Muianga key as Ferroviario win national title

MAPUTO (AfroBasket Women) - Mozambique ace Rute Muianga has boosted her prolific scorer credentials, helping Ferroviario de Maputo beat star-studded Costa do Sol in the final of Mozambique's national league on Monday.

In a match-up that included a dozen of Mozambique internationals, Muianga, who spent most of the competition on the sidelines due a knee injury, was the game-changer, coming off the bench to score 12 points and lifting her team to a 57-51 win.

It was Ferroviario's second national championship title in a row, and the forward, known for her combative spirit, proved pivotal in the success.

Even her opponents were surprised by Muianga's performance.

"Because of her injury we did not expect to see her play the way she did. She won the championship for Ferroviario," Costa do Sol's center Deolinda Gimo said to FIBA.com.

"It was great to see her doing really well though," added Gimo who led all scorers with 14 points.

Despite lining up with some of Mozambique key players - Catia Halar, Valerdina Manhonga, Filomena Micato and Ilda Chambe - and being coached by Deolinda Ngulela, Costa do Sol's defense was unable to stop Muianga.

"I stepped on the floor ready to play my game," she told FIBA.com.

Without a doubt, playing in the World Championship changed my perspective of the game. It made me a more confident player. - Muianga

The 1.77m small forward has become a key member of Mozambique's national team in recent years.

"When I stepped on floor [in the national championship final], I didn't feel any pressure at all. I knew I had little time to do things correctly to help my team.

"These are the kind of lessons that I learned from the world championship.”

At the 2014 FIBA Women's World Championship played in Turkey, Muianga gave Canada a tough time, hitting all four three-point attempts  she took to lead all scorers with 14 points. However she couldn't prevent Mozambique from falling to a 69-54 defeat in their world championship debut.

Mozambique lost all three their games, but Muianga took some positives from the experience.

Meanwhile, former Mozambique U18 star Ornelia Perola Mutombene was named the MVP of Mozambique's national championship.

"She has already proven how good of a player she is," Muianga said of the Ferroviario de Maputo point guard.

"The problem is she has never had the opportunity to be shortlisted for the national team.

"But I am sure she has the potential to be part of the national team this year."

At AfroBasket Women 2015, taking place in Yaounde, Cameroon from 24 September-3 October, Mozambique will play in Group A, alongside the host nation, Gabon, Mali, South Africa and Uganda.

And, facing Cameroon in Yaounde should be a challenge, says Muianga.

"We needed to excel to beat them at AfroBasket 2013," she recalled.

"They are tall, play good basketball and have the home-court advantage. It is going to be tough for us," said the 32-year-old.

If I am selected, I will make sure to be ready. - Muianga

But Muianga can't wait to wear the colours of her national team again.

"Right now, I am treating my knee, hopefully I;ll be at my best when the national team preparations begin later this month," she said.

"As a soldier myself - serving in national army - I always have to be ready."

FIBA