DAKAR (Senegal) - Mozambique's Ferroviario de Maputo got their campaign for a third African title off with a hard-fought 78-74 victory over Rwanda Energy Group (REG) and forward Ingvild Mucauro says it would be a dream to be crowned champions at the ongoing Women's Basketball League Africa (WBLA) games at Marius Ndiaye Arena in Dakar, Senegal. Mucauro who was part of the 2018, 2019 winning squads says a title now would mean much more as they "want to put a smile on Mozambicans faces" given the situation back home.
We want to show Africa and the world what our country has to offer in terms of basketball - Ingvild Mucauro
The country is undergoing political unrest, a situation the 2019 FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women's Most Valuable Player (MVP) admits made their preparations for the 2024 WBLA difficult. "Our people are looking for something to bring them together, something to celebrate, some happy moments and being here to represent them is a huge honour and we want to give them that," Mucauro explained to FIBA.basketball.
She continued: "We have families rooting for us despite what they are dealing with and we want to repay their loyalty and support. The title would mean a lot for Mozambique right now." The 32-year-old has been a mainstay for the side, playing in the African competition from 2015 through to 2019 before switching to Costa do Sol for the 2022 edition, leading them to a second place finish. As the competition rebranded from FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women to Africa Women's Basketball League (AWBL), for the 2023 edition held in Alexandria, Egypt, she turned out for Inter Clube, losing the Semis to eventual winners Alexandria Sporting Club (ASC), but going on to beat REG in the third place match.
Making a return to Ferroviario this year feels special for Mucauro who says they did their best to prepare given the situation back home. "We have to represent how Mozambique women are strong even in such situations and we want to show the best part of the country. Being here is a win by itself but we want the title. Getting back on this stage with a home club is special for me as I love representing my country. We want to show Africa and the world what our country has to offer in terms of basketball," she added. The Nasir Salé-coached side had five of their players hitting double digits against the star-studded REG, the Zone Five silver medalist and while their main objective was to win the opening match they have some adjustments to make ahead of their second match on Monday against home side Jeanne D'Arc. As former champions, Mucauro says they have to put their history behind and focus.
In addition to the back-to-back titles, the team has bagged silver thrice and finished in third place twice.
"We know we have a name in this competition but we must not live in the past. Everyone is doing their job to win and we have to be ready, play as a team and try to go all the way," Mucauro noted.
FIBA