CAPE TOWN (South Africa) - When Cape Town Tigers start their qualifying campaign to the Basketball Africa League (BAL) this week, one face will be familiar to the BAL fans: Ben Uzoh.

The Nigerian international player, who joined Cape Town Tigers last month, entered the history books by scoring the first two points in the inaugural BAL early this year in Kigali while playing for Nigerian side Rivers Hoopers.

"FOR US, AS CAPE TOWN TIGERS, WE ARE FOCUSED AND HUNGRY TO CONTINUE ACHIEVING OUR GOALS AS A TEAM."- Bem Uzoh

The Tigers will play as host of Group E of the BAL Qualifiers, dubbed Road to BAL, in Johannesburg from October 21-23. 

Other teams drawn in Group F include Ferroviario da Beira (Mozambique), Matero Magic (Zambia), and Roche Bois Warriors (Mauritius).

Until the BAL Qualifiers get underway, Uzoh has already made an important contribution after helping The Tigers to the their first South African Basketball League title.

The Tigers beat Jozi Nuggets in overtime in the final, behind Uzoh's 22 points in the Championship Game.

Their next mandate, according to the former NBA player, is to make Cape Town Tigers a force to reckoned with in BAL.

In an interview with FIBA.basketball, the 1.91m (6ft 3in) guard insisted that he can't wait to get started in the BAL Qualifiers.

"It's always a good feeling to have an immediate impact that leads to winning it all. My teammates embraced me and we worked hard together towards achieving a goal and I was able to put my personality on this team in a short period of time," he said.

Explaining his choice of heading to South Africa having last played for the Rivers Hoopers, Uzoh stated: "My choice was based on two things: namely the potential of the organization going forward. I understand their vision is wanting to have Cape Town be a part of the BAL and potentially be the powerhouse of the BAL.

Uzoh's Rivers Hoopers were unable to advance to the knock-out stages of the inaugural BAL in May 2021 in Kigali

"I'm looking to it much so and I like our chances in taking care of business. For us, as Cape Town Tigers, we are focused and hungry to continue achieving our goals as a team."

The 33-year-old Uzoh recalls that at the inaugural edition in which he featured for the Rivers Hoopers, that lack of adequate preparation had an impact on the team especially given the fact that most of the players had not played active basketball for a long time.

"Although we had an automatic ticket to the BAL. It was a great experience for me regardless. Being proud that I'm Nigerian, it was an amazing experience to play for Rivers Hoopers. It made sense from that standpoint and my long-tenured relationship with Head Coach Ogoh Odaudu." 

Looking ahead of the BAL Qualifiers, Uzoh says that he is looking forward to teams better prepared. "Teams will be stronger all across the board. All teams will want to revamp and surpass the bar they set for themselves last year. We are locked in on the present task in this present moment. Naturally, every time I suit up, I give my best no matter what team I'm playing for. But being closer to 100 percent with my body is added boost for me personally."

The Rio 2016 Olympian also says that he sees a huge future for the game of basketball in Africa with BAL. "The BAL will rival and even surpass of leagues around the world. I love the infrastructure for future athletes around the world and most importantly it will spotlight the talent businesses and beauty all in one on the wonderful continent."

Reminded that the Cape Town Tigers is just a new entrant into the foray of African clubs competition, Uzoh says there is no cause for panic. "I think it's a challenge and I like challenges. I know I bring light to this team and naturally, that's a positive. My play, effort and leading my teammates to become better each day is my main focus. And so far, my impact has been felt and certain goals have been attained by leading my teammates and winning the South African Championship."

FIBA