Tamara Seda optimistic about Mozambique's chances in World Cup Pre-Qualifiers

 

MAPUTO (Mozambique) - The FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying Tournaments won't start until August, but in Southern region of Africa, Mozambique's training camp is in full swing. 

Although head coach Inaki Garcia is yet to join the team due to family issues, the team is currently working under assistant coach Leonel Manhique in the capital Maputo.

In one of the two World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournaments, Mozambique will wave their flag in Mexico from 19-25 in Mexico where they will play the host country, Montenegro and New Zealand in Group B.

Among Mozambique's pre-selected players is Tamara Seda, who last played for Angolan side Inter Clube. 

Tamara Seda (far left)

Seda continues to make her name heard across Africa and beyond. She not only won the top rebounder award at 2023 FIBA Women's AfroBasket, but she also was named to the All-Tournament alongside Amy Okonkwo (Nigeria), Cierra Dillard (Senegal), Jannon Otto (Uganda), and Sika Kone (Mali).

The 1,94m (6ft 4in) center talked to FIBA.basketball, explaining what the team's morale is like. 

"It's been a while since Mozambique has had such a long preparation for any competition and although all the girls haven't been able to join, I feel that when the time comes Mozambique will always show up and show out, but this time even better," Seda noted.

Mozambique finished 0-3 at 2014 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup after losses to Canada, France and Turkey 

Mozambique's first and last World Cup appearance happened a decade in Turkey at the 2024 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.

"Any opportunity to present ourselves in an international competition is always exciting. As a player, I feel fortunate to join my teammates and be able to represent our country one more time," said Seda.

Mozambique are one four African teams - alongside Rwanda, Mali and Senegal -  involved in the two Pre-Qualifying Tournaments where teams will be competing for a spot at the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball to be held in Germany.

Can Mozambique pull off a winning campaign in Mexico?

"We have been at the highest level in Africa, unfortunately, we haven't been able to clinch a podium position during my time but I feel like it is never too late to still dream about it. Only those who will participate have a chance and we are one of those countries, so why not?" Seda queried.

Seda and Ingvild Mucauro celebrate Mozambique's 74-65 win over Cameroon at 2023 Women's AfroBasket

Speaking on the challenge before her country, Seda is of the view that the bother of the past has been overcome. "So far, none and this is because this time we have many more players that have competed outside of Mozambique. I feel like this was one of our biggest issues in the past."

She continued: "Mozambique is still one of the few African countries that haven't naturalized players, however; most of the girls that are in our roster have played college basketball and others have plenty of experience throughout Africa."

Seda's spirit epitomises Mozambique's optimism in the build-up to their trip to Mexico.

"I would say whatever Mozambique, as a well-known basketball team, has done in the past, it didn’t have our name on it. So, if we want to leave our imprint, the time is now."

The FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments will involve 24 teams, with the winners of the Mexico and Rwanda Pre-Qualifying Tournaments and a further 22 teams determined by results in the FIBA Women's Continental Cups 2025.

FIBA