Konate's successful career can't end without BAL experience

ABIDJAN (Cote d'Ivoire) -  Cote d'Ivoire international player Stephane Konate has done a bit of everything in African basketball scene, but there is something missing in his illustrious career. 

From wearing the Ivorian jersey at six editions of AfroBasket to playing at FIBA Basketball World Cup 2010 and inspiring his beloved Abidjan Basketball Club (ABC) to the top step of the podium of the FIBA Africa Champions Cup 2005, in a competition that he scooped the MVP award, Konate made the most of the experiences.

WHAT MOTIVATES ME IS THE PASSION FOR AFRICAN BASKETBALL. NO JERSEY COLOR, NO NATIONALITY, IT'S THE BAL PROJECT."-Stephane Konate

At 41 and sporting an impressive fitness, Konate feels that he can't retire without playing in the Basketball Africa League (BAL).

So much so that when ABC lost the Ivorian national title league to Societe Omnisport de L'Armee (S.O.A), and, as a result, the right to compete in the Road to BAL qualifiers, Konate wasted no time to join Mali champions AS Police.

And, so far, things are looking good for Konate's AS Police who advanced to the Elite 16 Round of the BAL qualifiers after finishing 1-1 in a two-game series with Guinea's SLAC.

"Playing at the BAL will be a great experience for my career," he said FIBA.basketball. "After all, it's the top African club competition. A tournament in which every good African player must participate."

Konate, whose ABC fell short in the Road to BAL 2019 qualifiers, revealed that he had previously received an offer from AS Police, but administrative issues prevented him making the move to Bamako.

The 1.94m (6ft 4in) forward admitted that he was left heartbroken after ABC lost the [National Championship] title. "The most important thing is to regroup and come back stronger next year," he said.

AS Police featured in the inaugural BAL, and Konate, who played a major role in helping his team advance to the Elite 16, says he can't wait to resume the Road to BAL qualifiers. 

"What motivates me is the passion for African basketball. No jersey color, no nationality, it's the BAL project," Konate explained.

Talking about his integration with the Malian outfit, Konate insisted that speaking Malinke has made things easier for him and his teammates. 

"I'm very excited and looking forward to playing in the BAL [Elite 16]. You should expect a determined AS Police  who will come in to qualify at all costs. We have every chance to qualify, The competition for me is open. So it's up to us to take advantage of the situation," Konate noted.

FIBA