April 27, 2023

Souleyman Diabate is chasing a historic BAL three-peat

Ever since Souleyman Diabate joined Petro de Luanda six months ago, he has won every single competition the Angolan champions have participated in.

From the Angolan Super Cup, Angola Cup and the Angolan League (UNITEL Basket), the Ivoirian has played a huge part in the club’s recent success.

And when Petro de Luanda signed the 35-year-old they considered his BAL’s record.

After all, the BAL is the only trophy missing at Petro de Luanda’s trophy cabinet, although they won the FIBA Africa Champions Cup twice (2006 and 2015).

KIGALI, RWANDA - MAY 29: Carlos Morais #33 of Clube Atlético Petróleos de Luanda and Solo Diabate #1 of Zamalek chase a loose ball during the second half of a Basketball Africa League semifinals game at Kigali Arena on May 29, 2021 in Kigali, Rwanda. (Photo by Nicole Sweet/BAL/Basketball Africa League via Getty Images)

Petro de Luanda and most of their players have faced Diabate at different competitions, including at national team level.

Petro de Luanda have dominated domestic competitions over the past three years, but the Basketball Africa League (BAL) trophy remains a mirage.

And, here’s where Diabate’s name comes to the fore.

The Angola champions have finished third during the inaugural BAL season before coming up short last season when they lost to US Monastir in the final.

KIGALI, RWANDA - MAY 28: Mouloukou Souleyman Diabate #10 of the Union Sportive Monastirienne dribbles the ball during the game against the Clube Atlético Petroleos de Luanda on May 28, 2022 at the Kigali Arena. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Pape Emir/NBAE via Getty Images)

Diabate, meanwhile, is the only player to have won two BAL titles with two different clubs in as many seasons.

During the BAL season one, Diabate scored 12 points – including 2-for-3 from three-point range to help Zamalek beat Petro de Luanda in the semi-finals.

Eventually, he would come off the bench to contribute 14 points and help Zamalek beat US Monastir to clinch his first-ever BAL title.

Diabate entered the history books the following year after helping US Monastir beat Petro de Luanda during the 2022 BAL final to become the only player with two BAL titles.

CAIRO, EGYPT - APRIL 24: Mouloukou Diabete #00, Carlos Morais #6, & Jone Pedro #7 of Petro de Luanda poses for a photo during the 2023 Basketball Africa League Nile Conference Media Day on April 24, 2023 in Cairo, Egypt. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Matthieu Metivet/NBAE via Getty Images)

Can he repeat his BAL success with Petro de Luanda?

“I am playing for Petro de Luanda, and the goal is to win,” he said to the bal.nba.com.

“My personal goal is to go for a (BAL) three-peat. I am ready to give everything to be part of the history of Petro de Luanda and the BAL.”

“I am happy to be the only one, and I hope to keep winning (BAL titles), and I keep working hard to continue winning.”

Does Petro de Luanda have what it takes to lift the BAL trophy”

“This is “a great team,” Diabate replied when asked to describe the type of team Petro de Luanda.

Petro de Luanda will open their 2023 Nile Conference campaign on Thursday, April 27 when they take on Uganda champions City Oilers.