The Basketball Africa League (BAL) road narrows this week as the Division East Elite 16 tips off at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani.
Uganda’s Namuwongo Blazers, fresh off ending City Oilers’ ten-year reign to win the 2025 National Basketball League title, now take on the biggest stage of their rise.
They open their campaign on Tuesday, November 18, against hosts Nairobi City Thunder, a matchup already shaping up as one of the tournament’s fiercest.
The Blazers return on Wednesday to face Johannesburg Giants.
The mission is simple but unforgiving, finish among the top two to reach the semifinals, then fight for one of the two golden tickets to BAL 2026.
It’s Namuwongo’s first appearance at this level, but head coach Stephen Nyeko still has a wealth of experience to lean on.
Tonny Drileba, Jimmy Enabu, James Okello, and Ivan Muhwezi have all survived Elite 16 battles with City Oilers, while mid-season signing Jovan Mooring brings BAL experience from his stint with MBB in Kigali.
New arrivals Jaycson BeReal and Mohammed Sidy Djitte add size, energy, and versatility.
Thunder, hosting the Elite 16 for a second straight year, return with the core that made them Kenya’s first BAL qualifiers.
Ater Majok anchors the paint, supported by Tylor Ongwae, Albert Odero, Eugene Adera, Garang Ding, Derrick Ogechi, and Ariel Okall.
Coach Brad Ibs has strengthened his squad with Chase Adams, Lance Thomas, and Bramwel Muchina as they push for back-to-back BAL qualification.
Tuesday’s action opens with Ferroviario da Beira vs. BraveHearts at 1:00 pm, followed by Dar City vs. Matero Magic at 3:30 pm, before Blazers and Thunder close the day at 6:00 pm.
With momentum from their historic NBL title and a deeper, more balanced roster, the Blazers know the margins are thin, but they also believe this is their chance to finally break onto Africa’s biggest basketball stage.
Nam Blazers’ Schedule
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
- Nam Blazers vs Nairobi City Thunder
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
- Johannesburg Giants vs Nam Blazers
