Africa-Press – Angola. In 2026, Angola will host the two qualifying conferences and the final phase of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in Luanda, on dates and months yet to be announced.The authorization was approved by the President of the Republic, João Lourenço, last Thursday, after a hearing granted to those responsible for NBA Africa, at the Palácio da Cidade Alta.
The Head of State received the delegation from that organization headed by the executive director of NBA Africa, Rwandan Clare Akamanzi, and integrated by the president of BAL, Senegalese Amadou Gallo Fall, in addition to the outgoing president of the Angolan Basketball Federation (FAB), Moniz Silva.
After receiving the green light from the nation’s highest official, at the end of the hearing Akamanzi told the press that the awarding of the final phase of the BAL to Angola is deserved, due to the fact that Petro de Luanda is the current title holder, and because it is a reference on the continent.
In turn, Moniz Silva expressed his intention to present a request for the inclusion of another Angolan team, in addition to the champion.
Reacting to the fact, the director for basketball at 1.o de Agosto, Joaquim Gomes “Kikas” did not hide his satisfaction with the fact that Angola would not only host the final phase, but also the two preliminary stages.
“This is the biggest continental basketball festival at club level. Angola is the biggest holder of titles in this competition, not in the BAL, per se, but if we take into account the old format, it is more than deserved. The country breathes basketball and has many lovers of the sport”, said Kikas.
On the other hand, he highlighted the importance of Angola hosting major competitions such as the BAL, pointing out the opportunity to revive past experiences and enhance the country’s potential on the international stage.
Regarding the possibility of including another Angolan team, in addition to the national champion, in the preliminary stages, the former player showed full support.
“I have always defended this. If we look closely, there is a huge disparity in the conferences, sometimes with results of over 30 points difference. This takes away some interest and is not good for sponsors,” he analyzed.
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