For two years, I’ve seen the Basketball Africa League billboards at the tail end of the season. This year, I finally stopped being a spectator from the sidelines of the highway. I set the reminder and set an intention to be at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria to see the spectacle for myself.
About the Basketball Africa League (BAL)
The Bal was established in 2019. It is Africa’s premier men’s basketball league, a joint initiative between NBA Africa and FIBA (International Basketball Federation). Although it was established in 2019, the first season was held in 2021, and thus far, five different champions have won the competition. Each season typically runs from March to June, and in the current format of the league consists of twelve teams.
The first time the BAL hit South African shores was in 2024, when it expanded to four countries: Pretoria (South Africa), Cairo (Egypt), Dakar (Senegal), and Kigali (Rwanda). In 2025, Rabat (Morocco), Dakar (Senegal), Kigali (Rwanda), and Pretoria (South Africa), and in 2026, Pretoria (South Africa), Rabat (Morocco), and Kigali (Rwanda), according to ESPN.
The Day Has Arrived
How I even got a ticket, was magical for me. I mentioned to a few friends that I’d love to attend the Bal this year and let it go. One day, I was ease dropping on a conversation my friend was having with his producer, and I invited myself. Thankfully my friend enjoys my company, and I enjoy his and he said let’s go.
I was given a 24-hour notice, and immediately I thought of the perfect outfit for the occasion cause they have a theme. But I wanted a good balance of laid back, grown, and sexy. I didn’t have time to think when I got home, so I settled for the first thing I saw. Black wide-leg jeans, a white bodysuit, and a red leather jacket. I had a quick meal before I braved an hour drive to Sunbet Arena.
One thing I will always love about Sunbet Arena is how organized it is, when I got there I was shown the allocated parking for the ticket I had and it was easy to navigate the Lounge Area from the parking. There was security at every corner, so it felt safe. We saw people of all ages; from parents, to youngsters, industry colleagues and everyone in between.
The Energy of the Arena
The night we attended The Bal was the match between JHB Giants South Africa vs. RSSB Tigers Rwanda. Even with the JHB Giants falling short against Rwanda by 89 to 102, the “loss” didn’t define the day. The experience was lovely. I was amazed at how well coordinated it was, from the VIP Lounge to the path leading to the main stands, and how the spaces in between the timeouts were filled with engaging moments. The DJ was always ready with a hook that had the crowd on their feet, and they also had child-friendly games. There was also a Kiss-Cam. I was there with a friend, so thankfully the camera never found us, lol.
Ma 2’k
I spent a good deal of time just watching ma’2k in their element. There is something so lovely about the way the younger generation occupies spaces; unfiltered, and unapologetic, and entirely present. It’s a frequency we often lose when we get caught up in the rigid definitions of our professional lives. They had the time of their lives. They dressed up like they were going to some awards ceremony, screamed when we scored, and enjoyed seeing the Bal Mascot.
The moments in-between the timeouts were also embraced by them, and they showed passion even when they were disappointed our team lost. I also enjoyed seeing parents accompanying their kids to the Bal, even though you could see they had very little clue (or interest) about what was happening on the field.
The Verdict
This type of event deserves the noise it gets, and actually it should get more. The Joburg Giants should get more support so that on homeground, how they the play matches the beautiful infrastructure. There was also halftime entertainment, but we made our way to the lounge cause IT WAS LOUD. The cameras, the music, all of it was loud. Lol.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. This was worth the hour drive to Pretoria. I loved every moment of the experience; the company I kept, the actual match, the fluid elegance of the plays, and that premium lounge hospitality that made the afternoon feel like a soft exhale because we needed the quiet moments in between.
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