KIBAHA (Tanzania ) - It's all systems go as the East Division Group D qualifiers get underway in Kibaha, Tanzania with five teams doing battle from 16 to 20 October. The top two sides in each Group advance to the Elite 16, but what are players saying in the run-up of Group D?
"We have more teams to play this time but we are ready. We have revamped the team in preparation for this and we are hoping for a positive start as we look to qualify. We will take every match seriously," Beau Vallon Heat skipper Timmy Adam said.
Meanwhile, Tylor Ongwae, the NCT captain echoes his Seychelles' opposite on his side's readiness as they make their debut, adding that they would take it one match at a time, look to go unbeaten and book a slot to Johannesburg. Meanwhile, JKT have been paired with star-studded Burundi champions Urunani in the second match of the opening day, the latter's skipper Landry Ndikumana tipping his side to go all the way given the recruitment they have done.
"We have been on this platform before and know what is expected. The competition is tough but we are confident of qualifying not only for the Elite 16 but for BAL proper as well. We have added a few more talents to the squad to help us in our quest and they are complimenting the rest well," Ndikumana said They take on a host side that is powered by Baraka Sadiki, the star of the show as another Tanzanian side Pazi, qualified for the Elite 16 in 2023. Being one of the most experienced players for the side, he believes they can impress despite relying on Tanzanian-based players.
"We have to bring the energy and fighting spirit while also feeding off our fanbase for success. Some of the players are making their debut in the continental competition so the few of us with experience at this level will be called upon to step up and help the rest settle in and execute well," Sadiki says. On their part, Madagascar champions GNBC, under the tutelage of Lova Raharidera, are out to walk in the footsteps of countrymen COSPN who last year played the East Division Elite 16. "We are well prepared and ready to go. We just concluded our local championship and will ride on that momentum in this qualifiers," the tactician offered.
All matches are available on the FIBA Youtube channel. The competition opens on Wednesday 16 October with a clash between debutants Nairobi City Thunder taking on two-time participants Beau Vallon Heat from 1600 hrs (EAT), a fixture both skippers believe will set the tone for the rest of the competition.
FIBA