Mothiba: Qualifying for FIBA AfroBasket 2017 is very important for South Africa

JOHANNESBURG (FIBA AfroBasket 2017) - Playing at FIBA AfroBasket 2017 is top of South Africa captain Neo Mothiba's to-do-list this year.

South Africa will do everything to get to the prestigious continental event taking place August 19-30 in the Republic of Congo. So far they are on the right track.

They finished second in the FIBA Africa Zone 6 Group G qualifiers behind Angola and will need to defeat their bitter archrivals and neighbours Zimbabwe in a derby that will be more than bragging rights.

The Proteas, as they are nicknamed after their national emblem, will host the two-legged tie and are hoping that home court advantage comes into play in front of their fans.

Talking to FIBA.com, Mothiba said: "It is huge for us to be playing at home. With the local crowd and familiar surroundings, it will give us an edge. We have a 50-50 chance of qualifying. Zimbabwe is a good team but we are evenly matched."

Mothiba, who last featured at FIBA AfroBasket in 2011, and his teammates are aware of the challenge ahead of them because a place at the Congo showpiece also means that they will take part in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Qualifiers.

"Qualifying for this year's FIBA AfroBasket is very important. It would also help us in playing more games and have a more solid program for the national team according to the FIBA New Competition System," said the 35-year-old.

Craig Gilchrist's side could be without forward Somusa Mthembu, sidelined with a right ankle injury, a situation that Mothiba has described as "a blow".

"Losing Somusa is a blow to our defensive strategy but we will plan around it and work out a solution that will minimize the impact of his absence. You never know, he might be ready in a week’s time," Mothiba said.

Neo Mothiba represented South Africa at FIBA AfroBasket 2011 in Madagascar

Liam Reid and Marcus Mokoena are some of the options that could replace Mthembu if indeed he is unavailable for the games against Zimbabwe.

The winner between Zimbabwe and South Africa will join Angola, Cameroon, the hosts Republic of Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, reigning champions Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia and Uganda. 

The other two slots will be determined via a wild card process to complete the 16-team lineup that will battle for the coveted trophy in the summer.

FIBA