Angola appoint Will Voigt as head coach

LUANDA (FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers) - Will Voigt has been appointed as the head coach of Angola, the country's Basketball Federation confirmed on Saturday. 

The 41-year-old, who helped Nigeria win their first-ever African title two years ago, becomes Angola's third coach in two years. He replaces Manuel Silva, who guided Angola to the seventh-place at FIBA AfroBasket 2017 two months ago.

"This country has a rich basketball tradition and our goal is to develop the next generation," Voigt told FIBA.com from Luanda.

Talking about the objectives of his three-year deal, Voigt noted: "The rebuild has to happen, and we hope to win with the younger players."

Voigt's first assignment at the helm of the eleven-time African champions is set for later this month (November 24-26) when Angola host Group C of the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers against Egypt, Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

"Our preparation has essentially started now," said Voigt who will be joined by assistant coaches John Bryant and Mathias Eckhoff.

Under FIBA's New Competition System, the African Qualifiers for the World Cup will be played in two stages. The top three teams from each of the four groups (A, B, C and D) in the first round will advance to the decisive 12-team second round. This second stage will see national teams play home-and-away games with the top two teams from each group and the best 3rd-place team booking their places for FIBA's flagship event, taking place from August 31 to September 15, 2019.

FIBA