LUSAKA (Zambia) - For the second year in a row, luck has smiled on Matero Magic as they have gained entry to the Road to BAL Elite 16 Qualifiers via a wild card.

In last month's Preliminary Round, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the Magic of Zambia lost all their three games.

Now they have a second chance to make an impact, and try their luck to qualify for the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Season 3. 

From Tuesday, November 22 until Sunday, 27 at Ellis Park Indoor Arena in Johannesburg South Africa, the Magic will put their potential and ambition at stake against Group B opposition, which includes Ferroviario da Beira (Moambique), City Oilers (Uganda), Club Omnisport Police Nationale (Madagascar). 

They will need to reach the Elite 16 Semi-Final to keep their BAL dream alive as only three teams from the East Division advance to the BAL regular season. 

But before the Magic take to the floor, here are a few things that you need to know about Matero Magic. 

TEAM: Matero Magic

HISTORY IN FIBA AFRICA/BAL: Matero Magic are gradually becoming known to the African basketball fraternity, having made their maiden appearance in a major continental event last year during the Road to BAL qualifiers.

BEST RESULT IN FIBA AFRICA: As far as results go, Matero have not gone beyond the Road to BAL Elite 16 Qualifiers.

STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES: Matero have shown signs of being a good team on the court. Unfortunately, the off-court issues have derailed them in the past.

KEY PLAYERS: American point guard Jaylen Leroy has played a good role as a scorer for Matero, while forward Germaine Mauwe brings a high level of efficiency to the team. Mauwe is a good rebounder and passer of the ball.

HEAD COACH: Oberty Shamboko will have his work cut out for him after Matero's poor campaign in Tanzania. He has to find a way to inspire this group of Matero players to lift their game ahead of the Elite 16.

OUTLOOK: Matero are lucky to have made it this far in the Road to BAL qualifiers. They know their performance in the preliminary qualifiers was not good enough and they need to shift many gears if they hop to qualify for the BAL.

FIBA