Koko and CNSS eyeing a top four finish at the AWBL
In the last two editions of the old FIBA Africa Champions Cup Women (2019 and 2022), the club from the Democratic Republic of Congo have not progressed beyond the last eight.
KINSHASA (Democratic Republic of Congo) - CNSS coach Ade Koko is eyeing a top-four finish at the new Africa Women's Basketball League (AWBL).
In the last two editions of the old FIBA Africa Champions Cup Women (2019 and 2022), the club from the Democratic Republic of Congo have not progressed beyond the last eight.
Ahead of the ABWL tournament starting in Alexandria, Egypt (11-19 December), Koko acknowledged that the club battled to break into the top at this level. Nonetheless, it (the top four) remains the goal.
"Our objective is to finish in the top four or higher. We have lost in the Quarter-Finals in the last two tournaments. But we still aim high. We want to be among the top four clubs in Africa... That is our objective," said Koko.
The CNSS coach also reflected on the lessons he picked up in last year's tournament.
"The lesson was simple. We had a problem in the one-on-one situations. I think the opposition outsmarted us in those situations. When teams had the ball, the first thing was to attack us inside... That hurt us," said Koko.
On the playing personnel front, Koko will have a good core of players who played in last year's competition in Mozambique.
Players like point guard Katia Mbelu and forwards Debarah Tshiyoyo, Grace Basiki and Christine Mitschiabu are still part of the team.
Koko has also recruited three international players, Grace Tolo and Alima Doumbia (Cote d'Ivoire) and Gabonese player Grace Martineze.
As his team prepares to do battle in Alexandria, Koko's advice to his players is that they learn and keep their eyes on the objective.
"Some of our players will participate in their first African club competition. We have a young team. I want them to learn. That is my first message to them," said Koko. To the ones who have already participated, they have a guiding role to play. There will be a lot of pressure, and we should let it get us or will lose sight of our goal."
As Koko and CNSS arrive in Alexandria for the ABWL, they will be aware other teams stand in their way of achieving their objective.
So, the Congolese club has to start on the right footing for them to make their mark on the competition.
FIBA