Senegal fans already getting a glimpse of opportunities presented by FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Qualifiers

DAKAR - In September of last year, Maleye Ndoye outlined how FIBA's Competition System 2017+ will be of great benefit for fans and for basketball in Senegal. Last week, the 36-year-old - who had never played in front of his fellow Senegalese on home soil - got a glimpse of what lies in store come November. 

The new system will only come into effect at the end of the year, but Ndoye got to experience playing at home for the first time in his career in last week's FIBA Africa Zone 2 Qualifier for FIBA AfroBasket 2017.

The experience only served to confirm what he expressed six months ago in stressing the importance of playing at home. "Can you imagine how crazy it's going to be to play in front of our fans?" he said at the time. 

Thousands of Senegalese fans flocked into Stade Marius Ndiaye in Dakar to watch their heroes

As Senegal hosted Guinea, Cape Verde and Mali for the second leg of the regional qualifier at Stade Marius Ndiaye in the capital city of Dakar, local fans turned up in big numbers and the team responded accordingly. Senegal rallied from a 1-2 record from the first leg in Bamako, Mali to close the qualifier with a commanding 4-2 success in Dakar and, more importantly, they secured their place in the Final Round of this year's FIBA AfroBasket.

After helping Senegal achieve qualification for FIBA Africa's flagship event, he explained why the new system matters.

Maleye Ndoye addresses the media during the FIBA AfroBasket 2017 Qualifiers in Dakar

"I am 37 years old and it's my first time to play in front of my home fans. That's a great experience. The new competition system is a good initiative," said the 2.03m forward who has played in seven consecutive FIBA AfroBasket events. "I saw very happy people cheering us on and I am sure that this will definitely help grow the game in our country."

FIBA