LUANDA (Angola) - Avelina Peso knows the responsibility of playing for Angola and the weight of expectations from one tournament to the next.
On Monday (3 February) and Tuesday (4 February) in the FIBA AfroBasket Zone 6 Qualifiers, the pressure will be on Angola to ensure a safe passage to this year's AfroBasket in Côte d'Ivoire (25 July - 3 August).
Speaking to FIBA.basketball ahead of their double-header against visiting rivals Mozambique, Peso preferred to use the word responsibility.
She says pressure is more of a distraction that can cause her and her teammates to take their eyes off the ball.
"I would rather say we have a responsibility... Pressure often makes us lose focus... Responsibility, on the other hand, helps us maintain consistency and reminds us that there is very little room for error... A small mistake can be fatal, so we have to do our job responsibly," says Peso.
The 26-year-old says there is an atmosphere of readiness in the camp ahead of the clash with a Mozambique side she describes as "always ready to fight".
Peso also conceded that their opponents have been getting the better of them of late.
"The feeling is one of preparedness, I trust the group we have and with each passing day we have managed to consolidate our objectives for this (qualifying) window," said the Primeiro de Agosto player.
"They (Mozambique) are a great team. They are the type of team that is always ready for a confrontation, and our recent encounters have been difficult and we are aware of what awaits us, but above all we are confident in the work we have done so far."
Angola will need experienced warriors like Peso to improve their chances against Mozambique. The forward grew up through her country's basketball system and knows what it means to pull on the Angolan jersey.
"It is an honour for me to represent my country on the international stage. It has been a journey full of learning and many beautiful moments that I cherish. This whole journey has helped me grow both in sport and beyond. My goal is to continue working harder and harder to be ready to represent my country," said Peso.
While the aim is to qualify for the AfroBasket, she did reveal what it would take for Angola to add to the two titles they already hold.
"In my opinion, we won the Afrobasket in 2011 and 2013 because we did our homework very well and our team was very well equipped at that time. I watched the 2013 Afrobasket more closely and it was beautiful. Only the coaches and athletes involved in the team knew what it took to win," said Peso.
"But I am sure that we, the athletes - while we have the responsibility to work on the aspects that we know are necessary to improve our game - must listen to the instructions given to us by the coaches and ALWAYS play as a team. The result will speak for itself.
Angola are a competitive nation, their players have watched and learned what it takes to reach the pinnacle of African basketball. With hungry and experienced players like Peso, the country can take the necessary steps to reclaim its glory.
FIBA