Tlatli, Africa’s longest-serving head coach, steps down

TUNIS - When Adel Tlatli and the Tunisian Basketball Federation announced the end of their long-term partnership in August, local fans reacted in support of the country's most successful coach.

Tlatli first coached Tunisia at FIBA AfroBasket 2001 in which they finished fourth. Three years later - in April 2004 - the play caller signed a full-time contract that will end in December 2016, making him the longest-serving national team head coach in Africa basketball in the last 15 years.

"I feel honoured to have served my country the best way possible. Years ago, football, handball and volleyball were the sports that attracted most fans in Tunisia. Nowadays, it’s great to see basketball arenas packed with fans." - Tlatli

Meanwhile, Tlatli feels proud of the team's achievements over the past 12 years.

"I did everything I could to develop basketball in my country and I felt it was about time for me to embrace new challenges," he told FIBA.com.

During his time in charge of Tunisia's senior men's national team, he helped them win the FIBA AfroBasket 2011 title as well as finish third at the 2009 edition of FIBA Africa's top competition. In the process, Tunisia qualified for an Olympic Basketball Tournament (2012) and a FIBA Basketball World Cup (2010) for the first time ever.

Despite coming in third as hosts of FIBA AfroBasket 2015, Tlatli and the federation admitted there were no hard feelings. 

"The Federation and I have no problems whatsoever. After the OQT (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Turin), the President of the Federation (Ali Benzarti) announced during a press conference that I was going to stay until 2019. But after that, we sat down together and we decided to part ways. I thought it'll be good for Tunisian basketball," said the 58-year-old tactician.

While the federation is yet to confirm his successor, Tlatli insists the person in question will need time to implement their own philosophy and give young players a chance.

"Countries like Angola, Mali, and Egypt invest in their youth categories. This is something that the new coach should consider," Tlatli said. "He will need to build a team to qualify for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019." 

Asked to talk about his future and memories at the helm of Tunisia, Tlatli said he has "received offers to coach in the Gulf region" and is considering it.

"My biggest achievements as the head coach of Tunisia were certainly winning the AfroBasket 2011 and facing those big teams at the London Olympics. The team played well and I felt that my hard work had paid off.

"I feel honoured to have served my country in the best way possible. Years ago, handball and football, volleyball were the sports that attracted most fans in Tunisia. Nowadays, it's great to see basketball arenas packed with fans. I feel proud to have helped the growth of basketball in my country."

FIBA