Tunisia target to improve FIBA #AfroBasketWomen's rankings and return to glory days
TUNIS (Tunisia) - It's been almost two decades since Tunisia last finished on the podium at FIBA Women's AfroBasket, but they believe they are making the right moves to return to their glory days.
TUNIS (Tunisia) - It's been almost two decades since Tunisia last finished on the podium at FIBA Women's AfroBasket, but they believe they are making the right moves to return to their glory days.
After finishing runners-up at home on two occasions (1974 and 2001), the North Africans head to this year's African Championship in Senegal targeting to make the most of the competition, but most importantly, they hope to improve on the continental rankings.
And a strong start to the competition against reigning champions Nigeria and Cameroon will be crucial for a team facing a generational rebuilding process.
FIBA World Ranking: No. 11 in Africa (67th in the World)
Goal: Talking to FIBA.basketball, Tunisia Basketball Technical Director Mohamed Beljaj insisted that as a team consisting of many young players they compete in the 12-team showdown in Dakar to measure up their competitiveness level compared to other African teams.
"We don’t target the first three places in Dakar, but we will compete as hard as we can and define our level for future competitions. We want to be better in the future that we are now. And the best way to do it is by participating in competitions like the African Championship."
Latest results: As part of their training camp, Tunisia travelled to Bamako last week to participate in a three-nation tournament against hosts Mali and Cote d'Ivoire. Tunisia conceded four defeat in as many games, but they believe that they took many positives from the competition.
Following the withdrawal of FIBA Africa Zone 1 teams Libya, Morocco and Algeria, Tunisia secured the solo regional qualifying ticket for Dakar.
Two years ago, Tunisia made some good results at FIBA Women's AfroBasket in Mali, beating the Central African Republic (twice) and beat Cote d’Ivoire, but defeats to Angola, Cameroon, Guinea and Mali relegated the North Africans to the 11th place of the 12-team tournament.
Play style: At this stage, the Tunisians are trying to build their identity following the retirement of stalwart players Salma Mnasria and Siwar Khlifa.
How can they shock the continent? Tunisia face a challenge for the ages, and if they win one of their Group D games, it will be considered as a major success, considering Nigeria and Cameroon's desire to contend for a place on the podium.
As they say, surprises happen, and to do, Tunisia will need to play smart and disciplined basketball, especially against Cameroon.
Head coach: Mouez Mestiri, a 36-year-old former player who spent most of his career with his local team Etoile Sportive du Sahel, was part of the team who upset Angolan giants Primeiro D'Agosto in the final of the FIBA Africa Champions Cup 2011 in Sale, Morocco.
He currently coaches Etoile Sportive du Sahel, which has provided six players to the national team namely: Iman Jadidi, Wafa Loubiri, Marwa Shili, Yousra Noura, Rania Al-Hawsh and Norshan Al Khudri.
Quote: "Our target remains as it has always been over the past few years. First of all, we hope to represent our country and give a good image to Tunisian basketball. And, more importantly, we work on our potential as a team and play fair basketball and of course, we work to improve our rankings."
"I believe that the future of any nation or sport lies on the youth. So our generation is always ready to do better every time we have the chance to do it . And we try to be better year after year," Tunisia forward Houda Hamrouni.
Key player: After a short spell in Slovenian basketball, Houda Hamrouni currently plays in Morocco. Over the past few years, the 25-year-old has developed her game to an exceptional level. She is lethal offensively, and contributes immensely on the defensive end.
Two years ago, the 1.85m (5ft. 9in) led her country with a team-high 11 points and added four rebounds in seven games.
Rising Star: Wafa Loubiri, a quick guard, and Marwa Shili, a forward working on her shooting - stand as Tunisia's biggest promising stars. Dakar 2019 might just be the stage of their confirmation.
Wafa Loubiri (Tunisia)
Overview: Algeria and Tunisia stand as FIBA Africa Zone 1 highest ranked teams. As Algeria prepare to miss the African Championship for the second time in a row, this is an opportunity for Tunisia to establish as the No.1 team in this region of the continent.
And if they can win a couple of games in Dakar, it will be job done.
FIBA