Former U18 top prospects shining at 2023 FIBA AfroCan

 

LUANDA (Angola) – It might be only the second edition of the FIBA AfroCan, but it already is the breeding ground for Africa's upcoming stars who once performed at FIBA Africa youth championships.

And though some of them are at the beginning of their senior careers, these top prospects aim to make an impact for their countries.

Among the names that highlight the 2023 FIBA AfroCan in Luanda are Angola's Emanuel Sebastiao, Glofate Buiamba and Tarcio Domingos, Rwanda's Oliver Turantsinze and Emile Galois Kazenza, and Mozambique's Malik Camal.

Each of them has been playing important roles - one way or another - for their countries.

Glofate Buiamba

One of the most prominent names in the tournament is 24-year-old Buiamba, a former Basketball Without Borders Africa camper - who featured for Angola at the 2015 FIBA U16 African Championship in Mali before helping Angola to the 2016 FIBA Africa U18 African Championship in Kigali, Rwanda. Buiamba featured at the 2019 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup World Cup in Egypt.

Time has passed and he now shoulders the responsibility of the Angolan attack at the 2023 FIBA AfroCan, where averaged 8 points and 4 rebounds per game in the Group Phase.

Looking back at his still young storied career,  Buiamba fondly recalls of the memories he lived back then.

"As a basketball player, it is with the same pride that I suit up every time for Angola. It has been the same since I played in the younger categories and it has not changed a bit," says Buiamba, speaking to FIBA.basketball after Angola's comprehensive win over Nigeria at the FIBA AfroCan.
 Malik Camal

Malik Camal, who first appeared for Mozambique at the 2017 FIBA U16 African Championship in Mauritius, also speaks about the pride of suiting up for his country.

"It's been a crazy journey for me. I think that every basketball player out there, hopes to represent their country at senior level. For me, it's been a huge change."

While Buiamba has been a regular at the senior level with Angola, Camal is making his debut for Mozambique's senior team in Angola.

"I'm here to learn. And it's a wonderful chance that the AfroCan is new too because it gives players like me the chance to come and learn. Some of the players who are here, I used to watch them on Youtube, and here I am today sharing the same court with them."

Buiamba thinks that he is getting old, but he derives the same pleasure playing for his country, especially in front of the home fans.

"It's an immense pride, getting to please the home fans, and bringing them some joy. I remember the first time I wore the Angola uniform and till now, it's the same spirit and the same joy for me."

Emile Galois Kazeneza is seen here in action at the 2016 FIBA U18 African Championship

The transition from the youth to the senior teams has been smooth, according to Camal. Playing alongside Mozambican legends Augusto Pio Matos and Ermelindo Novela has led him to level up his game.

"They're always here teaching youngsters, talking about our mistakes and correcting us. Sometimes, we're just off the court, but they're ready to help up and we look up to them for help," adds Camal.

Going back to his debut with the men’s national team, he recalls the sense of welcoming he felt at first. "The elders look after us and make sure we stand united as a group."

With the Classification Round to the Quarter-Finals underway, both the youngsters are looking forward to their next game.

Buiamba knows that Angola are one of the most followed teams while Mozambique are in a rebuilding process.

"We're going to take one game at a time. We're here with the aim of getting as far as possible," underlines Camal.

The Angolan squad knows they don't have much margin for mistakes. "It's like a big dream for us playing in front of our fans. So, we're going to enjoy while making sure we can fulfil our dreams of winning the AfroCan," added Buiamba.

FIBA