After a rocky start to the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) season, defending champions Petro de Luanda are banking on the aggressive prowess of Samkelo Cele to spearhead their campaign. With a record of 3-3 in the Sahara Conference, Petro bolstered their lineup by acquiring American guard Kendrick Ray and South African guard Samkelo Cele, who previously troubled Petro with the Cape Town Tigers.

Despite initial setbacks, including a poor shooting performance against Rwanda's Armée Patriotique Rwandaise, Petro rebounded with a decisive 95-84 quarter-final victory over US Monastir, thanks to significant contributions from Ray and Cele.

Captain Yanick Moreira highlighted Cele's impact, stating, "A little aggression on defense and making shots. He can be more aggressive on offense and he can also be a good addition on defense." This addition is crucial following the departures of key players Carlos Morais and Gerson Lukeny Gonçalves.

Cele, with his experience from the New York Knicks and Real Valladolid Baloncesto, brings a blend of US and European basketball insights to Petro. His journey from a prodigy at Durban High School to a professional athlete exemplifies his growth and adaptability.

As Petro prepares for the semi-final against top seed Al Ittihad, the team's unity and strategic additions like Cele are their best bet to achieve what no team has done before—win back-to-back BAL titles. The challenge is monumental, but with a mix of seasoned players and new talent, Petro de Luanda is poised to make history in the 2025 BAL season.