Mozambique not intimidated by tough AfroBasket qualifying group - Elves Houana
The 36-year-old's 11 points in the opening win (62-50) and 18 points in the 57-48 loss were pivotal in seeing Mozambique through to the next round.
MAPUTO (Mozambique) - Elves Houana is an experienced African basketball campaigner and has always performed exceptionally for club and Mozambique.
The Ferroviario da Beira player recently put in a commendable two-game shift in Mozambique's successful qualification to the group phase of the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Pre-Qualifiers.
Houana helped Mozambique navigate a two-game series qualifier against neighbors South Africa last month.
The two countries split the series, but Mozambique qualified on a better points differential thanks to a 108-107 win on aggregate.
The 36-year-old's 11 points in the opening win (62-50) and 18 points in the 57-48 loss were pivotal in seeing Mozambique through to the next round.
He also landed the three-point dagger in the final seconds, cutting South Africa's points tally in the deciding game.
While happy with his contribution, Houana is looking toward the distant future.
"I am satisfied we achieved our main objective (for the pre-qualifiers). Now we look forward to the next phase," said Houana, speaking to FIBA.basketball.
"African basketball is growing. The challenge ahead requires us to be in a good place to compete.
"As a veteran, I have a lot of responsibility. What came to my mind throughout the competition (pre-qualifiers) is, 'We have to move to the next phase... I should do something to help the team'."
Houana's efforts ensured that Mozambique will prepare themselves for South Sudan, Mali and the Democratic Republic of Congo in November.
These three countries are Mozambique's Group A opponents for the AfroBasket qualifiers.
Houana acknowledges the challenge ahead of them, but he feels if they stick to their game, then Mozambique will qualify for the 2025 AfroBasket.
"We are in a group containing one the best teams in Africa today (South Sudan). Two other teams have greater physical power than us. Fortunately, this is not intimidating, but it reminds us of the amount of work we need to do from this point," said Houana. We are small, but our fast game and efficiency can get us a ticket to the next stage."
Mozambique's last major tournament appearance was in last year's AfroCan, and Houana, who averaged 10.3 points per game and six rebounds per game, says the addition of young players in that competition set the country on its present course.
"We have a very young team, and participating in international competition adds a certain level to our group. We finished all the competitions with the desire to work hard. We also want to represent our country in the best way possible," said Houana.
Mozambique may have needed to get younger, but Houana's experience was telling against South Africa, and it could be the same tonic they will need when their AfroBasket qualifying window opens.
FIBA