KIBAHA (Tanzania ) - The race for the fifth edition of Africa's prime clubs competition, Basketball Africa League (BAL) is on with the qualifying phase tipping off in Tripoli, Libya and now it is Tanzania's chance to host the East Division Group D Qualifiers.
The Road to BAL 2025 will see over twenty teams compete from October to November for a chance to join six other clubs, who have qualified automatically to the BAL regular season.
Tanzania is hosting five teams, following the withdrawal of Ethiopia's Hawassa and Ushindzi of Comoros, playing a round-robin format from Wednesday 16 to Sunday 20 October at the Filbert Bayi Schools, Kibaha.
The teams that finish in the top two of Group D will remain in contention, advancing to the East Division Elite 16.
East Division Teams
Hosts JKT, Kenya's Nairobi City Thunder, Beau Vallon Heat of Seychelles, Burundi's Urunani and GNBC of Madagascar play their matches in Kibaha.
The Division is, however, split in two Groups, the second one playing in Zimbabwe from 22 to 27 October, where Clube Desportivo Costa do Sol of Mozambique, Bravehearts of Malawi, Zambia's Matero Magic and hosts Basket Hounds will compete for the two spots on offer for the Elite 16.
How to watch the games in Group D
All games in Group D will be streamed live on FIBA's YouTube channel.
For fans wanting to witness live action, Filbert Bayi Schools, in Kibaha is the place to be.
What makes Group D Unique
Gendarmerie Nationale Basketball Club (GNBC) are back on the Road to BAL since 2021 having lost their chance to COSPN in the last two editions.
The 'Policemen' face Beau Vallon Heat, making their second appearance as well.
Urunani have been on this journey too with debutants Nairobi City Thunder completing the Group that promises scintillating battles.
Another team returning to the Road to BAL are hosts JKT, who finished 2-5 in the 2019 Road to BAL edition.
Players to Watch
Here's a list of players to watch out for in Kibaha
Sibanyoni Nkonsinathi Sandile (Urunani)- No stranger to BAL, the South African forward was instrumental in Urunani's title quest, being named Defensive Player of the Year in the VBL. He helped Cape Town Tigers qualify for the 2023 BAL, reaching the Playoff Quarters.
Tylor Ongwae (Nairobi City Thunder)- The Kenyan international makes his debut in the Road to BAL but has previously featured in 2023 the BAL Playoffs with Liz Mills-coached ABC Fighters. His side is also making their debut in the qualifiers.
Jean Jacques Boissy (Urunani)- A graduate of the NBA Academy Africa, he featured for AS Douanes in the 2023 and 2024 BAL, being named in the All-BAL first team and defensive first team in 2023, and the defensive second team in the latter. He helped Urunani qualify, being named MVP in the process.
Albert Odero (Thunder)- Making his debut in Road to BAL, he has an exciting journey ahead as he represents the Kenyan side against among others Urunani, a side he helped clinch the Burundi league title and subsequently a slot in the qualifiers, after achieving a similar feat with his Nairobi outfit. He was named MVP in the Kenyan league.
Timmy Adam (Beau Vallon Heat)- He has been a constant for the Islanders, featuring in 2019 and last and as they make their third attempt at qualification, he will drive the offense.
Elly Randriamampionona (GNBC)- He was part of Madagascar's COSPN, on loan from his side and proved instrumental in their Elite 16 run in Johannesburg last year. He will look to guide his side to the same level and beyond. He was part of the GNBC side that represented Madagascar in the BAL inaugural season in 2021.
Baraka Sadiki (JKT)- Having featured for Pazi in the 2023 Road to BAL, he brings with him a wealth of experience as he looks to lead the military side to the Elite 16.
FIBA