Cameroon set to return to FIBA U18 African Championships for first time in decades

 

DOUALA (Cameroon) – Cameroon is set to make a significant run to the FIBA U18 African Championships for both gender teams, reigniting aspirations in youth basketball in the country.

The Central African nation will be Zone 4’s sole representative at the 2024 FIBA U18 African Championships scheduled to take place in August in South Africa.

It's been 16 years since Cameroon played in the regional 2008 FIBA U18 African Championship Qualifiers although they didn't make it to the Final Round played in Alexandria, Egypt.

Cameroon last appeared at the now-defunct U20 African Championship for Men Final Round in 2004 and African Championship for Junior Men in 1994.

As for the U18 girls team, it has never featured at a FIBA Africa event.

This, therefore, marks a pivotal moment for Cameroon, as they seek to cement their place on the continental stage after such a long absence.

The local U18 national championship will serve as the base for the constitution of the two national squads.

To make sure they have the best possible elements in the respective national teams, a national program has been set up, with technicians meticulously scouting and developing young talent.

"Our national U18 championship will see the best regional teams face each other in the playoffs. But talent identification and detection are conducted all year round,” says Camille Njoh, General Secretary of the Cameroonian Basketball Federation (FECABASKET), speaking to FIBA.basketball.

Njoh also insisted that the teams will feature a mix of players who are already active within local senior teams. "It's the case for both boys and girls, which shows the quality of the players," he added.

Anticipation is palpable as the Cameroonian U18 boys' team prepares to re-enter the continental stage. After such a long absence, the time has come to test their skills to get a clear idea of where they stand on the continent.

"Entering the FIBA U18 African Championship means a lot to us. We need our youngsters to gather international experience. They are the next generation of Cameroonian ballers, which we don't want to lose. This tournament is the right stage for them to express themselves at international level and to get ready for the future."

The boys' team aims for a noticeable return against some of the continent's most formidable opponents. The likes of Mali and Egypt, perennial powerhouses in African youth basketball, present formidable challenges.

But Njoh is adamant about the players’ chances in South Africa. "We’re going to battle against the best teams in Africa. We are competitors and we're not going there to make up the numbers. Every game situation is something we can take from. We will be on the learning curve all the time," he further underlined.

Cameroon's U18 women's team, however, will face another challenge as the young girls will be suiting up for the first time.

So much so that the Federation has its sights on not just participating but competing fiercely against the established giants.

Mali, known for their physical play and tactical discipline, and Egypt, with their speed and precision, will test the Cameroonian squad's mettle.

"The goal is the same for all our teams because for each one, it's a first experience at this international level. The goal is to go as far as possible in this competition and to gain experience. But once again, when we go to a competition, it's to win."

FIBA