Rabat – In the build-up to the sixth edition of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), Fath Union Sport (FUS Rabat) has made its ambitions clear: securing a place in the Final Four in Rwanda.
Speaking at a pre-tournament press conference in Rabat, head coach Said Bouzidi emphasized that the team is determined to go further than in previous editions.
“Our goal is to finish among the top four and win as many games as possible to qualify for the finals in Rwanda,” El Bouzidi stated, underlining the importance of this third consecutive participation for the Moroccan side. FUS Rabat had previously exited the competition at the quarterfinal stage in its last two appearances, but the coach believes the team is now better equipped to make a deeper run.
The Rabat leg of the BAL will take place from April 24 to May 3 at the indoor arena of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, bringing together 12 teams from across the continent. El Bouzidi highlighted that his squad, which blends experience with emerging talent, has benefited from valuable lessons in past campaigns and is ready to rise to the challenge.
“We know the task will be difficult, but we aim to represent Morocco in the best possible way. We have the talent and the resources, and we prepared well, including a training camp in Turkey,” he added.
FUS captain Abdelhakim Zouita echoed his coach’s confidence, stressing the team’s familiarity with the competition and its opponents. “This is our third consecutive participation, and we are well aware of the level. We are determined to finish among the top four,” he said, pointing to a strong roster capable of delivering high-level performances.
The schedule
The Moroccan side faces a demanding schedule, starting with matches against sub-Saharan African teams including Ivory Coast’s JCA King, Nigeria’s Mactown Flyers, and Senegal’s ASC Ville de Dakar. They will then take on North African heavyweights, Tunisia’s Club Africain and Egypt’s Al Ahly.
El Bouzidi acknowledged the physical demands of the opening fixtures, noting that the first three games will require significant effort. However, he emphasized that home support could play a decisive role. “The backing of our fans will undoubtedly give us extra strength,” he said.
The BAL season is structured in three phases. After the opening stage held in Pretoria in March, Rabat hosts the second leg, before the competition will conclude with the finals in late May at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.
With home advantage and growing experience, FUS Rabat now stands at a crucial moment in its continental journey, one where ambition meets opportunity on African basketball’s biggest stage.
