BEIRA (Mozambique) - Ferroviario da Beira secured their place in the East Division Elite 16 phase with an impressive performance in the Road to BAL Group E, finishing second with a 4–1 record.
Demonstrating one of the competition’s most productive offences, the team averaged 86.4 points per game and delivered a series of high-scoring performances, including 94 points against Basket Hounds, Matero Magic and Bravehearts.
Their balanced attack relied on multiple contributors rather than a single scorer and was complemented by steady defence and control of pace.
These results reflected the depth of the roster and the clarity of the team’s offensive strategy. But the question remains: can they return to the BAL?
Here is what you need to know about the Mozambican champions.
Club history
Founded in 1924, Ferroviario da Beira is one of Mozambique’s most established basketball clubs. The team rose to prominence in the 2010s, winning consecutive national championships and developing a roster capable of competing at both domestic and continental levels.
In 2022 and 2023, Beira reclaimed the national title in successive seasons, demonstrating consistency, depth, and experience.
These achievements at home have provided a strong foundation for their continued presence in African competitions, including multiple participations in the FIBA Africa Club Champions Cup and successive appearances in the Basketball Africa League.
Key players
Joshua Thomas is the team’s primary offensive threat, capable of scoring in a variety of ways and creating opportunities for his teammates.
Ayad Munguambe is the team's anchor inside, providing rebounding, interior scoring and a defensive presence.
Ke’Tarrious Bouchum offers versatility at both ends of the court, contributing to transition play, perimeter defence and scoring.
Together, these players form the core of the team, providing reliability and balance in both offence and defence.
Coaching staff
With experience drawn from domestic and international competition, including coaching Mozambique’s women’s national team during the AfroBasket qualifiers, Nilton Manheira leads the team.
He emphasises structured offensive sets, disciplined defence and rotation management to maintain intensity throughout games. Amarildo Taquidir and Edilson Givandas support him with tactical preparation.
How they qualified
Beira’s Road to BAL campaign was defined by efficient, high-volume scoring and team cohesion. Key victories over Basket Hounds, Matero Magic, and Bravehearts showcased their offensive firepower and ability to sustain pressure throughout a game.
A win against Dolphins and a competitive loss to Johannesburg Giants completed a 4–1 record, confirming their advancement to the next stage.
The team’s ability to balance scoring among multiple contributors and maintain pace control was instrumental in securing their ticket to the East Division Elite 16.
BAL history
Beira qualified for the 2022 BAL season by defeating Cape Town Tigers in the semi-finals of the 2021 qualifiers. In their debut season, the team finished fifth in the Sahara Conference with a 1–4 record, recording their first league win against DUC (98–92).
They then returned for the 2023 BAL season in the Nile Conference.
In African competitions
Beyond the BAL, Beira competed in four editions of the FIBA Africa Club Champions Cup during the 2000s and 2010s. They were aligned in the 2007, 2013, 2017 and 2019 editions of the tournament.
Upcoming opponents
Beira have been drawn into Group B, where they will face Basket Hounds and Matero Magic — teams they have already beaten — before taking on Dar City.
These matchups will test the team's consistency and adaptability, and provide an opportunity for them to advance further in the tournament.
FIBA