Africa-Press – Tanzania. ALL is set as hosts Kurasini Heat begin their Basketball Africa League (BAL) first round campaign against Bravehearts of Malawi at the National indoor stadium court today.
The league involves African 8 teams in a race for newly-formed professional league. The qualifying first round final games will be held this Sunday at the same venue.
According to Tanzania Basketball Federation’s President, Phares Magesa said in Dar es Salaam yesterday that preparation for the continental level tournament has been finalised prior to its official start today.
The league which runs in partnership of FIBA Africa and the NBA, stages its first round qualifiers in different countries, including Tanzania.
“TBF, in collaboration with FIBA Africa and NBA Africa are glad to announce that the first round battle will start on Friday. Tanzanian representatives Kurasini Heats, who are the 2020 national Champions (National Basketball League-NBL) will be on course to face Malawian giants in the opening game at 08:00pm. “This league brings together champions from the eight countries and will be played here for three days,” he added.
Kurasini Heats are placed into tough group E that consists of Brave Hearts (Malawi), City Oilers (Uganda) and New Stars of Burundi. Group D has Ulinzi Warriors (Kenya), Cobra Sport (South Sudan), Hawassa City (Ethiopia), and Ascut of Madagascar.
“We would like to compliment the government for its efforts and commendable job in refurbishing the National Indoor Stadium which is in a good condition and now ready to host such a big tournament,” he said.
The opening game will see the return of Tanzania basketball star, Amin Mkosa who will be serving Bravehearts. Mkosa has told the ‘Daily News’ recently that coming to Tanzania gives him mixed feelings.
“I’m happy that I came back home, the venue that I know, familiar faces and environment around the arena. “But the other thing is that I have to face my former team, Kurasini Heat in the competition,” he said.
Mkosa was among the key players who helped Kurasini Heat win both Dar es Salaam league RBA and NBL last year before he signed a threeyear contract with Malawian Champions, Bravehearts.
The Malawian team, among others, has also given Mkosa a full marketing degree scholarship while he is also helping to coach the youth team. JKT was the first local team in the new league and managing to sail to the second round before they were kicked.
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