Final preparations are under way at the Henri-Elendé gymnasium in Brazzaville ahead of two continental basketball competitions scheduled to begin on 24 October 2026. The venue will host Group C qualifiers of the Road to BAL West Division from 24 to 26 October, followed by the Women's Basketball League Africa Zone 4 qualifiers from 24 to 28 October.
With Congolese Basketball Federation president Fabrice Makaya Matève away on professional business, first vice-president Dimi Yoka carried out an inspection visit to assess progress. Technicians were fitting hoops and marking lines on the court, while workers continued painting in the changing rooms. Offices and the meeting room are also being fitted out to meet international competition standards.
"The work should be finished on time," Yoka told the press, though he warned of financial difficulties and debts already incurred to keep the project moving. FECOKET is seeking support from the Ministry of Sports to complete the remaining work, with several quotes already submitted.
Four clubs will compete for the two qualifying places for the West Division Elite 16, the next step on the road to the 2027 Basketball Africa League, while six women's teams will battle for two spots in the WBLA final phase. Admission to the gymnasium is set at 500 FCFA.
