ABIDJAN (Côte d’Ivoire) – The Friend’s Basketball Association (FBA), champions of Côte d’Ivoire, soared and literally consumed all their opponents.
In addition to winning the national championship to everyone’s surprise, the FBA made their international debut during the Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) Zone 3 qualifiers and did not disappoint. Just like they did in their national championship, they showed class in Liberia and announced their arrival in style.
FBA qualified for the WBLA Zone 3 qualifiers as the 2024 Ivory Coast champions. By winning the national championship, they earned the automatic right to represent the West African country at this level of competition. In the national championship final, they defeated SOA 2-0 in the final series.
The Zone 3 qualifiers in Liberia pitted FBA against top teams including champions Liberia, Nigeria and Benin. In the group stage, FBA recorded two victories to qualify for the semi-finals. They beat Energie du Bénin to qualify for the final phase in Dakar.
In the final, the FBA faced one of their toughest opponents, the Nigerian MFM, whom they beat 62-57. Both teams scored 16 points in the first quarter, but MFM Queens took a one-point lead into halftime. The final period proved to be decisive, as Friend’s Basketball Association put together a strong 17-11 run to seal the victory.
This result testifies to the meticulous preparation of head coach Benga Lemou, who managed to motivate his players despite the limited preparation time.
KEY PLAYERS
FBA has several players who form the backbone of the team, including Ouraga Flora, Tolo Morgane, Berté Saran, Tounkara Djelika, Traoré Mariam and Williston Aspen, who recently arrived from the United States.
These talented and experienced players are essential to the team’s success, but the contribution of the rest of the group is not insignificant.
NATIONAL TEAM PLAYERS
A number of FBA players have been selected to represent Ivory Coast at international level. These include Tolo Morgane, Ouraga Flora, Guindo Aminata and Kolga Safiétou. Their presence in the national team is a testament to their high level of performance and skill.
YEAR FOUNDED AND TEAM OWNER
FBA was founded in 2007 and the 2023-2024 season marks its 18th anniversary.
The team is managed by its president, Ms. Traoré Safiatou, a visionary and committed leader who advocates inclusion and female leadership.
FBA is the only women’s basketball club in Côte d’Ivoire founded and managed entirely by women.
-Traoré Safiatou is also the assistant coach, having been a player and captain of the club for several years. Her experience as a former player allows her to instill in current players the values of discipline, resilience and teamwork.
Since its inception, the FBA has achieved an impressive number of successes, including:
– Winner of the National Cup (2013, 2022-2023)
– Champion of Ivory Coast (2022-2023, 2023-2024)
– Winner of the Super Cup (2022-2023, 2023-2024)
– Several times vice-champion over the years.
THE COACH
Benga Lemou is the head coach and general manager of the FBA team. He began his basketball coaching career in the early 1980s in Ivory Coast, after coaching in other countries. With decades of experience, he has played a key role in shaping the FBA’s strategy and performance.
A key figure since the creation of the team, his leadership and expertise have played a key role in the club’s success.
HOME GAMES AND ROOM CAPACITY
FBA plays its home matches at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, an indoor venue located in the Treichville district of Abidjan. With a capacity of 3,500 seats, the Palace is one of the largest sports facilities in Ivory Coast. It hosts major basketball competitions as well as other sporting events.
FIBA
