Born in 2000 in Dakar, Karim Mané left Senegal at the age of 7 to settle in Canada with his family. Playing at position 1, Karim Mané played with the Canadian national team against Senegal during the U19 world championships in Greece in 2019. Mané moved to the Orlando Magic in the NBA in 2020/2021, then to the G-League, Karim Mané played this 2023/2024 season in the Bulgarian league with an average of 21.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6 assists per game.
“The Senegalese Basketball Federation informs that, by exceptional decision of FIBA dated May 28, 2024, basketball player Karim Mané, born in Senegal and naturalized Canadian, is authorized to play for the Senegal national team. Indeed, following talks between the Lions staff and the player Karim Mané who had expressed his desire to play for Senegal, an administrative procedure was introduced by the Senegalese Basketball Federation (FSBB) with FIBA. , we can read in the FSBB press release.
In response to this FIBA decision which allows Karim Mané to play for Senegal without limitation, national coach Desagana Diop gave his comments: “It is a big step forward for Senegal to see one of its children return . Karim is a player who occupies a position where we are a little lacking in resources. I hope he will be able to seize this opportunity and quickly integrate into the current group. Welcome to him,” he insisted.
For his part, Karim Mané made the following declarations: “I thank God for allowing me to finally be able to defend the national colors of Senegal. I humbly receive this news from FIBA as an additional Source of motivation to reach the heights. Playing for Senegal is a true blessing for me and makes me and all the members of my family proud, both in Senegal and elsewhere. I very much wish to contribute effectively to the influence of Senegalese basketball. I will spare no effort to respond to all requests from the national team of my country of heart, Senegal. Thank you in advance to everyone for your prayers and positive thoughts in this new chapter of my life. »
The success of this procedure is welcomed by the president of the FSBB, Me Babacar Ndiaye, who is also a member of the FIBA legal commission. He welcomes Karim Mané on behalf of the entire Senegalese basketball family. According to him, Senegal has the right to work in order to bring back all its talents who evolve under other colors. According to him, this task will be continued so that other players can follow the example of Karim Mané.
The Senegal men’s national team will be on the floor next November for the AfroBasket 2025 qualifiers. The FSBB plans to organize an international preparation tournament in Dakar next August, which will see the participation of several teams, including Tunisia, reigning African champion.
Wiwsport.com
