Elisa Pires: Scaling Africa's Basketball Ladder

Elisa Pires: Scaling Africa's Basketball Ladder

Championship-winning Angolan coach Elisa Pires may be a woman of few words, but her actions on the sidelines of the numerous teams she has led over the years speak volumes.

Her journey has been eventful, as she transitioned from a national team player to managing age-group national teams and serving as an assistant coach for the Angolan women's national team. AfricaBasket recently caught up with Pires for a Q&A session on her coaching journey, and here's our exclusive interview.
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Give us a brief background of your basketball journey.‍

At first I didn't [like] basketball. I was playing handball until one of my family members introduced me to basketball and I got hooked.

After a stellar playing career how did you transition into coaching? ‍

My coach (Mr Santos) introduced me to coaching while still actively playing. I started out as an U14 coach and progressed through the ranks over time.
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What are some of the key moments that have significantly shaped your coaching career? ‍

There are a lot of such moments if we enumerate them we will be here for a long time [Smiling]. But one thing I love is teaching young people. That formed my coaching foundation and I love doing that even now.
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What challenges have you encountered, and how have you navigated and overcome them?‍

‍‍There are many but the glaring one would be acceptance as a female coach. It's not easy for my male counterparts to accept me as one of them. However, I love what I do and I will keep going even when some people don't want to accommodate us.

What is the origin of the belief that women are incapable of coaching, and what strategies can be employed to dismantle this barrier?

Mostly only female athletes transition into coaching or taking up leadership roles, unlike men's basketball where some have no playing history. So naturally, it feels like men should hold such positions. We are, however, breaking such assumptions by encouraging more women who generally like sports (not necessarily former athletes) in Angola to take up other roles like refereeing.

What has your journey been like in becoming the head coach of Inter Clube?

I think I followed the right path. From the U14 team, I rose through all the age groups. I served as the Inter Clube assistant coach until 2022 when the management put their faith in me to take over as head coach.

What has been the most rewarding or standout experience for you throughout that journey?

Seeing the young players I have handled over the years go on to make it as professional basketball players. For instance, I have handled 50% of the Inter Clube players I coached at the inaugural AWBL and that is a rewarding feeling.

Talk to us about the role your family has played during your professional career. ‍

My family supports me in everything I do. I have a wonderful husband who understands my role as a head coach. He is very supportive and helps me balance between the two roles.

How do you view your role in shaping African basketball and dismantling barriers for women?

First as a woman head coach, I am a role model not only for my female athletes but other women as well, showing them that, they too can be great at anything they put their mind to. I am happy to help shape young women to be whatever they aspire to be. I do it with love and I am always happy to see them succeed.

What are your thoughts on the perception of women's basketball in Africa, both continentally and globally?

Things are getting better. Others are now changing their views of African basketball due to recent continental competitions. However, there's more to be done for our basketball to be where we want it to. We have seen a shift with European and American league players creating interest in African competitions like the AWBL (Africa Women's Basketball League) which is commendable.

What are the primary obstacles to the growth of Angolan basketball currently?

The main barrier is opportunities for women and this is a conversation that needs to be had more.

What initiatives are you involved in that are addressing this?

I have coached at the youth level for a decade and I know that makes a difference. I love giving opportunities to young players and I intentionally follow their careers as I want to see them succeed.

Based on your extensive experience, what aspects of women's basketball in Africa would you like to highlight for people to know?

That there are opportunities for women in all aspects of the game. I encourage all women to take up roles and help grow the sport.

What opportunities are lacking for women in the sport and why?

Opportunities for women are opening up but we need to spread the sport to the grassroots, not just in the towns. That will motivate more women to join the sport.

What does the future hold for Coach Pires?

The future is in God's hands [laughing]. Things will get better and better for women. As a young coach I wanted to scale the heights to the national team level. I will keep working so when the opportunity knocks I am ready and would gladly accept.

[Images Courtesy of FIBA]