After Cesafi stint, Cameroonian Mbala heads for La Salle

Ben Mbala is headed to La Salle.

MANILA, Philippines—After a phenomenal showing in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League last year, Ben Mbala is staying in Manila for good.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the 17-year-old Cameroonian forward is going to help La Salle in the coming UAAP seasons.

Mbala, along with Southwestern University chair Mariz Holopainen and coach Yayoy Alcoseba, met with La Salle’s management and coaches to formalize his transfer, according to San Miguel executive Noli Eala.

“It”s official! Benoit Mbala is playing for the Green and White. Welcome to La Salle, Ben,” said Eala on his Twitter account (@NoliEala).

“Many tried to recruit Ben Mbala. Was given a task to do, and it’s done. On to the next,” Eala also tweeted.

Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of San Miguel Corp. where Eala serves as a sports director, is one of the godfathers of La Salle’s basketball program.

“Mbala will attend his first La Salle practice this afternoon,” Eala also said in his tweet.

In a text message to INQUIRER.net, though, Green Archers’ head coach Gee Abanilla did not give a confirmation regarding Mbala’s transfer.

“No confirmation yet (regarding) Mbala. What I know is that he is not yet with us,” said Abanilla.

Mbala still has to pass academic requirements and officially enroll in La Salle, then serve out a period of residency before he is rendered eligible to play in the UAAP.

Mbala helped the Cobras to their first-ever Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) title last year, and then made a mark in their trip to Manila for the PCCL Sweet 16.