{"id":121339,"date":"2026-04-02T14:04:51","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T14:04:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/mangok-mathiang-talks-tigers-form-bal-targets"},"modified":"2026-04-02T14:24:32","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T14:24:32","slug":"mangok-mathiang-talks-tigers-form-bal-targets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/sport\/mangok-mathiang-talks-tigers-form-bal-targets","title":{"rendered":"Mangok Mathiang talks Tigers form, BAL targets"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>RSSB Tigers are making a strong statement at the Basketball Africa League 2026 in Pretoria, South Africa, with the Rwanda Cup winners now firmly on course for a spot in the playoffs set to take place in Kigali in May.<\/p>\n

With three games remaining in the Kalahari Conference, the Tigers are just one win away from securing qualification, having started their campaign with two consecutive victories.<\/p>\n

Center Mangok Mathiang, speaks to The New Times.<\/p>\n

One of the standout performers has been South Sudanese center Mangok Mathiang, whose dominance on the boards has been key to the team\u2019s success.<\/p>\n

The 2.08m big man is averaging 12.5 points and an impressive 17.5 rebounds per game, making a major impact on both ends of the court.<\/p>\n

RSSB Tigers’ South Sudanese center Mangok Mathiang, whose dominance on the boards has been key to the team\u2019s success.<\/p>\n

In an interview with BAL media, the 33-year-old credited the team\u2019s mentality as their biggest strength.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe must stay together. That\u2019s the only way we can move forward. It’s the only way to take care of the things you want to take care of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Despite the strong start, Mathiang emphasized that the team remains focused on continuous improvement, especially given that no Rwandan team has ever reached a BAL final.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery game is a learning experience, but as competitors, we want to go all the way. Our goal is definitely to lift that trophy, but we’re taking it one game at a time. Even at 2-0, we are not satisfied. We just need to keep improving game by game,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n

Beyond basketball, Mathiang spoke about his personal outlook, describing himself as a man of faith who enjoys the game.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am enjoying this game and having fun with it. Playing hard is a given\u2014it\u2019s something everybody should do,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Reflecting on his BAL experience so far, he expressed gratitude for finally getting the opportunity to compete on the continent.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have played all over the world, and I\u2019ve always wanted to come here. Now that I am here, I just want to give it my all and enjoy the experience,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Mathiang also highlighted the significance of playing in front of African fans.<\/p>\n

\u201cI started playing basketball abroad, so it\u2019s fantastic to be here playing in front of kids who have been following me. I\u2019m happy to be here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speaking about South Sudan\u2019s rise in basketball, he praised the country\u2019s growing presence on the global stage.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are a new force right now. We play with high energy, and you can see a lot of skill. Many of us learned the game abroad, and that\u2019s true for many African players as well,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

RSSB Tigers take on home side Johannesburg Giants on Wednesday, April 1 in a game that could see them seal a place in the playoffs in Kigali.<\/p>\n\r\n