In a few hours, the champions of the 2023 Basketball Africa League (BAL) will be crowned at BK Arena, in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali.
People, including celebrities such as American film star Forest Steven Whitaker, 13-year NBA veteran Joakim Noah, American sports and business executive Mark A Tatum, Ugandan rapper Daniel Lubwama Kigozi, or Navio, and many others, turned up in big numbers to see who takes home the trophy. Will it be Senegal’s AS Douanes, or Egyptian champions AL Ahly?
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At the venue, you spot long lines of basketball fans passing through security and getting wristbands to access the game, which might be the biggest sports event to take place in the Rwandan capital this year.
Early comers are enjoying different activities at the fan zone; a 360 degrees’ photo booth, mini basketball court, ball arcade games, and music played by different DJs.
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Different restaurants and bars around town have stands at the arena; selling food and beverages to revellers inside and outside the arena.
Alpha Bugingo, a university student, says that he came early to enjoy the ambiance at the fan zone.
The 2023 BAL playoff was a bit unique, he told The New Times, seeing how people are enjoying more than just the game.
"I can’t say that I’m only here for the game. I just want to see Bruce Melodie perform. It’s been a while since he performed for his fans and I’m very sure that many people are here for the same reason,” Bugingo noted.
For Gaëlle Gasangwa, a Rwandan student in France, the game is all that matters. She is a diehard AS Douanes fan with so many Senegalese friends back in France.
She said: "I’m here for only one reason and that’s to support my team, As Douanes. I have many Senegalese friends who didn’t make it here that I’m representing. We are taking home the trophy!”
Tristan Enrique, who is in charge of the Photo Booth, said that the turn-up at BK Arena was good compared to previous days.
"People are loaded here and consuming all the services at the fan zone. I received over 100 people within one hour who wanted to take pictures at the booth. It’s crazy!” Enrique smiled.
Rwanda’s megastar, Bruce Melodie, will headline the halftime show of the game which has attracted many celebrities from around the world.
DJ Neptunes is the man behind the decks on Saturday.
The game starts in a few minutes.
Who will take the trophy home? Only time will tell.