Meet The Future: The BAL Ushers in its Season 6 Cohort of Future Pros

After an exciting and action-packed week of onboarding in Johannesburg South Africa, the 11 Season 6 Future Pros hailing from Kenya (3), South Africa (5), Senegal (2) & Egypt (1) have officially stepped into their roles and completed their first month of working at the Basketball Africa League (BAL).

The annual BAL Future Pro program in partnership with African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), which kicked off its season 6 recruitment late last year, is a year-long experiential journey that recruits professionals interested in the business of sports with the goal of fortifying and building Africa’s and the BAL’s sports ecosystem. This program allows early to mid- career or transitioning professionals to gain first-hand insight into BAL operations, to lead various departmental projects that contribute to one of the most impactful sports events in Africa and create lasting professional connections worldwide. 

The cohort began their journey in Johannesburg with a high-energy onboarding week, a deep dive into the league’s structure, culture and pace. The cohort met key department heads, unpacked how functions intersect across the organization and received performance and leadership coaching designed to prepare them for what lies ahead.

“From day one, each Future Pro showed the most incredible amount of enthusiasm and eagerness to learn,” Nyameka Semenya, Human Resources Director, NBA & BAL.

“It was important that they walk away with the fundamentals not just who is who, but a philosophical understanding of our complex ecosystem & way of working,” Marie-Laurence Archambault, Director, Social Responsibility & Player Programs, BAL & NBA Africa.

For the Future Pros, onboarding was more than orientation; it was an immersion into the energy and the pride that drives NBA Africa & the BAL.

“My week of onboarding was absolute bliss. The passion and pride in each room…everyone here is not only incredibly skilled but also deeply proud of the work they do.” Onelitha Zinganto, Future Pro - Business Development and Marketing Partnerships (South Africa)

Now, just a week in, the impact of the program is already taking shape.

“This week made me feel like I am part of something bigger than myself. ” Arnold Muthama, Future Pro – Brand Design & Marketing (Kenya)

“Naturally, it’s also come with some steep learning curves. Understanding where I fit in, how I best contribute, and how I can create value.” Katlego Moanakoena, Future Pro – Project Manager (South Africa)

“Everyone has been super helpful and super responsive, knowing that they got my back has really boosted my confidence.” Ahmed Nabil Bachir, Future Pro – Ticketing & Sales (Senegal)

As part of its focus on nurturing creativity and talent across Africa, Afreximbank connected with the cohort during onboarding. For partners like Afreximbank, this partnership was more than just creating opportunities. It was also one of the many steps they are taking to build capacity if Africa and create a pipeline that sustains this development.

“When we started this partnership with the BAL, it was more about pursuing sustainable developmental objectives,” Temwa Gondwe, Director of Creatives and Diaspora mentioned during his address to the Future Pros, wishing them well as they begin their journey.

With, season 6 of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) right at its cusp, the Future Pros are hitting the ground running rallying towards Africa’s best showcase of sports and talent yet. They’ve expressed excitement not only to witness the league unfold, but to actively participate in building it, while growing their networks both among themselves and across the organization.

“I’m most excited for tip off. To participate in building a product…. For Africans, by Africans,” Ziyanda Dludla, Future Pro – Guest Experience (South Africa)

As they begin this 12-month journey, the hope is not just that the Future Pros contribute, but that they transform.

“We want them to bring value and feel proud of themselves. To feel that growth weekly. To know, they are contributing. To leave this experience saying, “Wow, I've really grown as a professional.” Marie-Laurence Archambault, Director, Social Responsibility & Player Programs, BAL & NBA Africa.

With Season 6 on the horizon, this cohort steps forward ready to learn, ready to contribute, ready to grow.

Meet The Season 6 Cohort

South Africa

Kenya

Senegal

Egypt