CONAKRY (Guinea) - With less than forty days to the FIBA U16 African Championship in Monastir, Tunisia, Guinea U16 are taking nothing for granted as they prepare for the Championship.

And one player that is already looking forward to making an impact for Guinea in the Monastir showpiece is Gassim Savane, who emerged MVP at the U16 Invitational Championship held in Bamako, Mali back in May.

He told FIBA.basketball that it is an incredible opportunity for him to represent his country and to be able to play against other great African basketball teams.

And, he foresees great chances for his team.

"I think we've got every chance and we're not just saying that for form's sake. It's what we have in mind. Everyone knows that Egypt are a formidable team, but we're not afraid of anyone, and we'll be going out with the firm intention of beating any opponent that comes our way."

Asked what gives him such confidence, Savane says while he admits that Egypt, Mali, Senegal amongst others are great teams, that Guinea  also is a great basketball team.

"We're going to prove it. Reaching the Final is a goal of ours. The team is currently doing its utmost to prepare for them."

While not angling to emerging the MVP in Tunisia, the Ratoma Basketball Club (RBC) forward insists that helping Guinea get to a podium finish is his target.

"My goal isn't really to be MVP again, it's just to win. But I'm going to give it my all, so if I can win and be MVP at the same time, that would be great. In fact, my personal ambition is really to do better than I did in Mali by correcting mistakes in my game and giving my best."

As a young player, Savane says he is still not settled on any player as his role model but is excited with the way some top basketball players are faring in the game.

"I don't really have any heroes but I do have several favorite players (Kyrie Irving, Jason Tatum and Paul George). The other players I'd like to play with or copy include Andrew Nembhard, Trae Young, Shannon Evans. I also love Stephen Curry but he's impossible to copy so I'd rather give up. Apart from that, I don't really have a basketball hero," he stated.

Guinea's best showing has been a fourth place finish in 2019 when Cape Verde played host but there seems a renewed energy ahead of the championship in Tunisia where they hope to upset the form books.

The country's confidence is inspired by the progress and dedication they have put into the game recently to which FIBA had extended a helping hand to the Guinean Basketball Federation.

FIBA