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Can Thienou’s transformative journey bring glory to Mali?

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MALI has a rich history in African basketball, especially at the youth level. The exceptionally gifted players produced by Mali’s talent conveyor belt have gone on to achieve remarkable success in their careers, cementing the West African nation as a hotbed of basketball talent. One of those players is Sira Thienou, who has built a glittering career in Mali’s junior ranks, leading to a great knock-on effect.

Thienou, a winner of Women’s AfroBasket titles at the U16 (2019) and U18 level (2022), is building a name for herself in the US college circuit. That is not all. She has since elevated to the senior ranks and has remained on the selectors’ radar for major competition in recent times.

At the AfroBasket in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, concluding on Sunday night, Mali will battle it out for the ultimate prize. Interestingly, the 21-year-old Thienou is part of a generation of players trying to bring glory to a nation that has been starved of success in basketball at the senior level. Before discussing the business of the AfroBasket final, Thienou reflected on the journey of playing for Mali’s youth teams and described those teenage years as transformative.

“Growing up and coming through the Mali national team setups from U16 to U18 and then U19 was an amazing journey. Each level brought its challenges, but also growth, both on and off the court,” said Thienou. “Winning the AfroBaskets at U16 and U18 was special. It felt like all the hard work, sacrifices, and hours spent training paid off not just for me. It was the same for the whole team and our country. Being part of those winning teams taught me discipline, leadership, and how to push through difficult moments. Representing Mali is always an honour, and those experiences shaped who I am as a player and as a person.”

Sira Thienou Mali Women's AfroBasket final — **Sira Thienou says Mali are hungry and want to bring the Women’s AfroBasket title home. Pictures: FIBA Africa**

Thienou’s first taste of senior team basketball was in Mexico at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-qualifying tournament last year. Adjusting to top-level basketball has been a challenging process for Thienou, who notes that the guidance of senior players has helped her navigate this stage of her development.

“Moving up to the senior team has been a big change, but a good one. The game is faster and harder, and the players have more experience,” said Thienou. “At first, it was a little tough, but I’ve been learning a lot and trying to keep up. The older players and coaches have helped me feel comfortable. I’m proud to be part of the team. I want to continue working hard and do my best to help Mali.”

On her journey of forming part of the Malian women’s team, Thienou has reunited with some familiar faces she played with in Mali’s youth ranks. They include Maimouna Haidara and Elisabeth Kamite Dabou, who have been part of the senior set up, and Mama Cisse with who she won youth continental championships back in the day.

Thienou says the trio have formed a sisterhood over those glory years, and she is grateful to have joined forces with them at this year’s women’s AfroBasket.

“It is special for me… We’ve been playing together since we were young, so there’s a strong bond between us. We’ve won so much together before, and now to be on the senior team with them is like a dream. We understand each other on the court, and we push each other to be better. It also makes me feel more confident and comfortable knowing they’re by my side at this new level. Those are my childhood best friends,” said Thienou.

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While her three teammates took the professional route early in their careers, Thienou’s path saw her journeying to the home of basketball, the United States. Thienou, currently part of the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) women’s basketball team, says playing for her country and Basketball Without Borders in 2022 made the dream move possible.

“Playing for Mali and going to the BWB Camp opened doors for me, and I’m so grateful it led me to Ole Miss. College basketball has been a big learning experience. The game is very physical, fast, and the level of competition is high. It took some time to adjust, but I’ve grown a lot both as a player and as a person. Being at Ole Miss has helped me get stronger, smarter on the court, and more confident in myself. I’ve also met great people who support me. So it’s been a good experience,” said Thienou.

The shooting guard, who made a brief stop at Virginia’s Shining Stars Sports Academy before landing at Ole Miss, admitted it’s still hard to believe she’s playing college basketball, especially since she hadn’t even been familiar with it before.

“To be honest, while in Mali, I did not know anything about college basketball. After moving to the USA for high school, college was for sure a dream. So, being there now feels special. I’ve worked hard to get to this point, and sometimes I still can’t believe it’s real. It makes me proud. It pushes me to make the most of the opportunity,” said Thienou.

She has also boldly accepted the challenge of playing in the cut-throat college scene. She emphasised how the experience is confirmation of how much she loves the game. Thienou says she has matured as a person and player.

“Since I came to the US, I’ve gotten a lot better. I’m stronger, quicker, and I understand the game more. Playing here has challenged me and helped me grow. I’ve also learned a lot about myself. I realised I can handle more than I thought, and even when things get hard, I don’t give up. It’s shown me how much I love the game and how far I’m willing to go for it,” said Thienou.

At the ongoing Women’s AfroBasket in Cote d’Ivoire, Thienou has, as she says, gone for it. And Mali have too, and it has led them to a third AfroBasket final, which will be on Sunday night. Thienou played her part in the quarter-final victory (86-68) against Mozambique and the semi-final triumph (76-50) over tournament debutantes South Sudan on Saturday night.

In her cameo appearances in both knockout games, she scored 13 and 14 points, respectively. What is impressive about Thienou is the number of minutes she had and the resultant output (19 minutes against Mozambique and 11 versus the East Africans).

She had this to say about her performances against Mozambique: “I’m happy with how I played against Mozambique. It was an important game, and I gave my best for the team. Of course, there are always things I want to improve… Overall, I’m proud of my effort and how we worked together to get the win,” said Thienou.

Sira Thienou Women's AfroBasket — **Sira Thienou has made an impact for Mali in knockout games against Mozambique and South Sudan.**

Ahead of the game against South Sudan, whom they had beaten in the group stages, she said Mali would do everything to make the final.

“We know South Sudan is a good team. The game won’t be easy. We beat them in the earlier rounds, but this is the semi-final. Everything is on the line now. We’re focused and ready,” said Thienou. “It feels good to be here, and we’re going to give everything to reach the final.”

It is the last hurdle. Thienou and Mali have reached one part of their goal, and Nigeria, victors over Senegal on Saturday night, are waiting.

Can Mali win a second title at the Palais de Sports des Treichville? Thienou responded with the following: “We’re motivated to bring the AfroBasket trophy back to Mali. It’s been a long time since 2007, and everyone on the team feels the same,” said Thienou. “We know how much this means to our country and our fans. We’re working hard everyday, and we want to make history by winning again.”

Can Thienou’s transformative journey bring glory to Mali? Read More »

Mali, South Sudan renew ties with spot in final at stake

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ONE is a continental powerhouse with a history of going deep into tournaments. The other is the breakout story of the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket, a debutant side that refuses to be boxed in by expectations. When Mali face South Sudan in the semifinals in Abidjan, it will be more than a clash between experience and energy. It’s a meeting of styles, momentum, and belief.

For Mali, this is familiar ground. For South Sudan, it’s uncharted territory. But at this stage of the competition, no one’s here by chance.

Mali: Steady, Structured, and Still Chasing Gold

Mali’s journey through the tournament has been clinical and efficient. They topped Group A without breaking much of a sweat, controlling games with their composure and strong fundamentals. Their 86–68 quarter-final win over Mozambique showed just how difficult they are to disrupt when they find their rhythm.

Led by star forward Sika Koné, Mali are one of the most complete teams in the tournament. Koné continues to dominate inside, rebounding with purpose and scoring in high-percentage areas. But she’s far from alone. This is a squad that knows how to move the ball, space the floor, and execute. Mali currently lead the tournament in assists per game (21.7), a stat that speaks volumes about their chemistry and ball-sharing philosophy.

Their scoring isn’t flashy, but it’s efficient. Mali averages 72 points per game on 41.3% shooting from the field. Defensively, they’ve been organised and active, limiting opponents to an average of 56 points per game. The depth on their bench has also played a big role, allowing them to maintain intensity for four full quarters.

**Mali’s Sika Kone and her teammates have the task of trying to beat South Sudan again. Pictures: FIBA Africa**

Having come so close in 2021, when they lost to Nigeria in the final, Mali will be determined not to let another chance slip away. They’re not just playing to reach another final, they’re playing to win it all.

South Sudan: Making History, One Win at a Time

If there’s one story that’s captured hearts and headlines this tournament, it’s South Sudan. In their first-ever appearance at the Women’s AfroBasket, they’ve shattered expectations. Now, they’re one game away from the final.

Their rise hasn’t been accidental; it’s been built on grit, resilience, and fearlessness. After finishing second in their group, South Sudan edged Egypt in the playoffs before stunning Uganda 69-68 in their quarter-final. Every step has been a milestone, but they’ve taken it in stride.

Delicia Washington has been outstanding. The guard has led by example, scoring, facilitating, and defending with relentless energy. But what makes this team special is how well they play for one another. South Sudan led all semifinalists in rebounding, averaging 51 boards per game, a testament to their hustle, positioning, and effort on every possession.

Their perimeter shooting hasn’t been as sharp as other sides, but they make up for it with second-chance points, transition buckets, and sheer effort. They’re physical, unafraid, and bring a tempo that can catch more composed teams off guard.

Earlier in the tournament, these two sides met in the group phase, and Mali narrowly escaped with a 55–53 win. South Sudan came close to pulling off an upset that day, and you can be sure they’ve studied what went wrong and what nearly worked.

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Key Matchups and What to Expect

Inside Battle: Sika Koné vs South Sudan’s frontcourt. Koné will look to control the paint once again, but South Sudan won’t make it easy. Their ability to dominate the paint and rotate quickly has been impressive. Mali will need to be physical and keep possession under the basket.

Tempo Control: Mali’s structure vs South Sudan’s chaos

Mali thrive in half-court sets and takes pride in dictating pace. South Sudan, meanwhile, is at their best on the open floor. The team that controls tempo early will dictate the flow of the game.

Bench Impact

Mali’s depth has helped them preserve legs for the knockout rounds. South Sudan will need smart rotations to maintain intensity, especially against a side that rarely loses composure.

Washington South Sudan — **Delicia Washington and South Sudan will want to continue their dream run.**

What’s at Stake

For Mali, a return to the final would be validation of the work they’ve done to remain among Africa’s elite. For South Sudan, a win would be historic, a signal that they are not just a feel-good story, but a legitimate contender on the rise.

The pressure is on Mali to deliver. But South Sudan has played with the freedom of a team with nothing to lose, and that may be their greatest weapon. When the ball tips in Abidjan, don’t expect this one to go quietly. This is a semifinal where anything is possible.

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African giants Nigeria and Senegal set for epic battle

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THE Women’s AfroBasket semi-final battle on Saturday at the Palais de Sports de Treichville pits together two of the greatest to have bounced a basketball in Africa, Senegal and Nigeria. Nigeria is the new force in African basketball, the six-time champions and is gunning for number seven. Senegal is Africa’s most successful team with 11 trophies, and they will look to reclaim lost glory.

Interestingly, two West African giants will meet for the first time in an AfroBasket semi-final. In recent years, Nigeria and Senegal have contested the last four finals of the biennial women’s tournament, with the spoils of those victories going to the D’Tigress of Nigeria. Apart from having Senegal’s number in the four finals, Nigeria has five more victories, which include another final in 2005, while the Lionesses have managed four wins in head-to-head battles between the two nations.

Route to the last four

Nigeria

From the group stages, the ferocious D’Tigress had no desire to play the role of the hunted. They understood that their title defence required them to be on the prowl. The starter in Group D for the Nigerians was Rwanda, which showed little resistance as the D’Tigress feasted on them (92-47).

Up next was Mozambique – a stubborn prey that battled to the bitter end – but Nigeria managed to wrestle them to the ground and eked out a 60-55 win.

It was a perfect start for the five-time champs, who secured their quarter-final spot with a 2-0 record.

Statement win over Cameroon

The D’Tigress would have thought that Cameroon would give them a fight of their lives in the quarter finals, but it was not the case. Nigeria made light work of the Central Africans, beating them 83-47.

The key players and their numbers

Amy Okonkwo

The MVP of the last Women’s AfroBasket, Okonkwo, has been the sharp point of Nigeria’s attack. She had her best game against Cameroon, scoring 18 points and crashing 15 boards. Okonkwo’s presence in the paint and ability to stretch the floor give Nigeria the edge over any opponent. She 2/2 from three-point range, 4/10 in the paint area and 8/10 from the free throw line. The 28-year-old Murjanatur will be expected to produce more of the same when the D’Tigress face off against Senegal.

Murjanatu Musa

Musa has seen her production levels increase with every international competition, and in this AfroBasket, she is one of Nigeria’s statistical leaders. The power forward had 12-point games against Rwanda and Mozambique, and in the opening game, she had 10 rebounds. Wakama will expect more from Musa in Côte d’Ivoire, and given her improvement, the 25-year-old will demand more from herself.

Musa has a superb mid-range shot, and she is a good pick-and-roll player, which always puts her in scoring situations. Her rebounding and defensive prowess are a plus for the D’Tigress as they look to defend their title.

Route to the last four

Senegal

Senegal must have left fans wondering if they will do well in this year’s AfroBasket. While their followers may have been concerned, the players would know that the AfroBasket is a marathon and not a sprint. They started strong in Group C by dismantling a lowly Guinea 92-48, but as they did two years ago, they fell again to Uganda (73-70). Following their second-place finish on the log, they had to go the playoff route. The Senegalese masterfully took down Rwanda 80-37.

Senegal spoiled the party for the Ivorians

Against a strong host nation and its partisan fans, Senegal showed heart after trailing in the first three quarters. From the fourth, the Lionesses showed their experience and were worthy 66-60 victors.

Dillard Senegal — **Cierra Dillard and Senegal have overcome the mental block against Nigeria.**

Key players and their numbers

Cierra Dillard

The American-born point guard has made the point guard position hers with the national team. In the quarter-final victory against Côte d’Ivoire, Dillard posted 16 points, six defensive rebounds, four assists and three steals. Dillard has led the team with her ability to dictate play, find teammates and get buckets. After the disappointment of the final in Rwanda, Dillard will aim to set things right against Nigeria in Abidjan.

Yacine Diop

A veteran of three AfroBasket and knows the feeling of coming second best to Nigeria. As the leader of the team, Diop has to rally her team against a foe that has had the best of them over the years. Her 13 points, eight rebounds, and four assists will boost Senegal’s morale and her confidence going into the semi-final against Nigeria.

Outlook

The D’Tigress is the hot favourite in this. Form and history favour Nigeria, but they will face a huge test. Senegal knows they face a mental battle. Should they cross that hurdle, they could finally prevail against Nigeria.

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Akello and Uganda to leave it all on the floor at the AfroBasket

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TWO years ago in Rwanda, Uganda’s rising Gazelles stunned the basketball world with a historic, unforgettable, and hard-fought victory over the fierce and highly regarded Senegalese team at the Women’s AfroBasket. Many would have opined that the group stage victory was a fluke, that the Lionesses had an off day, and the result would not repeat itself.

For Hope Akello and her teammates, the thoughts of the majority would not have mattered then as they backed themselves in that win over the 11-time champions.

This year at the same stage, in the lush green setting of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Akello and the Gazelles wrote an even better script for themselves. They shook out of the tight squeeze and claws of the Lionesses to win 73-70 in overtime at Palais des Sports de Treicheville, which guaranteed Uganda avoided the playoffs this time around and leapt straight to the quarter-finals.

Uganda, victors over Guinea in their opening game, achieved another first as they topped the log for the first time in their history. Akello, who was part of the Uganda team that triumphed over Senegal in Rwanda, intimated that the win this year over the same opposition was sweeter because they skipped the hurdle of the playoffs.

“We feel great because we played our hearts out. We topped the group and qualified for the quarter-finals,” said Akello, who scored 15 points and crashed six boards in the Monday afternoon win. Unlike two years ago, when we finished second in the group, our results have improved, and we are first in the group. We came to compete and leave everything on the floor.”

Akello AfroBasket — **Hope Akello and the Gazelles have brought smiles to Uganda’s hoop fans. Picture: FIBA Africa.**

What else is different about this year’s Uganda team, and how motivated are they to go even further than in 2021?

“Our objectives are higher with each tournament. We are taking one game at a time. We are also playing till the final whistle,” said Akello.

She continued: “We have been putting in the work. Everyone who steps on the court or comes from the bench gives their best. We want to make our country proud.”

While Uganda has improved as a team, Akello has also upped her production (eight points and seven rebounds) from their last encounter against Senegal. Akello also played almost double the minutes that she had against the Lionesses in the equally gruelling encounter.

She was happy with her performance, especially against the most decorated country in African women’s basketball. She also welcomed the day off on Wednesday after the battle against the West Africans.

“The game was physical. However, we have a rest day to recover. We have a team of doctors and physios who will get us ready for our next game. I am happy about my performance, because Senegal is a good team. They have won several AfroBasket trophies,” said Akello.

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Her teammates, Jane Asinde, who posted a double-double (18 points and 10 rebounds), and Paige Robinson, who put up 19 points, five rebounds, and three assists, both put in a 40-minute shift in the final group game. While the trio were the top performers, Akello says each player is aware of their job on the team.

⁠”I like the fact that everyone is doing their job. From starting five to bench to technical team. So, I really want to appreciate everyone for that,” said Akello.

While the win over Senegal two years ago showed that Uganda were becoming a competitive nation, winning the Zone VI AfroBasket qualifiers in Cairo, Egypt, in February has potentially set the tone for them to go further this year. Akello, on the other hand, believes the success in the Zone IV qualifiers enhanced their self-belief.

“⁠Winning the AfroBasket qualifiers was great for us. It was a head start to start to believe in ourselves and work on our weaknesses,” said the power forward.

The Gazelles are strutting with an extra spring in their step. They will need that extra bounce in the quarter-final clash on Thursday against fellow East Africans, South Sudan, who will have grown in confidence after beating Egypt in the playoffs on Wednesday.

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Group B has a mix of the strong, the tested and fresh to the scene

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GROUP B of the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket features an outright strong Mali team, a competitive Cameroon and new kids on the block South Sudan. In the tournament taking place in Côte d’Ivoire (26 July – 3 August), South Sudan will look to make an impact on debut, while Cameroon will fight to be among the elite nations. Mali is already among the top countries in basketball, and they will have their eyes set on a second continental title.

Mali

Road to Qualification

Mali secured their place in the 2025 AfroBasket tournament after finishing third in the 2023 edition.

Team History & Previous Tournament Run

Mali has a rich history in the AfroBasket. Winning it in 2007 and securing multiple podium finishes over the years. They have consistently been among the top teams in Africa, known for their disciplined play and strong team dynamics.

Mali’s performance at the Mexico Pre-Qualifiers showed promise in certain areas but highlighted shooting struggles, with the team averaging 33.5% from the field, 26.6% from three-point range, and just 54.7% from the free-throw line. Without their dominant frontcourt duo of Sika Koné and Mariam Coulibaly, Mali lacked their usual inside presence and rebounding dominance.

With Koné restoring their inside game, Mali has the tools to convert their consistent podium finishes into a championship run in Abidjan.

**Sika Kone will add to Mali’s strength in the paint. Pictures: FIBA Africa**

Players to Watch

Djeneba N’Diaye

N’Diaye continues to establish herself as Mali’s offensive force. At the last AfroBasket, she averaged 14.2 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.0 steals per game, despite struggling from beyond the arc (18.2%). Her progress was apparent at the 2026 World Cup Pre-Qualifiers, where she increased her scoring to 18.0 points per game and raised her three-point shooting to 37.5%, all while maintaining her accuracy from the field (58.8%). Her improved perimeter shooting will be vital in Abidjan, adding a new dimension to Mali’s attack.

Sika Koné

Sika Koné is one of Mali’s brightest stars. Averaging 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, she provided a reliable scoring option while dominating the boards in the last AfroBasket. Her 54.8% shooting on two-pointers underlines her efficiency in the paint, using her agility, footwork, and strength to finish over defenders. Beyond her scoring and rebounding, Koné added 2.8 assists per game, demonstrating her ability to create plays from the post. Her versatility on defence, where she averaged 1.5 steals per game, makes her invaluable as she can guard multiple positions and disrupt opponents’ offensive rhythm.

Cameroon

Road to Qualification

Cameroon secured their place in the 2025 AfroBasket tournament by winning the Zone 4 qualifiers.

Team History & Previous Tournament Run

Cameroon has a growing history in the AfroBasket tournament, with its best performance being a silver medal finish in 2015. A consistently competitive outfit, Cameroon reached the semifinals in recent editions, finishing third in 2021.

For Cameroon to return to the upper tier of African basketball, they must tighten up a few key areas. Offensively, improving their outside shooting (29.4% from three) will be crucial to keep defences honest and create more space for dominant interior players like Dulcy Fankam and Carine Silatsa to operate inside. Sharpening free-throw accuracy (63.2%) could also prove decisive in close knockout games where every point matters.

Reducing turnovers (15.8 per game) and ensuring steadier ball movement will be vital, especially as young talents like Damaris Emedie and Kelya Kipo integrate into the senior rotation. Adding Fankam’s rebounding strength and experience to an already physical frontcourt should help them control the glass, limit second-chance points, and spark transition plays. If Cameroon can balance their inside-out game, manage possessions and turn defensive stops into points, then they can push for a return to the semifinals, or beyond.

Players to Watch

Jessica Thomas

Jessica Thomas remains the heartbeat of Cameroon’s backcourt. At the last AfroBasket, she averaged 14.0 points per game while shooting 38.7% from three-point range and adding 3.4 assists per game. Her ability to create off the dribble and stretch defences with her shooting makes her a constant threat. Improving her overall efficiency (39.0% field goal) will be vital to elevating Cameroon’s offensive output.

Dulcy Fankam

A major addition to Cameroon’s frontcourt is Dulcy Fankam, a former Seattle Storm player now starring for Basket Lattes Montpellier Agglomération in France. She is averaging 12.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 0.5 blocks per game in one of Europe’s top leagues. Her professional experience, rebounding, and ability to finish efficiently in the paint will strengthen Cameroon’s interior game.

South Sudan

Road to Qualification

South Sudan earned a wildcard entry into the 2025 AfroBasket tournament after a strong showing in the Zone 5 qualifiers.

Team History

As one of the youngest teams in the competition, South Sudan has limited experience in the AfroBasket tournament. However, their rapid development and commitment to growth have positioned them as an exciting team to watch in the upcoming edition.

**Teny Nyamouch’s sharp shooting will be crucial for South Sudan.**

Players to Watch

Delicia Washington

Washington is the engine of South Sudan’s offence and their undisputed leader. During the qualifiers, she averaged an outstanding 19.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game, underlining her all-around brilliance. Her fearless drives to the basket and ability to draw fouls (79.5% from the free-throw line) make her a constant threat. If she can improve her perimeter shooting (15.8% from three), Washington will become even more unguardable for opposing defences.

Adut Bulgak

The experienced centre adds much-needed stability inside. She posted 12.6 points and a team-leading 10.2 rebounds per game, securing crucial boards on both ends. Bulgak’s combination of size, footwork, and soft shooting touch (83.3% free throws) will anchor South Sudan’s interior play. Her ability to stretch the floor with occasional three-point shooting (28.1%) also opens up driving lanes for her teammates.

Nyamuoch Pidor Teny

Teny Nyamuoch provides additional scoring punch on the wing, averaging 14.8 points per game. She shot 35.3% from three-point range during qualifiers, making her the team’s best perimeter threat. Her versatility allows South Sudan to switch between guard and forward line-ups seamlessly. Her shot selection and efficiency will be critical to maintaining offensive flow.

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Pinto hopes reunion with Quinta can be a path to WNBA

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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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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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Bulgak aims to inspire generations of women with South Sudan

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ADUT Bulgak once donned Canada’s jersey in international basketball, but it did not feel right for her. Why, you might ask? The answer is simple. South Sudan, the country of her birth, was and is still in her DNA, and despite playing for Canada, the desire to eventually put on South Sudan’s vest was hard to pass up for Bulgak.

Thirteen-year-old South Sudan, the world’s newest country, was in its toddler phase and building its basketball program, as Bulgak, a 12th pick in the 2016 WNBA draft, decided to ditch a possibly promising international career with Canada and chose to bide her time until her motherland’s basketball reached a stable phase.

It meant waiting until the 2023 AfroBasket qualifiers to achieve her dream, which ended in disappointment. After the same qualifiers this year, good fortune befell Bulgak and South Sudan. The gift of a wild card qualification to this year’s Women’s AfroBasket in Cote d’Ivoire will see South Sudan, who finished third in the AfroBasket qualifiers in Egypt, compete against the best teams on the continent.

Before discussing her country’s milestone, the national team captain reflected on her journey of waiting to represent South Sudan, watching longingly as teammates at her different clubs suited up for their national teams and why her connection with Canada was not as strong as it should have been.

“I played for Team Canada in 2015, but it did not feel like home. It is where my family emigrated, but I am South Sudanese. I have always wanted to represent South Sudan in international basketball,” said Bulgak, who plays for Spanish club IDK Eusk. “It felt like I was left behind at times seeing all of my friends, who I started with, go on to represent their countries at competitions like the Olympics. I was like wow, ‘I wish I could be there for my country’.”

Adut Bu;gak AfroBasket qualifiers — **Adut Bulgak chose to play for South Sudan to inspire the young women of her country. Pictures: FIBA**

The former WNBA player says the urge was there to throw her lot with Canada, which at the time offered her brighter prospects at international competition. She maintained her resolve, which meant missing out on a great sporting event in 2016.

“It was a year before the Rio Olympics. It was a huge sacrifice and decision for me to make. For a professional athlete, the highest honour you can have is playing at the Olympics. So, for that opportunity to be at the doorstep… I decided I really want to play for South Sudan,” said the 32-year-old Bulgak.

She explained that she could not see herself in the vest of another national team.

“If I found myself wearing the jersey of a different nationality with South Sudan having a national team [represented at a tournament and then the potential] to play against them, I would be distraught about that,” said Bulgak. “Yeah. There was a time when I selfishly wanted to continue representing Canada, but I saw something bigger. I want to give an opportunity for young girls who are from South Sudan to see me and follow in my footsteps.”

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The young women from the East African nation will have more reason to be inspired by Bulgak and the Bright Starlets, who will compete at the AfroBasket (26 July – 3 August). For Bulgak, getting to this point was taxing as she recalled how injury derailed her in 2021.

“The first opportunity came in 2021, but at training camp, I tore my Achilles, so I missed out. When it finally happened in 2023 I was elated… It was a dream come true because that was what my entire career was based around,” said Bulgak.

Focusing on the present, Bulgak hopes more players will be available to add depth and quality to South Sudan’s campaign.

“It’s an exciting feeling. You always hope the opportunity will be there, but it seems so far because most of our players are young. Most of them are in college, so they never had the opportunity to compete in the qualifiers because they are in the middle of their season,” said Bulgak. “So getting the wild card means the door is finally open for those young women in college… The ones who are graduating or still competing will get a chance to represent South Sudan because the chance would not be there in February.”

Bulgak believes a shift in the players’ attitude made the difference for South Sudan in this year’s AfroBasket qualifiers in Egypt, compared to the 2023 edition.

“I think in the 2023 qualifiers, some of the players were excited to be there. But in the same contrast, players that did not get the opportunity to play, take the time to get in shape, and refine their game,” said Bulgak, who averaged 12.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists in February’s qualifiers. “A huge factor for us in 2025 is that the players took the opportunity to focus and play for South Sudan. So it was an exciting moment for those girls.”

Adut Bulgak in action for South Sudan — **Adut Bulgak feels the players’ level of commitment improved in this year’s AfroBasket qualifiers.**

This being young South Sudan’s first AfroBasket, what expectations does Bulgak have ahead of their debut tournament?

“I am a high shooter. I have been a professional for over 10 years and I always play to win. We are a young team. For most players, this will be their first experience at that level of competition. So everybody has to commit to the process,” said Bulgak. “There are 12 teams, so the aim is to be in that top bracket – in the top six. As I said, I am a high shooter. I believe in my team. I am never gonna bet against us.”

She also paid homage to the fans who have cheered them on during the journey. “It is a huge honour to play for our fans. We have the best fans in all of Africa. Being able to give back to them because they have poured their energy into us will be amazing… We can’t wait to play for them,” concluded Bulgak.

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