The inaugural season of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) gets underway this weekend in Kigali, starting from May 16 through 30.

Twelve clubs – representing 12 countries – will be going head to head in a quest to determine the African champion. Kigali Arena, with a 10,000-seat capacity, will host all 26 games of the tournament.

Home side Patriots will face Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers in the opener. Kick-off 4pm CAT.

In this issue of the Weekend Sport, our reporter Eddie Nsabimana spoke to fans about the competition, and the prospects of Patriots as a home team.

Gentil Gisubizo, Journalist

My expectation is that the BAL is going to improve the level of Patriots in terms of performance and mindset about the business side of basketball. Their fighting spirit will also be tested.

BAL is a fitting platform for our players to showcase their talent. Patriots are not a small team, but I think the best they can do is reaching the semi-finals. But, obviously, everyone wishes them to go all the way to the title.

Meshack Rwampungu, former player

I won’t say they are going to win the BAL trophy but, hopefully, they will come in the top four. They made it to the BAL on merit and I am sure they will give a strong challenge to the African giants.

The club made important signings to beef up the squad on top of the fact they are playing on home soil. The players should not take for granted the exposure that BAL is giving, hopefully two or three Patriots players can land professional contracts abroad after the tournament.

BAL should also inspire the Rwandan players to build a mindset of professional players.

Fanny Muhorakeye, Patriots fan

We have confidence that our team can go all the way and win the BAL regardless of how strong the opponents may be. With the support of home fans, there should not be reason to count us out. We are just as able.

Some of the teams have signed players who have NBA experience, and that makes them pre-tournament favourites, but our boys should believe and fight to prove there is basketball talent in Rwanda.

Jean-Luc Cyusa, basketball executive

It will be tough for Patriots because of the [high] level of the competition, but, they also have advantage as a home team and the signings – players and a competent coach – they have made in the run-up to the tournament.

The BAL will help our players to have first-hand exposure in big stage games.

Rosine Micomyiza, woman player

I have followed Patriots’ training on a number of occasions. They are a solid team with good players, and they have had enough preparations for the BAL.

I have optimistic they can challenge for the title. Of course, they are going to play against the best, but, they are home. They will be playing in front of their fans, and they should be able to leverage that advantage.

Danny Kirenga, coach

First of all, Patriots are a team that is playing at home and it’s the first Rwandan side to feature in the BAL. We look forward to watching them raise the flag high.

Patriots are the face of Rwanda basketball in the competition.