How ATPI Sports Travel Keeps African Basketball Moving 

When the NBA’s Basketball Africa League (BAL) tips off, the spotlight shines on the athletes. But behind every successful game is a team of logistics experts ensuring players, officials, and staff get where they need to be, on time, hassle-free, and ready to perform. At the heart of this operation is ATPI Sports Travel Africa. 

We spoke with Zukiswa Tsengiwe, Operations Supervisor – Sports & Events, about the unique challenges of managing travel across a continent as vast and complex as Africa, and how ATPI’s expertise keeps the league running smoothly. 

Flying across Africa isn’t as simple as booking a ticket 

Organizing travel within Africa presents unique challenges. “The biggest hurdle during the BAL season is managing travel between West and East Africa,” says Zukiswa Tsengiwe. “Unlike Europe, where you have multiple daily flights, trains, ferries, and buses, in Africa options are limited. Some airlines only fly a few times a week, often at inconvenient hours.” Coordinating overnight stays, transfers, and early-morning departures becomes a delicate puzzle. “It’s not just about booking flights, it’s about managing a seamless journey where every piece of the puzzle falls perfectly into place.” 

Making first-time flyers feel like pros 

While the league features rising stars from across Africa, many athletes are traveling internationally for the first time. “For some players, this is their very first flight experience,” Zukiswa explains. “That’s why we focus on comfort and simplicity, making them feel like pros from the start.” ATPI ensures athletes are booked on flights that minimize stress, often securing front-row seating for extra legroom and team exclusivity. “It’s those small details that keep athletes focused on their game, not their journey.” 

Success is when no one notices you’ve done your job 

Working in African sports travel is very different from other regions. “In Africa, you deal with flight rights, limited routes, technical stops, and infrastructure that’s still developing,” Zukiswa shares. “Unlike Europe, you can’t rely on alternative options, we need to anticipate challenges before they even happen.” 

This is where ATPI’s local expertise becomes invaluable. “We know the intricacies of traveling within Africa,” she continues. “Our local knowledge makes the difference between delays and seamless arrivals.” 

Looking ahead: the NBA BAL’s growth journey 

With the NBA BAL expanding into more African countries, the future looks promising. “As the league grows, so do the opportunities to elevate the athlete travel experience,” Zukiswa concludes. “It’s exciting to be part of something that’s still evolving. Our goal is to remain the backbone of the league’s logistical success, just like we are today.” 

Key takeaway 

At ATPI Sports Travel, it’s not just about moving teams from point A to B. It’s about creating seamless, stress-free journeys that empower athletes to perform at their best, no matter how complex the route. 

Ready to move your team with precision and care? 
Get in touch with ATPI Sports Travel today