Basketball in Africa

BURUNDI will host this year’s FIBA-Africa Club Championship, Times Sport has learnt.

The 25th edition will run from August 16 to 22. Some of the clubs expected to compete include defending champions Primeiro d’Agosto, Petro Atletico, Mazembe, AS Forces Armées, AS Police, ASC Jeanne d’Arc, Gezira SC, Zamalek, Ittihad Alexandrie, ASEC Mimosas, Abidjan Basket Club, Hit Trésor, Red Star, Maghreb de Fès, Maxaquene of Mozambique and Rwanda’s APR.

Last year, the indomitable lions moved up five slots on the African ranking after beating Mazembe to finish third behind Primeiro and Petro Atletico.

After seeing four of his star players; Bienvenue Ngandu, Karim Nkusi, Mike Buzangu and Kami Kabange cross over to Uganda’s Falcons, APR head coach Cliff Owuor concedes he needs to make fresh signings before the continental championship.

“We definitely have to strengthen the side before the championship and we are already looking around,” the former Kenyan international said.