Mozambique living a new era

YAOUNDE (AfroBasket Women 2015) - Vilma Covane and Deolinda Ngulela represent two generations of modern Mozambique women’s basketball.

And, this year’s AfroBasket Women in Yaounde, Cameroon, is the starting point of a new era in their basketball.

Only five players who represented Mozambique at AfroBasket Women 2013 as well as at 2014 FIBA World Championship for Women, are competing in Yaounde.

And 34-year-old Ngulela who is playing her fourth continental championship, is making sure the likes of Covane inherit Mozambique’s recent success.

The Southern Africans climbed a staggering 11 places in FIBA Rankings to become Africa fourth highest ranked team.

And that achievement can’t be wasted, even if influential players such as Leia Dongue, Rute Muianga, Anabela Cossa and Catia Halar did not travel to Yaounde.

“Continuity is such a great thing in basketball. But it was about time to start a new era and inject fresh blood in the national team,” Ngulela told FIBA.com in the aftermath of their 73-50 victory over Uganda.

“The new players are talented, and are willing to learn the game of basketball game.

“The good thing about these players is that they like to listen and learn quickly.

I have a lot to share with these young girls - Ngulela

Asked to comment about Dongue’s absence, a hot topic in Mozambique, Ngulela who serves as player-coach with local club Costa do Sol, was straightforward.

“As our head coach says we only miss those members of the current squad. But I can’t deny that she [Dongue] is a good player and could make a difference for us. Sorry, but there is nothing we can do about it.

Some players are now in fact living new chapters in their lives - Ngulela

The runners-up of AfroBasket Women2013 have been in Group A along with hosts Cameroon, Mali, Gabon, Uganda and South Africa.

Although they have big aspirations in the tournament, they know “It’s going to be tough, but we continue to compete,” Ngulela added.

Covane, an 18-year-old who has represented Mozambique at youth level, says she is living a challenging experience.

“It’s not an easy task entering a group of experienced players,” the 1.88m centre said.

“I think I managed to get integrated in the group.

“What I have learned so far is that I must keep focus the entire game.

“If we continue to fight the way we did in the first two games, I think we can achieve some things in this tournament,” said Covane, who averaged three points in the first three games at AfroBasket Women 2015.

FIBA