10 Questions and Answers with Milton Valente 

Three games into the 2026 Kalahari Conference, Milton Valente’s impact on Petro de Luanda’s rotation cannot be ignored.

He ranks second in key stats for Petro de Luanda, but it’s his unique athleticism that sets him apart and ensures he is one of the players to watch in Pretoria.

Standing at 6'6", Valente excels at both ends of the court. In the first three games, the 27-year-old small forward averaged 13.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, playing for 25 minutes and making 67 of his shots, as well as averaging 3 steals per game.

In this '10 Questions and 10 Answers' interview, Valente opened up about his career and his experience of the BAL.

Q: What has been the key factor for Petro de Luanda at this Kalahari Conference so far?

A: There is no secret. Our main asset has been our defensive mindset and strategy. The coach keeps saying that, as long as you stick to our defensive principles, you are free to be creative in attack. I believe this philosophy has influenced our playing style.

Q: You have been a member of the Angolan national team for quite some time, but this is your first time playing in the BAL. Can you share your first impressions of the league?

A: It’s been a great experience, mainly because my more experienced teammates always come to me with tips on how to handle certain situations on and off the court. I must admit that the organisation of the BAL is excellent. 

Q. How have you dealt with transitioning from Primeiro de Agosto, Petro de Luanda’s main rivals, to Petro de Luanda? 

A: It was a bit strange, but thankfully I have been welcomed at Petro de Luanda. 

Q. This is said to be one of the most unexpected signings in Angolan basketball in recent times.

A. I don’t think my former club, Primeiro de Agosto, made it difficult for me to leave, and I am grateful.

Q: You have won three African competitions: the U16 African Championship, the U18 AfroBasket, and most recently, the major continental tournament, the AfroBasket, with Angola. Is the BAL title in your sights?

A: I don’t feel any pressure. I am just grateful to be playing in the BAL and I am taking it one game at a time. So far, things are going well for me and the team. We have a good group of players and coaching staff. There's still a long way to go before we can start talking about winning it, but God willing, we will.

Q: As well as playing for Primeiro de Agosto, you have also played professionally in Portugal. How would you rate the BAL's competitive standards?

A: Before playing in the BAL, I was already aware of the standard of most teams, and the Kalahari Conference has proven that there are some great players here and that the standard is high. 

Q: Can you name the toughest team and player you have played against so far in the BAL?

A: I think the RSSB Tigers from Rwanda have the potential to reach the final. Leonard Randall, number 12 for RSSB, was tough to play against, but I defended well against him. He was limited to only a few points against us. 

Q: For those who know little or nothing about your style of play, how would you describe yourself as a player and as a person? How do you prepare mentally for games?

A: I'm a very laid-back person. I'm extremely shy and a devout Christian. I'm also a hard worker. I am a team player and a positive person, but I admit that I need to improve my outside shooting. 

Q: How does a professional player handle shyness in the spotlight?

A: I let my game do the talking. On the court, I am never distracted by the public. I just want to win.  

Q: Can you talk about your professional ambitions?

A: Like any other professional player, I aim for the best and the highest.