Basketball South Africa don formally reject di Basketball National League selection of Soweto Panthers as South Africa representative for di Road to di Basketball Africa League 2027, insist instead say Johannesburg Giants na di legitimate national champions.
Di palava follow BNL statement wey dem issue on 15 October 2026, wey announce Soweto Panthers as di kontri representatives afta dem crown 2026 BNL champions. BSA describe di appointment as "irregular" and "procedurally flawed", argue say e raise concerns about procedural fairness, transparency and compliance with FIBA regulations.
BSA say Johannesburg Giants win di federation official national club championships and say dem don already submit dia confirmation go di FIBA Africa Competitions office without any problem. Di federation state say dem go lodge formal objection and appeal with di FIBA Africa Central Board and FIBA headquarters for Switzerland, dey seek urgent intervention.
Di controversy add to bigger governance concerns inside South African basketball. Earlier for 2026, di Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, FIBA Africa and SASCOC launch process to handle governance challenges and set up national federation wey get proper leadership. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie hold meetings with stakeholders, while FIBA Africa appoint board member to provide oversight.
Documents wey EWN Sport see also show say di contract between BSA and BNL don break down. For one letter wey dem write on 10 June 2024, BSA president Sanele Mthiyane tell BNL chairman Dr Albert Mokoena say di licensing agreement, wey dem originally sign on 21 October 2013, no go renew again, e tok say di contractual relationship don end on 30 September 2023.
