Africa-Press – Malawi. Malawian rising basketball star Faad Billy has joined Burundi basketball giants Les Hippos from Lilongwe’s Bravehearts Basketball Club on a two-month contract.
Billy becomes the first Malawian to play professional basketball in the East African nation.
The 20-year-old, who arrived in Bujumbura, Burundi on Tuesday, said it was a dream come true to join one of the top teams in the country.
“It feels great to play for a big team. I believe this is a big step in my basketball career,” Billy said.
While in Burundi, Billy is expected to participate in the 2025 Viva Basketball League (VBL) play-offs, scheduled to begin on 21 June.
Hippos will face Dynamo Basketball Club, who have won the VBL three times, in a five-game semi-final series.
His move to Burundi comes just one week after he guided Bravehearts to a fourth consecutive title. The point guard was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) during the 2025 Bravehearts Awards held on Monday in Lilongwe.
He is one of Malawi’s most highly rated basketball players, having won two international MVP awards in three months.
The tall point guard won the MVP award at the Bridging Sports Foundation Tournament in Zambia and again at the 2025 Ashraf Memorial Tournament in South Africa last month.
He was also named Player of the Tournament at the Valle Tournament, despite Bravehearts finishing second to MBB from South Africa.
Bravehearts patron Griffin Kalua expressed confidence that Billy will advance his basketball career in Burundi.
“As Bravehearts, we believe in exposing our players. This is an opportunity for the youngster to showcase his skills and talent,” Kalua said.
Billy also helped Bravehearts qualify for the 2025 Basketball Africa League Elite 16, held in Kenya earlier this year.
For More News And Analysis About Malawi Follow Africa-Press
