ANG – New coaching appointment soon for Olympic hopefuls Angola

LUANDA (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women) – An experienced and well known coach in Angolan basketball is to be unveiled in the coming days as the new boss of the women’s team that will take part in June’s FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women.

The Angola Basketball Federation (FAB) general secretary, Toni Sofrimento, said to FIBA.com: “We are just clearing up a few details about the team’s preparations.

“Everything is going well and both parties – the FAB and him (the coach) are happy with the negotiations.”

Led by former Angolan star Anibal Moreira, who captained the men’s team at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, the “Palancas Negras” women captured the bronze medal last year at the FIBA Africa Championship for Women.

Angola saw their dream of a direct qualification to the Beijing Games destroyed in a 69-60 defeat to Mali but then beat Mozambique to claim third place and earn a spot at the Olympic qualifiers to be played in Madrid in June.

The Angolans are in Group B with the Czech Republic and Argentina.

Sofrimento is confident about the forthcoming appointment, saying: “He is the best choice and excellent for our ambitions.”

Anibal Moreira is now an assistant coach with the Primeiro de Agosto men’s side.

FIBA