10 Questions and Answers with Osayi Osifo

Fresh from his second stint with the Austin Spurs in the G League, Osayi Osifo returned to Africa to experience something he had never done when he left his native South Africa as a teenager. playing professional basketball on the continent. 

In this interview, the 6'8" forward discusses his basketball career, Al Ahly, his family and basketball in Africa. He also makes sure to emphasize that Al Ahly is on a mission.

Q. What were your first impressions of your first two BAL games?

A: It was really intense and really fun. I'm so glad to see this kind of basketball in Africa. It's not just the venue and the location, but also the competitive nature of the players on the court. It's great to be back in Africa playing – I've never played in the motherland before, but I was born here, so to see this level of basketball being played here makes me really happy. I am really excited to see where the future of basketball in Africa is going, with so much talent being shown on the big stage. 

Q. How did the opportunity to play for Al Ahly in the BAL arise?

A: Everything is through God. Since graduating from college, I have wanted to play in the BAL, starting with the Cape Town Tigers, who made it to the semifinals a few years ago. Every year, it didn't seem to work out, but as soon as I finished my G League playoffs, one of the teams that reached out to me was Al Ahly. They gave me the opportunity to come and play with them in Egypt, and I jumped at the chance to represent this prestigious club. It's an honour.

Q: Three South African teams have played in the BAL. What are your thoughts on their performances?

A: The Cape Town Tigers had some successful runs, led by some really good players. I followed MBB a little last year and they had a decent run too. This year was tough for the Johannesburg Giants, but I communicated with them a lot this year in case there was a chance I could join them. I had been talking with them since January. They're a really good organisation with the right intent and heart. I think they would have been more successful if they had prepared better and gained more experience in the back and front courts, but I think they put in a solid effort.

I came to this league, and you really appreciate every win you get here. Everyone can play here.

Q. You were born in South Africa and moved to the US as a teenager. What are your basketball connections to South Africa?

A: Yes, I was born and raised in South Africa, but I left the country when I was 16. I was raised by Nigerian and Zambian parents. I am interested in African basketball in general. 

Q. Nigerian and Zambian parents?

A: Yes, my father is Nigerian, and my mother is Zambian. I have a lot of love for South Africa — that's where I grew up — but of course my heritage is Nigerian and Zambian, too. I just want to help and promote Africa in general. At this point, we should look beyond borders and unite for the betterment of all our youth. Whether it's for South Africa or Nigeria, I'm pushing for Africa on the national team stage — that's my goal.

Q. Have you ever been invited to represent a national team that you are eligible to play for?

A. This is my second year as a professional player in the G League. I haven't had many opportunities, but I have spoken to some of the Nigerian coaches here in Rabat. They have some good coaches with the Maktown Flyers. I spoke to them briefly last night. I would like to represent an African team at the FIBA national level. I have also spoken to the South Africans about their plans for the national team, but they seem to be a little more stagnant. 

Q. Al Ahly won the 2023 BAL title. Could you shed some light on the team's goals this season?

A: It’s such a privilege to be here because the standard is so high; that’s what I’m enjoying. We are expecting a lot from this BAL season. We suffered a tough loss against Club Africain. Our goal is to win it all, and we are not being shy about that. Anything short of winning will be a major blow, so we are giving our all to achieve that goal.

Q. What lessons have you learned from the loss against Club Africain?

We have to play like professionals, finish the game, play for all four quarters and value every possession. The second quarter, which Club Africain won, hurt the most.

Q. What is the limit for this Al Ahly team?

A: There isn't one. We could win it here, then go to Rwanda and win there too, but our main goal is to win the Championship. Basketball is a game of ups and downs. The coach talks to us about it a lot.

Q. What are your thoughts on the Kalahari Conference team?

A: I have watched them very closely. It's really tough.BAL

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