Despite Winless Exit, Benin Star Aishatou Kondoh Expresses Confidence in ASPAC's Return
Last Updated on
January 8, 2024
Fanya Nkengasong
Staff Writer
Association Sportive du Port Autonome de Cotonou (ASPAC) basketball club, made their debut in continental competition this week, playing in the 10-team Africa Women's Basketball League (AWBL) that got underway on 11 December in Alexandria, Egypt.
Association Sportive du Port Autonome de Cotonou (ASPAC) basketball club made its debut in continental competition this week, playing in the 10-team Africa Women's Basketball League (AWBL) that got underway on 11 December in Alexandria, Egypt.
While the Landry Adognon-led side may have failed to secure a win in Group B, Aishatou Kondoh, one of ASPAC’s most seasoned players, is optimistic that their participation has elevated their country's basketball profile, serving as a catalyst for future growth.
The side opened their campaign with an 87-69 performance against former Kenyan champions Equity Bank before going 77-52 against Cameroon's Overdose Up Station. In their last two matches, the side lost 96-65 against Rwanda Energy Group (REG) and 79-34 in their final group match against Angola's Inter Clube.
"It has been a magical experience. We were not able to go past the group stage but it has been a great learning opportunity. We played against some of the best players in the continent and beyond, including WNBA players, and that was an incredible feat. We have picked valuable lessons here, and I am confident we will come back better," Kondoh offered.
The 29-year-old, who had a 7-year professional stint in France and has represented her nation in several competitions, averaged 15 points, 4.3 rebounds and three assists per game during AWBL's group phase.
She says her resolve to make basketball in Benin better pushed her to come back home:
"I was playing while still working inFrance, but I decided to come back home as I wanted to be close to my family and also get involved with the game at home. I wanted to use my experience to help the younger generation. Some look up to me, and I am happy to help," she explains.
She continued: "Benin basketball is still developing, but the federation is doing well to uplift the standards. For us to compete with the best in Africa, we have to be in championships like this. In previous years, we have just played in the qualifiers for continental events, but this year, we vowed to go all the way.It was not easy, but we made it, and that shows there is progress."
Kondoh believes in a few years, Benin will beone of the favourites here.
"We are already thinking about the next competition. We want to come back and improve on our performance here, reach the knock-out stage as we look to gradually grow into a power house," she concluded.
