Senegal feeds the ambition of regaining continental basketball titles, both in the male and female categories, according to Me Babacar Ndiaye, president of the Senegalese basketball federation (FSBB). In an interview with TFM’s “evening info” program, he reaffirmed the country’s commitment to conquer the Afrobasket planned to stay in Angola and Côte d’Ivoire.
The women’s tournament will take place at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, from July 26 to August 3. On this occasion, the lionesses, vice-championnes of Africa, will evolve in group C alongside Guinea and Uganda. “The Lionesses showed great performances during the World Cup pre-qualification tournament,” said President Ndiaye.
A virtual meeting was organized with Otis Hughley Jr, the American team of the women’s team, to plan the preparations. Part of the training camp will be held in Senegal, with the assertive support of the Minister of Sports.
For men, a technical sheet is being finalized and should be submitted to the competent authorities. A training camp is planned in Valence, Spain, before continuing in Senegal. The Senegalese State, through the Minister of Sports, has promised support for the training program. The draw for the 2025 Afrobasket 2025 for men, scheduled for May 9 in Luanda, positions the Senegalese team in Pot 1. Senegal has not been crowned continental champion since 1997, although having recently won all qualification matches.
Me Babacar Ndiaye also appealed to the mobilization of the Senegalese population to fully support the national teams during the Afrobasket. In addition, he is engaged in discussions with the FIBA about the situation of Lena Timera, a binational player failed twice by the regulations of the FIBA concerning naturalization. After being dismissed from competitions in 2021 and 2023, his mother, Fatou Tall, arrested the African basketball authorities on rules deemed discriminatory. During an interview that Me Ndiaye granted and which was reported by the Sud Daily newspaper, he insisted on the need to review these regulations in order to promote the development of basketball in Africa. To support the cause of Lena Timera, the FSBB has filed appeals to the FIBA, emphasizing the unjustness of such a sidelining.
