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Pinto hopes reunion with Quinta can be a path to WNBA

CHANAYA Pinto’s start in the pro ranks this season saw her return to Portugal, her first pit stop before crossing the Atlantic to pursue a fruitful college career as a student-athlete in the United States. The Mozambican’s reunion with Quinta dos Lombos, the club she first joined as a 15-year-old, is proving successful.

Last month, she captured her first major trophy, the Taca de Portugal, with her club. Now 25, Pinto is eyeing more success with them.

It comes a year after the Pennsylvania State University graduate declared for the WNBA draft — a move that ultimately did not pan out. Although going undrafted was disappointing for Pinto, she hasn’t given up on her dream of playing in the WNBA. Instead, she’s taken a mature perspective, reflecting on the valuable lessons she learned from the experience.

“I feel we have to learn from failure to succeed. I am exactly where I need to be right now,” said the Mozambique international. “Declaring for the WNBA draft was a goal of mine. It did not go my way, but I learnt so much. The opportunity to talk to WNBA GMs and coaches is something not too many players get to do.

“I know exactly what I must work on for another shot at the league. It’s in God’s hands. I am also 100% sure I’ll be part of it.”

Chanaya Pinto wins with Quinta Dos Lombos — **Chanaya Pinto celebrates winning the Taca de Portugal with Quinta Dos Lombos. Pictures: Supplied and FIBA**

She was nostalgic about her return to Quinta and seemed well-adjusted to life as a professional.

“I am fortunate to be at a club that I started with when I was 15 and left at 19. I love my teammates, and it’s been a great start,” said Pinto. “It feels weird that I am not in school anymore. I have so much free time, so I have found ways to stay productive.

“I have to take care of my body because it’s my work tool. In college, it was books, practice and games. As a pro, it’s practice and games. So, in my free time, I focus on my mental health and taking care of my body.”

Pinto seems on the right path after helping lead Quinta to the national cup victory over Benfica. She says it is one of the most coveted trophies in Portugal, and it sets them up for a good run in the ongoing playoffs.

“It was amazing to win it. Many teams want that trophy, so winning it with Quinta is superb for us. My team is young. It’s probably one of the youngest in the league, so to beat a great team like Benfica is also amazing for us,” said Pinto, who had 11 points and four rebounds in the cup final.

Speaking before the playoffs, Pinto felt they have grasped what it takes to compete ahead of their objectives. “It will motivate us because we are entering the playoffs. Moving forward, that is what you want. Looking back, I say, ‘Wow, we have had an amazing season.’ We also understand that we must take it game by game through these playoffs.

“So the way we played in the finals set a great tone for what we want to accomplish this season.”

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A post shared by Chanaya Pinto 🌸 . (@chanayapinto)

Pinto’s team, which finished sixth in the Liga Feminina (LFB) regular season, made a strong start to the playoffs. They defeated third-placed Gdessa Barreiro to take a 1-0 lead into the next game.

Against Barreiro, the forward led the team with 16 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Her LFB regular season numbers were just as impressive – Pinto averaged 14.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.1 steals. Pinto says she has thrived because of the good atmosphere in the club.

“The coaching staff and my teammates have put a lot of trust in me from day one. I am just getting started. It’s different from college. I understand. To be surrounded by this amazing group of people is amazing. I am blessed to be a part of this team,” said Pinto.

Chanaya Pinto playing Mozambique — **Chanaya Pinto believes Mozambique has a bright basketball future.**

Another team Pinto hopes to be a part of is the Mozambique national team, which will compete in the women’s AfroBasket in Cote d’Ivoire (25 July – 3 August).

“My goal as a Mozambican is to represent my country as much as possible. If I have no club commitments then of course I will be available for the AfroBasket,” said Pinto.

She was previously part of the teams that finished fourth (2017) and fifth (2023) respectively. Should everything align, how far can this year’s team go at the continental tournament?

“I think the sky is the limit for our generation. As I said, winning a cup with a cup young team shows how bright the future is,” said Pinto. “For Mozambique, the future is bright as well. We have talented players outside the country who bring a wealth of experience. So, the future is bright. The sky is the limit. I look forward to what we can achieve with this team.”

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Canivete ready to be counted on for Mozambique

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FOR Mozambican two-way player David Canivete Jr being relied upon on to help the team to win basketball games is the feeling he’s missed a great deal. Due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in his home country, Canivete Jr like many other ballers couldn’t do what he loves most. And that is to play basketball.

Now that basketball activities have been allowed to resume by the government of that country, Canivete and his teammates have been hard at work preparing for the colossal task waiting in Kigali, Rwanda. Mozambique will face African giants Angola, Senegal and a Kenya Morans team on the rise, in the FIBA Afrobasket qualifiers from 25-29 November.

Second Picture — **David Canivete Jr aims help maintain Mozambique’s tradition of qualifying for the AfroBasket. Pictures: FIBA**

The ambition for Mozambique is to punch in their ticket for next years Afrobasket tournament on 24 August – 5 September, also in Kigali.

But, it is jumping the hurdle of a tough Group B that Mozambique have to negotiate first. And Canivete Jr will be one of the players his country calls on to help in this endeavour.

“I missed the fact that people can count me. The fact that I can help my teammates and my coach win games. I miss the fans as well because it is for them we play. But, I have missed the feeling of being that player the team can count on,” said the Ferroviario de Maputo player reflecting on his time away from the court.

Heading into the qualifying campaign Canivete Jr, fancies Mozambique’s chances of qualifying for the Afrobasket, because most players playing in the continent have been inactive. So, the qualifiers will serve as a first taste of competitive action for most players, since the lifting of national lockdown restrictions in their respective countries.

I don’t think many of us have played competitive basketball. Probably players from Senegal, who play overseas will have the advantage because their team comprises guys that play outside of that country. And the leagues overseas have resumed. So our hope is, to at least win two games against Angola and Kenya. But they are also in an equally good position to qualify,” said the 31-year-old, who pointed out that playing the qualifiers at a neutral venue (Kigali Arena bio bubble) has it’s pros and cons.
“If we win all our games, that would be good because none of the teams has the home-court advantage. It’s a disadvantage as well because you don’t get to play in front of your home fans.”

Despite the long stretch without any competitive basketball, Canivete maintains Mozambique has good shot at qualifying. His optimism stems from the fact that the bulk of the team will come from Ferroviario de Maputo side that had been preparing for the Basketball Africa League tournament, postponed to 2021.

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A post shared by David Canivete (@canivete.jr)

“We are in good shape because we have been practising for two or three months. My club was the only one practising here in Mozambique. We had an international competition, so we were allowed to prepare for that. So, there’s a good core to work with. Also included are two players from the Beira club, and we are expecting two players from Portugal,” said Canivete Jr, who has played in South Africa for the Phenomenal Phenoms.

Third Pic — **David Canivete, far left, poses with his teammates during the 2017 Afrobasket.**

A seasoned campaigner in international competition, Canivete Jr is always ready to don Mozambican vest. The experience he will add to Mozambique’s campaign will surely valuable.

“It’s a pleasure to play for the national team. It’s an honour for me to play alongside good players inside and outside of Mozambique. It means I am doing something right. I am staying shape and ready to represent my country. I hope that my experience will help the team. If we qualify, it will be my sixth Afrobasket. So, I am hoping to keep fit and healthy to help the team achieve this goal. I am going to give my blood and sweat. I will leave it all on the court,” said Canivete.

Mozambique will need Canivete’s and his teammate’s blood and sweat, and maybe some more to overcome their Group D opponents. And trying to maintain their tradition of being regular participants in the Afrobasket, they should spare no inch. It will be a tough group for Mozambique to navigate, but in overcoming the obstacles the taste of the promised land will be that sweeter.

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Canivete: Beating South Africa is one of my fondest memories

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IN The Big Tip Off’s question and answer (Q & A) interview, we speak to Mozambique and Ferroviario de Maputo basketball player David Canivete Jr. Canivete touches on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted basketball, his greatest triumphs and adversaries on the court.

Q: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the globe in many ways. How is COVID-19 being dealt with in Mozambique?

A: There has been a Stage 3 state of emergency since April. There are no recorded deaths and the number of recovered and infected people is low compared to other countries in the region (southern Africa).

The public is taking the situation seriously by following the government and World Health Organisation’s recommendations. That’s why the situation is a bit stable and I hope we don’t go higher than Stage 3.

Q: How long has it been since you last played basketball and how are you feeling about that?

A: It’s been almost 45 days. I feel sad because when you are used to doing something daily with love, pride and joy, it’s hard to stop. What is worse is, you did not create the situation and that’s difficult to manage sometimes.

Q: What were you and your Ferroviario teammates’ mood when you were informed that the Basketball Africa League 2020 season was being postponed? Explain those feelings?

A: We were expecting the postponement. Before the tip off, the number of cases in Africa were already increasing. When the Sahara Division tip off was postponed, it was only a matter of time before our division followed suit. We felt a mixture of disappointment and hope, but as the days passed, we realised that the best thing to do was to stop basketball activities, stay safe and wait for updates.

Q: What are you doing with your time, now that there is no basketball until further notice?

A: I spend most of the time with my wife and my kids, I read a lot of science and culture books. I watch new movies and series and I scout other teams to get as much information as I can on them. I also try to be updated about the COVID-19 situation in the world and of course I work out, daily.

Secondary Pic — **David Canivete Jr in action against Jozi Nuggets at the Basketball Africa League qualifiers.** **Pictures: BTO**

Q: What are you doing to stay in shape?

A: As I said, I work out. I try to run at least 10 km, three times a week. I also work on my speed, jumping, power and resistance two or three times a week. In between I make some drills and shoot around with my friend and skills coach, almost daily.

Q: How would describe yourself as a basketball player?

A: I am a team first player with a good IQ, which helps me find and create space for myself and my teammates to score. I am mentally strong and in good physical condition, which allows me to attack and defend the 3 and 4 positions. My long wingspan, helps with finishing lay-ups and in playing defence. I play well in areas near the basket and I also have a good three-point shot and mid-range jumper. I have a good ability to win offensive and defensive rebounds. So, in short, I consider myself a good two-way player.

Q: Are you superstitious or do you have something special you do before a basketball game?

A: I used to tap the roof at the entrance of the court twice when I arrived at the gym and before the game. I pray to God and I ask for blessings and protection.

Q: Who is the toughest player you have played against in basketball (locally) in Mozambique and international on the international stage? And why were they difficult to play against?

A: In Mozambique it’s Ermelindo Novela, who is my teammate. He brings a lot of intensity to the game and, he has a never-say-die spirit on defence and offence (sometimes he reminds me of myself). Internationally it’s Leonel Paulo, who plays for Angola and Petro de Luanda, for the same reasons I mentioned earlier about Ermelindo. Plus Leonel has a body type which allows him to attack and defend the 2, 3, 4 and 5 positions. I think every team should have a player or two like him.

Q: Who is your favourite player in basketball and why is that player your favourite?

A: You know back in the day, for the players of my generation and I, it used to be Fernando Mandlate. We called him Nandinho. He had amazing skills and he was a scoring machine. He was a pure one-man show. That man could make fans at the Maxaquene Arena go crazy. As a kid I imagined myself meeting and telling him personally that I am a fan of his and ask him for some tips. With God’s grace I had the pleasure of playing with him in the national team and at Ferroviario da Beira, in the latter stages of his career.

Third Picture — David Canivete in action against Jozi Nuggets. *Picture: BTO*

Q: Who is your favourite teammate at club level and who is your favourite teammate in the Mozambique national team? And why?

A: It’s hard to choose because I love everyone in both teams, but honestly, it’s Pio Matos Jr. He is my favourite teammate at club and international level. He has been one of my best friends for more than 15 years. We have experienced wins and losses together in life, but we never split and even when we played for different clubs, we remained tight.

When we first met, we understood each other and since then, together with his twin brother, we have always striven to elevate our game. He is also a strong character. I am one of the few, who can easily communicate with him on and off the court, sometimes with a word or by eye contact and he gets the message. I believe he’s got my back and I have his.

Q: What is your worst memory in basketball?

A: Being cut from the Mozambique team for 2007 FIBA Afrobasket in Angola. I respect coaches’ decisions, but honestly when I look back, I felt like I deserved to be part of the team.

Q: What is your best memory about playing for Mozambique?

A: My first game in the national team jersey. That was during the 2009 Afrobasket qualifiers in Maputo against South Africa. I know it’s your birth country (referring to the interviewer), but I knocked them out. Since that game, I promised myself that being called up to the national team will depend on my performances on the court.

Q: What is or was your greatest achievement in basketball and why?

A: The respect from the people who follow me, because respect is hard to earn and get nowadays, especially from people who do not believe that sports can change lives for the better.

Q: Outside of playing basketball, what is your favourite memory?

A: The birth of my children. I could not be there physically, but I was there in spirit. Honestly, I owe it my wife to be present for the birth of our next child.

Q: What would you be doing if you were not a basketball player and why that choice in career?

A: I would be a diplomat, because have I travelled a lot while playing basketball, which has allowed me to learn about different cultures and languages and I also studied international relations. I think that is a perfect match between the two fields that I love and I have a passion for both.

Q: What are the problems in Mozambican basketball? And what advice would you give, so that they are fixed or corrected?

A: Organisation, investment and commitment. Nothing is perfect, but let’s not focus only on the problems. The focus must be on the origins of those problems. Then we can find the solutions and avoid making similar mistakes in the future. We have to execute!

Q: What is your favourite holiday destination and why?

A: The Mozambican Islands. In my opinion, they are rarely explored and are one of the most beautiful in the world.

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: I love to have a good time with my family and friends. I love music, especially Mozambican hip hop. I am a die-hard fan of criminal investigation series, action and comedy movies… Also read, I like being up to date about current affairs.

Q: If you were president of Mozambique for the day what changes would you make?

A: Having grown up in the world of sports. That is the area where I would make changes. I would focus on infrastructure for sports; building multi-sport arenas and football courts in every city. I would make sport a very big industry, so it can be profitable and benefit the whole of society.

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