who are helping shape it. 'The way the players react when they win, how happy they are, how intense the games feel, that's what basketball is supposed to be,' Diaw said. 'You don't always see that in every league. But here? You feel it.'
Forbes
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Inside Jean Jacques Boissy's Path Back To The BAL Final
'Are They Ready For Me?" That's the question Al Ahli Tripoli's point guard Jean Jacques Boissy throws back, half-joke, full conviction when asked if he's ready for the moment. It's more than a clever line. It's the energy of a player who's been counted out, moved around, and quietly transformed into not only one of the BAL's most reliable leaders but one of the young superstars of this league. For Boissy, this year's BAL Final isn't just a shot at redemption it's a return to the stage where it all started. From a breakout run with Senegal's AS Douanes to a fresh challenge with Libya's Al Ahli Tripoli, his path reflects not only personal growth but the maturing identity of a league where African basketball continues to rise. In an interview with ahead of the Season 5 BAL Finals against Petro de Luanda in Pretoria, South Africa, Boissy shared more about the lessons learned from his three seasons in the BAL, the decision to join Tripoli for Season 5, his role on the team as well as how he hopes his journey can inspire others. His BAL debut came with AS Douanes, and even then, he had a sense that something special was possible. 'I think it's been a great journey,' he shared. 'My first year, I was still a local player with AS Douanes and we managed to make it to the finals. Our goal was just to reach the Playoffs, but we saw our chances, played hard and made it to the Final?' They pushed, they played hard, they stayed together. But the dream ended in heartbreak against Al Ahly of Egypt. 'It hurt me, but it was a great experience to make it to the finals in my first year,' he admits. The following season, he returned to Douanes with unfinished business. 'I went back trying to finish the job. But we didn't make it to the semifinals. We lost against Petro. We were leading the whole game by 20. It was a bad, bad fourth quarter for us, but we lost it.' That sting didn't break him, it sharpened him. 'You get better after every loss,' he says. 'And I think that's what really helped me to focus on this year and try to win it.' This season marked a pivotal turning point. The team he played for during The Road to the BAL — Urunani, did not qualify, and his previous team — AS Douanes, where he spent his first two BAL seasons, also failed to qualify. As a result, an opportunity arose with Al Ahli Libya. However, the decision to leave home was not an easy one. 'It was, first of all, a hard choice to make, leaving your country,' he explains. 'Making this choice to go play for Al Ahli was really hard. Everybody in Senegal was like, 'He just left Senegal to play for another team.'' There was pressure. Doubts. Whispers about his role. 'A lot of people were texting me saying; 'they signed a lot of point guards. I don't think you're going to have playing time and all that,'' he shares. 'But I really trust myself. I prayed to God before I made the choice. Talked to my parents, my friends, and my agent. And here we are.' For him, it came down to research and faith. 'Life is about choices. You've got to study the team, study the market, study the value of the team. And I think this was a great fit for me.' Having suited up for AS Douanes, Urunani in the Road to BAL, and now Tripoli, he's navigated diverse systems and coaching philosophies, a process he's embraced with humility. 'It's not a really big challenge going from team to team, as long as you stay the same,' he says. "I'm really a coachable person. Wherever I go, as long as I'm still me: listening to the coaches, listening to the players, trying to get better every time, it's easy for me to fit in.' The consistency paid off. 'I played with Urunani, and it was with the same coach who coached me at AS Douanes, Coach Pabi Gueye. He liked to play defense and to play hard. He's a winner," Boissy reflects. "I came here, Coach Fouad is just like my dad, that's how he sees me and coming off the bench, he has always found a way to make me look good.' The season tipped off in Kigali, a place that holds emotional weight for him. Years ago, it was a proving ground during a rough period where he played with United Generation Basketball Club in the Rwandan League. Returning with Al Ahli was a reminder of how far he and the country had come. 'When I was there, they didn't have the stadium. They didn't have a lot of things,' he recalls. 'Some people didn't recognise me until the game started. It was like, 'Oh, that was the kid playing for UGB.' So it was great for me. I had a lot of fans in Rwanda. I was really feeling like I was playing home in Rwanda.' That energy pushed him forward. 'It really helped me to boost my confidence. And to show them that I really grew up and I got better in my game.' This season, his performance has stood out averaging 19.7 points, 2 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game - all while coming off the bench. The box score reflects his influence, but his real impact and the growth of his basketball IQ is in how he controls the pace, makes the right reads, and leads by example. 'I think it's just like knowing the game better and growing up,' he says. 'Because people used to view me as just a kid that's hungry for more and I couldn't control my emotions and was just really rushing everything.' Now, he sees the game differently. 'I've really been working on making sure I know what the game needs me to do and doing it," shares Boissy. "I am not just trying to score, if this game needs asks me to pass to the short roll or play good defense, I'm just going to be there for that.' In previous BAL campaigns, he was the player asked to shut down opponents' best scorers. This year, the role has changed from game to game and he's responded each time and still maintained his edge, earning him a spot on the BAL-All Defensive first team. 2025 BAL Coach Of the Year, Coach Fouad Chacra called him one of the greatest gifts to the team this season, a testament not only to his playmaking but to how seamlessly he's fit into the locker room. 'They really made me feel comfortable,' Boissy says. 'At some point, it felt like I had been playing with them for a couple of years.' That comfort translated into chemistry. 'They have the same energy as me. They're trying to win. I played in the BAL for two years before now, this was their first. So I was always there to help them to know.' Boissy's leadership came into sharper focus after the team's disappointing classification loss. 'Some people were stressing about it. And I was just there to let them know that in the BAL, you're going to have one game that's going to hurt your feelings. And we're just blessed to have it at the point where it's not going to send us home.' He helped keep the team grounded. 'I was there to keep the team together and hopefully, that was the last loss we're going to have in the whole tournament.' But leadership wasn't something new, it just took a new form. He'd captained teams before, but being a young foreign player made it harder to step up vocally at first. 'I used to be a leader, like growing up and playing under-18 with Senegal, I was the captain but whenever I go somewhere and I see older people, I just give them their respect,' he explains. That instinct to step back shifted this year. 'They gave me the space and let me know that I could talk to them and I have seen my leadership skills grow. I am calm, poised, and learning more about controlling my emotions.' Boissy has reached the final once again but this time, the perspective is different. 'I'm just thinking that it's one game I've got to win. It's just like 40 more minutes," shared Boissy. "I'm not going to stress myself about it being a final I'm just taking it as a game.' More than anything, he wants his journey to mean something, especially to the kids back home. 'I'm really doing this for every African kid that didn't go to college or to high school. To just know that you still can achieve big things as long as you stay on track. You keep working hard and believe in yourself.' He knows the path isn't easy. 'Everybody is not going to have the opportunity to go overseas but you can't give up. I wish everybody was going to have it. But it's not going to be like that," shares Boissy. "You're going to go through some hard times. But you just got to keep working and believe in yourself.' Whether the trophy is in his hands or not when the final buzzer sounds at Sun Bet Arena, one thing is clear, his BAL journey has already left its mark.
Mail & Guardian
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Mail & Guardian
BAL taking flight in fifth season
Unbeaten: Al Ahli Tripoli from Libya, pictured versus Kriol Stars, became the second Libyan team to make it to the BAL final. They face Angola's Petro de Luanda on Saturday. Photo: Julien Bacot: BAL/Getty Images The fifth year of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) may be the charm for the continent's premier men's basketball tournament. After battling Covid-19 disruptions when it was supposed to By some strange twist in convention, this year Pretoria managed to pry the playoffs and finals from Kigali's clutches — an unprecedented move given how much sway Rwanda appears to have in the league's runnings. All four playoffs and finals have been played in East Africa's swanky BK Arena. Yet, as fledgling a basketball nation as it may be, South Africa seems to have made quite an impression when it finally got to get in on the action by hosting the Kalahari Conference in March last year. Our signature vibes — punctuated by schoolboy war cries and amapiano performances — may have been what sold the powers that be. That, and of course, having a team to root for in the since-derailed But no such luck this year. The Tigers are nowhere in sight and our new representatives, Made By Ball, didn't make the playoffs. Thankfully we do have Southern African Development Community representation in our Angolan brethren, the defending champions Petro de Luanda. Just as well, because they clinched a semifinal spot on Monday by beating Tunisia's US Monastir 95-84. The other semifinal spot went to BAL first-timers Rwanda's Armée Patriotique Rwandaise (APR), who thrashed last season's third-place winners Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria) 104-73 on Monday as well. These games set us up for Wednesday, when things warmed up in temperature and play as the cold eased off and the semifinals took place. In the afternoon game, a more-than-decent-for-midweek crowd featured Rwandan flags that made it clear that APR was supported. The team's Malian star and the tournament's leading active scorer on average, Aliou Diarra, was expected to have a big game but only managed to score 13 points — the exact amount of points that his team would've needed to win the game as Tripoli beat them 81-74. With their win, Al Ahli Tripoli became just the second Libyan team to make it to the BAL final after going unbeaten in the group stage of play — and in their maiden BAL season, no less. In the evening game, Petro faced the newest Egyptian BAL team in Al Ittihad Alexandria, who had remained untouched in the playoffs. South African fans took to cheering on Samkelo Cele, Petro's Durban-born star, in what felt like the most lively and spirited game of the playoffs. Cele, who earned himself a stint with the New York Knicks' (NBA) Summer League team last July after playing with the Tigers last season, scored 10 points and four rebounds in their dominant 96-74 win. Al Ittihad and APR will vie for the bronze finish when they play in the third-place game on Friday evening – an opportunity for both rookie teams to leave with something. Pretoria's frosty temperatures and the randomness of midweek basketball games notwithstanding, audience turnout grew as the days went, dispelling any concerns of scantness. On Saturday, during seeding games, the music and drums in the arena sounded louder than the crowd. In one section, a few children could be heard cheering 'De-fence!' and screaming gleefully when a player — from any team — made a free throw shot. By the last game of the semis, the crowd had clearly picked a side, with loud chants accompanied by stomps to the beat of 'Lets go, Petro!' So we know who the crowd is likely to cheer for come Saturday's final. Speaking to the Mail & Guardian, Petro's assistant coach Jorge Elorduy preferred not to linger on the team's strong showing. 'We are really happy with the performance, [but] this game is over and we look for[ward to] Saturday. Tripoli's head coach Fouad Abou Chacra was more forthcoming: 'If you look at our stats, you'll see our team is doing eight, nine turnovers a game. Plus, we are doing like, 18, 19 assists a game. These are signs for a champion. And we will do anything to win it. Because we have quality players, we have determination and the will. Inshallah, God will give us this victory. Forty more minutes.' And, yes, we all know which region tends to hold the cards when we get this deep into the season. But last season's Petro win may have been the first of many non-North African titles, too — and a back-to-back win for the Angolans.
