Angolan Joaquim Gomes ends playing career, appointed D'Agosto director
LUANDA - One of the most decorated African players has called it a day after more than two decades of a playing career.
LUANDA - One of the most decorated African players has called it a day after more than two decades of a playing career.
Former Angola international Joaquim Gomes 'Kikas' over the weekend announced the end of his illustrious career at the age of 36.
After more than 20years, 2-time AfroBasket MVP Joaquim Gomes Kikas has retired from his playing career on Sat Oct 14 2017 🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🏀🏀 Thanks pic.twitter.com/WhgSFPCqzs
— Angolan Basketball (@AngolanBasket) October 15, 2017
"I feel mission accomplished," he said to the local media.
Throughout his international career, Kikas - as he is known in Angolan basketball circles - helped his country to five FIBA AfroBasket titles (2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2013).
As well as being named FIBA AfroBasket MVP in 2007 and 2009, the 6ft6in (2.00m) power forward represented his country at the Olympics in 2004 and 2008.
At club level, Kikas helped Angolan giants Primeiro D'Agosto - a club where he spent most of his playing career - win five FIBA Africa Champions Cup titles, and was named MVP in 2008 and 2010.
Angolan international Valdelicio Joaquim paid tribute to his hero.
#Humildemente em poucas palavras posso dizer que és para sempre a nossa #Lenda aprendi bastante crack e obrigado pic.twitter.com/15iWqDlK3y
— Valdeliçio Joaquim (@ValdeliioJoaqu1) October 17, 2017
Kikas, who turns 37 in December, has now been appointed D'Agosto director for basketball.
He last represented Angola at FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014 in Spain.
FIBA