She's not only one of Tunisia's star point guards but also a seasoned globetrotter with three AfroBasket tournaments under her belt. Join us as she shares her incredible journey and insights into the world of women's basketball in Tunisia.
Last Updated on
April 6, 2024
Jonathan Oriant
Staff Writer
Meet Wafa Loubiri (5'9) one of Tunisia's standout basketball players. At 28 years old, she's established herself as a key player in Tunisia's national team, showcasing her talent as a point guard. With a career spanning several years Loubiri shares her journey and insights into the world of women's basketball in Tunisia.
Married and a mother to a young boy, Wafa Loubiri has become an integral part of Club Sportif Sfaxien (CSS) in recent months. CSS, founded in 1928, stands as one of Tunisia's most prominent and successful sports clubs, with a strong presence in various sports. In basketball, CSS boasts considerable success in the Tunisian Women's Division I Basketball League, clinching numerous league titles and earning recognition as one of the top teams in Tunisian women's basketball.
Beyond her prowess on the court, Loubiri holds a degree in Applied Sports Coaching, highlighting her commitment to both playing and understanding the game.
"I live in Sfax and play in a basketball club. The sport is above all my passion. So I specialised in basketball for my degree."
So, what exactly is a Diploma in Applied Sports coaching? Well, think of it as your pathway to becoming a top-notch sports coach. With this diploma, you dive deep into the world of coaching athletes and teams. It's all about learning how to train, motivate, and support them to reach their goals. Essentially, it's like unlocking the skills and know-how to become a real game-changer in the world of sports coaching.
Loubiri's basketball journey began at the age of 8 in Kairouan, where her talent was quickly recognised and nurtured. Over the past two decades, she's transitioned from school courts to professional arenas, earning her place among Tunisia's basketball elite.
"I started at school when I was 8. I was spotted and subsequently joined the Kairouan training center. My hard work and motivation enabled me to play for some big clubs," she reminisces.
In 2011, Loubiri made her debut for the Tunisian national team at the U16 Women's AfroBasket in Egypt. Since then, she's been a consistent presence in the squad, representing her country with pride and determination. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Loubiri remains dedicated to Tunisian women's basketball.
"It was an honour to play for the national team, to get your shirt wet for your country. It's a very strong feeling,"
In addition to her remarkable achievements, Loubiri's statistics speak volumes about her athletic ability and commitment to the game:
In 2023, Tunisia was notably absent from the Women's AfroBasket in Kigali, Rwanda, a decision reportedly made by the government. Despite this setback, Loubiri remains steadfast in her commitment to advancing Tunisian women's basketball. She advocates for increased support and resources, highlighting the significance of training camps and infrastructure in fostering young talent and enhancing the team's overall performance.
"I think it's certainly due to a lack of training camps. But that's not a question for me to answer. It's up to the coach to answer it,"
Despite the challenges, Loubiri remains optimistic about the future of women's basketball in Tunisia. Inspired by the success of the men's team, she believes that Tunisian women's basketball has the potential to make a significant impact on the African stage.
"I believe that Tunisian women's basketball, but also other sports, can play a leading role in Africa. Things have changed, and so have mentalities,"
As Tunisia continues its basketball journey, Wafa Loubiri stands as a symbol of resilience, talent, and determination. With her unwavering passion for the game, she's paving the way for future generations of Tunisian female athletes to shine on the international stage.
[Photo Credit: FIBA, Wafa Loubiri and Sfax Athletic Club]
