TRIPOLI (Libya) – AfroBasket 2021 Most Valuable Player Makram Ben Romdhane will lead Tunisia to their 24th appearance at Angola 2025, where 15 other countries will try to deny the two-time defending African champions.
For a man with so many laurels around his neck, Ben Romdhane says he is ready to give his best, knowing that Tunisia will be the team to beat in Angola.
Everyone wants to beat us. We don't just have to play for Tunisia, we have to play for our names - Makram Ben Romdhane
The 36-year-old admits he is nearing the end of his career, but does not rule out another attempt at the title, which he insists will not come without a big fight.
"We won the last championship and I know what it means. I was in this position in 2011 against Angola and everyone was motivated to beat Angola," he recalled.
Angola were back-to-back African champions in 2011 when they lost to Tunisia in Madagascar.
"So I think it's our time now and everyone wants to beat us. We don't just have to play for Tunisia, we have to play for our names," he said.
Speaking about the future of the team, Ben Romdhane noted that some work needs to be done.
"For us, we will try to mix our team with experienced guys like me, Bilel [Jaziri] and Mokhtar [Ghyaza] with the other players who have played in other championships and are ready to show themselves in Africa. I think it's a good combination and it's going to be tough in all the games because everybody wants to beat Tunisia.
Asked the challenge that hosts Angola might present, Ben Romdhane recalled the pressure of playing at home, He has played two AfroBasket tournaments (2015 and 2017) on home soil.
The 2012 Olympian admits that Angola are a good team but will have to go the extra mile on home soil.
"Angola have similar problems to Tunisia in terms of the composition of their team. However, Angola will be playing at home and they will have their fans cheering them on and always wanting them to win. I think that will put a bit of pressure on them to show that they are a really good team.
"The most important thing is that all the teams put up a good performance to show that African basketball has improved a lot," said the imposing 2.06m star.
Speaking on the standard of basketball in Africa, Ben Romdhane said: “People from outside don’t understand that Africa [basketball] has grown and there are no big teams or small teams anymore. All the teams are good. All the players are playing high-level basketball in Europe.”
Continuing, Ben Romdhane, who plies his trade for Portuguese giants Benfica said: “If we look back 5 to 10 years ago, you will agree with me that there’s a big difference in our basketball. Now, every team can beat the other. So the level is good and I am very happy for that. Basketball in Africa has grown so much especially with the kind of competitions that we play like the BAL. For me, it’s good for the young kids and for them to have the opportunity to play for their national teams.”
The reigning AfroBasket MVP who was pivotal in Tunisia’s qualification recalls that "Right now, I am at the end of my career and what makes me happy is to see that young kids are playing tough and an opportunity to represent their countries and help their families.
"Now, the titles don’t mean much to me but what does is about young kids that play with me or against me to improve and have a good future and better life playing in Europe.
On his target heading to Angola, Ben Romdhane explained: “I want be that player that will help my team to lift the trophy for Tunisia. I know everybody will be ready for us but I want us to compete with the other teams well by winning our group games and after that we take it step by step.
“At the last AfroBasket, we never said we were going to win, we said we were going to play and win; and then after the quarter-final, we kept the tempo all the way till we won. That win was because we had a lot of experienced players to fall back on and they made the difference. This time around we need to train, have a lot of games before going to Angola, keep working and after that we will see what follows.
"Now, the titles don't mean much to me, but what does is that young kids who play with me or against me can improve and have a good future and a better life playing in Europe.
On his goal for Angola, Ben Romdhane explained: "I want to be the player who helps my team lift the trophy for Tunisia. I know everyone will be ready for us, but I want us to compete well with the other teams by winning our group games and then taking it step by step.
"At the last AfroBasket we never said we were going to win, we said we were going to play and win; and then after the quarterfinals we kept the tempo all the way until we won. That win was because we had a lot of experienced players and they made the difference. This time we need to train, play a lot of games before we go to Angola, keep working and then we will see what happens.
"I don't want to say because we won the last title that we are going to win again when the championship has not started and then something else happens along the way, you don't win. The best thing is for us to win our first game in the group and go from there because every team will be ready for us," said the three-time AfroBasket champion.
FIBA