Player Profile: Maimouna Haidara
Last Updated on
January 3, 2024
Ayo Biyibi
Staff Writer
As the saying goes, “if you’re good enough, you’re old enough,” and with age not being a factor 18-year-old Maimouna Haidara is gearing to help lead Africa and Mali’s charge towards World Cup glory.
Although one of the youngest players set to feature at the upcoming 2022 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, the power forward already plays like a seasoned vet, following a successful year at, Spanish EuroCup club, CB Clarinos Ciudad de Los Adelantados (CDB Clarinos Tenerife) and her MVP run during this year’s U18 FIBA African Women's Championship in Antsirabé, Madagascar.
Over the summer, the 6’2”/ 187cm double-double machine burst onto Africa’s continental stage leading her Malian compatriots to the U18 Women’s title, whilst averaging 23.8 points and 12.8 rebounds per game.
It was this dominant approach and consistent poise throughout the tournament that solidified her spot on the senior team and raised many eyes throughout the basketball world to her star potential.
Playing on the world stage can be a daunting task for many young hoopers. However, Haidara’s wealth of knowledge and experience, which also includes a semi-final appearance with Mali at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 Women's Basketball World Cup, will certainly help boost the confidence of her teammates and aid Mali’s pursuit of respect for African basketball.
[Image/Photography Credit: FIBA]
