World basketball governing body Fiba has announced the relocation of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Elite 16 stage tournament from South Africa to Kenya.

This decision to move the 2024 BAL season, also known as BAL Season 5, marks the first time the BAL playoffs will be held outside Rwanda, with Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, being chosen as the new host, People Sport has learned.

During the interview yesterday, Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) secretary general Angela Luchivya confirmed that Fiba decided to relocate the BAL Elite 16 stage tournament to Kenya after South Africa was deemed unable to host the event.

“Fiba has given Kenya the rights to host the BAL Elite 16 stage tournament because South Africa, the originally designated host, is not in a position to hold the competition,” Luchivya explained.

In a communication update shared with People Sport, Luchivya expressed her pride in the announcement. In part, it read: “It is with great pride and honor that I officially announce Kenya’s hosting of the prestigious Road to BAL Elite 16 tournament. Kenya’s selection as the host nation is a monumental milestone for our basketball community. The decision by Fiba Africa reflects confidence in Kenya’s organizational capabilities and passion for the sport.”

The tournament is scheduled to tip off next week, from November 28 to December 3, 2024, at both the Kasarani International Arena and Nyayo National Stadium Gymnasium in Nairobi.

According to Luchivya, the Road to BAL tournament is a prerequisite for teams aiming to qualify for the ultimate Basketball Africa League finals.