NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi has said that Rwandans will still turn up in big numbers at the upcoming Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2024 in Kigali even if there is no Rwandan team in the playoffs. The BAL playoffs tip off at BK Arena on Friday, May 24, and will run until June 1. There have been concerns as to whether APR’s failure to qualify for the playoffs in could affect the turnout in Kigali but Akamanzi insists that will still attend the playoffs as indicated by the current rise in ticket sales. ALSO READ: Will Rwanda’s absence at BAL playoffs affect the turn up? “We have received tremendous support from Rwandans and they are looking forward to the games. Even though APR is not playing, we've seen good turnout in terms of ticket purchases, we've seen communities also being supported to come to the games,” Akamanzi told the press on Friday. Akamanzi also emphasized on the love Rwandans have for basketball, saying that she is sure they have already picked teams to support at the finals. “We're not worried about attendance. We know it's going to be great,” she added. ALSO READ: Teams start to jet in ahead of BAL playoffs Speaking at the press conference, BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall also announced that tickets to the opening games of the playoffs have been sold out. The playoff opening game will see Libya’s Al Ahly Ly go up against South Africa’s Cape Town Tigers before holders Al Ahly (Egypt) take on FUS Rabat (Morocco) who finished at the top of inaugural Kalahari Conference. The playoffs will see 8 African basketball clubs rub shoulders inside the BK Arena to decide the new champion. The 2024 BAL playoffs will also feature performances by local and international music acts. Nigeria’s Adekunle Gold will grace the opening ceremony while a long lineup of Rwandan artists including The Ben, Chris Eazy, Ish Kevin, Kevin Kade, Ariel Wayz, Kivumbi King, Bwiza, Ishami Talent, Inganzo Ngari Cultural Troupe and Kenny Sol are all expected to perform throughout the competition. This will be the first time for Rwanda to miss out the playoffs after APR basketball club failed to qualify as they finished at the bottom of the Sahara Conference group phase held in Dakar, Senegal.
