#CapeVerde (Federação Cabo-verdiana de Basquetebol) head to the #FIBA World Cup 2023 with the sole aim of making their population, which amounts to roughly 570 000, as proud as can be. And for that, #RealMadrid superstar Walter Tavares and company will favor surprise.
Last Updated on
January 8, 2024
Jonathan Oriant
Staff Writer
#CapeVerde (Federação Cabo-verdiana de Basquetebol) head to the #FIBA World Cup 2023 with the sole aim of making their population, which amounts to roughly 570 000, as proud as can be. And for that, #RealMadrid superstar Walter Tavares and company will favor surprise.
Pooled in Group F, along with European powerhouse Serbia (ranked World No.7), fellow newcomers #Georgia and #Venezuela, the 'Blue Sharks,' nickname of the Cape Verde squad, will have to clear these first hurdles to have a better view of what may lie ahead for them.
Their first test will be a battle of World Cup newbies when they will face Georgia. This game, though marking the start of their World Cup campaign, will be of utmost importance as it can define the rest of their stay in Japan, where they will be playing their Group matches.
They will kick off against Georgia on August 26, then play Venezuela on Monday August 28 before closing their run against Slovenia on August 30.
Three days for them to make the most of, and grab an even more historic qualification for the Final Round.
Time to look at Cape Verde’s roster. The leader is none other than Real Madrid’s center, Walter Tavares, who towers at 2.21 m (7’3”). His pedigree speaks for him and he will be one of the most guarded players on the Cape Verde team.
But that could mean offensive opportunities for his comrades, the big question being : will they be able to seize them ?
Along Tavares feature Joel and Ivan Almeida. Anderson Correia is also a valuable addition to the team’s roster, while the likes of Fidel Mendonca and Kenneti Mendes will bring their own depth and magnitude to the squad.
Experience, or lack of, however, could be the chink in their armor. They have however showed that they can always pull a rabbit from their hat, like they did at the 2007 FIBA AfroBasket, which saw them fend off Egypt and claim a Bronze medal, or their 2021 run in Kigali, where they finished fourth.
One thing for sure: Cape Verde have shown that they belong to the World Stage, when they claimed a double victory over Nigeria (79-71, 79-70) during the Qualifiers, then humbling Uganda (87-78) after the Silverbacks saw them off in the first round.
But two wins against Guinea (65-48) proved crucial as they let off points against Cote d’Ivoire and Angola. They however proved that they can learn from their mistakes by getting the better of Cote d’Ivoire in a history triumph over the Elephants (79-64).
The Qualifiers have shown that Cape Verde can be a contender, should they react accordingly. But taking on hungry Slovenia or debutant Georgia could prove lethal to them if they don’t grab the bull by the horns first.
#AfroBasket #basketball #worldcup #WorldCup23 #FIBAWC #African #NBA #WorldCup #news #AfricanHoops #championships #basketball
[Image/Photography Credit: FIBA]
