A few hours remain before the return of the sixth edition of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) playoffs at BK Arena, set to run from May 22 to 31, and sports enthusiasts are already buzzing with excitement.

Rwanda will be represented by the RSSB Tigers, who secured their playoff spot after an impressive campaign in the Kalahari Conference, finishing top of the standings with a 4-1 record.

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Kigali, the capital of the Land of a Thousand Hills, has become a familiar home for major basketball events.

Ahead of the playoffs, Times Sport spoke to business vendors and basketball fans across the city, who shared their excitement ahead of the tournament.

"When there is a competition here at BK Arena, we tend to make more sales than on normal days. It has become common for foreigners to visit our restaurant to try Arabic food, so we are ready to welcome them warmly,” said Hani Alrabeae, owner of Mercedes Cafe located near the arena.

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A motorcyclist in Kigali, Theophile Ndayizeye, also sees the tournament as a major opportunity, expecting increased business from transporting fans and visitors attending the games.

"People in the transport business make more money during such events, but we also gain experience by interacting with different people. Some of them are foreigners, so it becomes an opportunity not only to transport them but also to show them hospitality and make them feel welcome,” he said.

For Keza Gaju, the excitement goes beyond basketball. She is particularly looking forward to the halftime performances, especially from Ish Kevin, the hitmaker behind "Kibasumba.”

"I’m a huge fan of his, so having the BAL playoffs back gives us another opportunity to enjoy live performances that we rarely get to experience. I really can’t wait to see him perform,” she said.

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Arsene Byusa, a basketball player training with The Community League, believes RSSB Tigers have strengthened their squad well ahead of the playoffs, especially with the additions of APR forward Osborn Shema and Malian center Oumar Ballo.

According to him, the team has the potential to surpass what APR BBC achieved last season when they finished with a bronze medal.