Your weekly dose of FIBA Africa Zone 4 News: CNSS of Congo Fortifies Their Team With Drame Bintou from Mali and Hanna Mabelle From Cote d'ivoire Promising an Intense Competition level in Douala and Falcons Biyem-Assi signing a merger with Lena Basketball Academy.
Last Updated on
October 22, 2024
With just five days remaining until the Zone 4 qualifiers of the African Women's Basketball League (AWBL), Congo's Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale (CNSS) has made significant moves to bolster their roster. The team has announced the signing of two talented players: Drame Bintou and Hanna Mabelle with the duo expected to add depth, skill, and experience to the squad as they prepare for what promises to be a tough series of matches in Douala.
The qualifiers, set to take place at the iconic Japoma Arena in Douala, Cameroon, are expected to feature fierce competition as teams from the region battle for a spot in the next round.
Drame Bintou, a forward with a powerful presence on the court, is known for her rebounding ability and defensive prowess. With experience playing in several regional leagues, Bintou brings not only her physicality but also a wealth of knowledge to the game. Her versatility allows her to switch between roles, contributing both offensively and defensively when needed. CNSS is counting on her to anchor their frontcourt and bring much-needed grit to the team.
Hanna Mabelle, a point guard with a reputation for accurate three-point shooting, will add a new dimension to CNSS’s offensive game. Mabelle’s sharpshooting skills and ability to create scoring opportunities from the perimeter make her a crucial addition to the team’s arsenal. Her quick decision-making and ball movement will be key in CNSS’s strategy to stretch the defense and create space for drives to the basket.
We already have Hanna as a leader, she gets along well with the other athletes"
Ade Koko head coach for CNSS.
The qualifiers will be crucial not just for CNSS, but for all participating teams, as the top two teams will secure their spots for the next phase of the AWBL. The energy and intensity in Douala will be electric, as fans and teams alike anticipate high-level basketball action.
In a significant move aimed at enhancing the development of young basketball talent in Cameroon, Falcons Biyem-Assi, a Division I basketball team through their president has signed a merger with the Lena Basketball Academy. The partnership aims to bridge the gap between nurturing untapped talent at the grassroots level and providing a pathway for young players to progress to the professional stage of Cameroonian basketball.
Falcons Biyem-Assi has steadily established itself as a prominent team within Cameroon’s Division I basketball league. Known for their dynamic play and competitive spirit, the team has cultivated a reputation for developing skilled athletes and competing at a high level. However, the management recognizes the importance of a strong youth development program to ensure long-term success, both for the team and the overall growth of basketball in Cameroon.
Lena Basketball Academy is one of the leading basketball academies in Cameroon, dedicated to identifying and nurturing raw, untapped talent from across the country. It also offers training programs that teach basketball fundamentals and life skills that will help these young athletes succeed on and off the court. Their mission is to provide a structured and supportive environment for Cameroon's youth to explore their potential in basketball, regardless of their background.
[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of FIBA/FECABASKET]
