Pitchou Manga adamant DR Congo can be best in Africa

DAKAR (Senegal) - Beating Kenya in the final of the inaugural FIBA AfroCan three years ago in Bamako was a glimpse of what DR Congo can do in African basketball landscape. This is, at least what Pitchou Manga thinks.

Indeed the results spoke for themselves. 

After beating Kenya 82-61 in the 2019 AfroCan Final, the Congolese went on to shock  former African champions Angola and Egypt in the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers. Two years earlier, DR Congo caused the biggest surprise at 2017 FIBA AfroBasket in Tunis by stunning then defending African champions Nigeria in the Group Phase,

Last week, DR Congo upset Senegal in front of their home crowd in the Group Phase for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 in Dakar, and although Manga hasn't suited up for his country for over a year,  he is adamant that DR Congo can be the best team in Africa.

"It doesn't matter if I play or not. We have other Pitchou Mangas waiting for an opportunity of playing for our country, that's how big basketball is in m y country," he said.

 
"What we achieved in Bamako with the win of the AfroCan wasn't surprise for us, players, because we know our value.

"Max Munanga was one of the reasons we won the AfroCan. Now he's playing in France. So that goes to show the importance of AfroCan to players.

"When management of our national team basketball is planned and organised correctly, we will unbeaten in Africa.

"When you see what Congolese players are doing in the NBA and Europe, you have to admit that our basketball is unquestionable.

"I am just glad that players like Jonathan Kuminga are carrying the DR Congo flag the best way he can," Manga said.

The 33-year-old defends that competitions like the FIBA AfroCan - the country's only continental trophy - are needed in order to give home-based players opportunities to show their talent on the international stage. 

But until the next AfroCan is officiated, Manga is trying to reach another milestone in his career. The 2.06m (6ft 9in) center is gearing up to play for REG of Rwanda in the asketball Africa League (BAL) Season Two in Dakar.

"I just want to leave my mark in African basketball. I am glad to be in the BAL, and I hope to be able to help my team qualify for the playoffs. After that, who knows?" Manga asked. 

FIBA