Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), the reigning national men’s basketball league champions, has touched down in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in preparation for the 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL) first-round qualifiers.
KPA, who are making their third appearance at the BAL, arrived with high hopes and have engaged in rigorous training sessions since their arrival. Their first matchup in the four-team tournament is scheduled for Thursday at 4 p.m., where they will face Burundi’s Dynamo at the IST Gymnasium.
In their pursuit of securing a spot in the BAL final tournament for the first time, KPA has bolstered their roster with international talents. They’ve brought on board American player Tyronne Jordan, Malian forward Abdoulaye Haidara, Nigerian Bright Akhuetie, and guard Luqman Lundy.
Additionally, experienced journeyman Ariel Okall has rejoined the team, adding depth to their lineup. The tournament will see four teams compete, with the victor advancing to the final qualification round, the Elite 16 tournament.
Leading the team is French tactician Guy Arnaud, who is working alongside long-time local coaches Sammy Kiki and Anthony Ojukwu, both of whom have been associated with the Mombasa-based team for an extended period.
The tournament’s participating teams in the East Division, Group C, include KPA, Dynamo, Pazi BBC (the host team), and Benin Champions Elan Coton, who have stepped in to replace Ethiopian side Sabeta City.
The fixture schedule is as follows:
October 19: Pazi BBC vs. Elan Coton; KPA vs. Dynamo
October 20: Dynamo vs. Pazi BBC; Elan Coton vs. KPA
October 21: Pazi BBC vs. KPA; Dynamo vs. Elan Coton.
