ABIDJAN (Cote D'Ivoire) - The stellar Maimouna Haidara has achieved phenomenal feats in African basketball and has graced some of the grandest stages in the game - all this she has done before her 20th birthday, which is two months away. 

The Malian power forward, who has played in Spain since turning 16, experienced a meteoric rise through  FIBA competition. While the world has witnessed star power, Haidara told FIBA.basketball that leaving her homeland was a tough but necessary adjustment. 

"Living in Spain was difficult at first. It's different from home (Mali), but there is access to individual and collective development. I have also learned to persevere, which has helped with my performance on the court," said the 19-year-old Haidara. "It is safe to say basketball has changed the course of my life intellectually and financially."

While Spain has been a part of a life-changing experience for Haidara, she has cast her ambitions wider and sees herself playing at one of the pinnacles of women's basketball.

"Playing for Celta Vigo is an honour, a pleasure and a great opportunity to measure my talent," said Haidara. 

So, where does Haidara see herself playing? "Life is about luck. I have always dreamt of being in the big leagues. So why not the WNBA? It has always been a dream of mine," said the former Mali U-18 captain.

Haidara has had an illustrious career at the youth level and has fond memories of the competitions she has played in and the trophies she won. Her first international title was the 2019 FIBA U16 Women's African Championship. The continental tournament was also the launch pad for her career in Europe.

"AfroBasket 2019 in Kigali was a source of motivation. After winning the title, I felt that it triggered my professional career," says Haidara. 

More success would follow for Haidara in the FIBA continental competition. Having experienced two U19 World Cups (2021 and 2023), she captained Mali to the 2022 FIBA U18 African Women's Championship in Madagascar.  

In the tournament held in the small town of Antsirabe, where Mali captured a record eighth title, Haidara averaged 23.8 points per game, 12.8 rebounds per game and 3.3 assists per game.

Haidara, an MVP of the 2022 youth tournament, says having the same core that won the U16 title in 2019 helped the West African nation three years later.

"Continuing with the group that won in 2019 in Kigali was a plus. It was a great team - with great and talented players, and we performed well. On an individual level, I gave the best of myself, and it benefitted the team," said Haidara.

She also reflected on participating in two U19 global competitions in Hungary (2021) and Spain (2023).

"I experienced the two tournaments differently. We finished fourth in Debrecen (Hungary) and fifth two years later. I enjoyed both tournaments," said Haidara.

Still in her teens, Haidara quickly graduated to the Malian senior team. She played against the best in senior competition - continental and globally.

The mercurial Haidara played in two AfroBaskets (2021 and 2023) and the 2022 FIBA World Cup. She says the tournaments helped her grow as a player.

"These tournaments are part of my development as a player. I think facing the best players in the world helped improve my playing potential. I know I am a young player, so these (senior) tournaments helped to build my courage," said Haidara.

A bright international future still beckons for her, with Mali set to participate in one of the legs of the 2026 World Cup pre-qualifying tournament. Mali are part of the 16-team tournament and will head to Mexico in August (19-25) to face South Korea, the Czech Republic and Venezuela in Group A.

Also, Mali, who finished third in last year's Women's AfroBasket, has gained automatic for next year's event in Cote d'Ivoire.

Mali will be one of the favourites at the tournament, but can Haidara's generation bring a second title back home? "It is a dream for us and also for all Malians. Our preparation is important. Hopefully, next year will be a good year for us," concluded Haidara. 

FIBA