MAPUTO (FIBA U18 Women's African Championship 2018) - Mozambique will be looking to maximise home advantage when they launch their title campaign at the upcoming FIBA U18 Women's African Championship set for August 10-19. 

Third place at all their three appearances at this tournament has captain Ester Gomes looking to break the jinx, make the final and win the African trophy. 

"Throughout our camp, this is what we talk about and believe. We are working hard to achieve that goal but we also know that the other teams are looking to do the same."

"OUR TARGET FOR THIS TOURNAMENT IS TO WIN. AT THE LAST TWO EDITIONS IN 2016 AND 2014, WE MANAGED TO SECURE THIRD PLACE BUT THIS TIME WE WANT TO ACHIEVE THE TOP POSITION WHICH WILL ENABLE US TO QUALIFY FOR THE WORLD CUP." –                                                                                                         Gomes

Playing in front of their families and friends has Gomes pumped up for the tournament and she believes that this is motivation enough to play for the pride of Mozambique, who have really made a good name for themselves in women's basketball.  

Gomes explained in an emotional way that: "We should maintain the legacy as it is heritage that we have received. We are doing everything in our power to be the best team in Africa."

"Most of us have been together in the U16 CLPL Games so we know how to handle the pressure at this tournament and also playing at home will be a major boost for the team. We will enter the tournament very motivated because we shall get a lot of support from everyone."

"Representing our country is what every player dreams about. I take this seriously because I am representing millions of Mozambicans. In a way, I am the image of the country and an inspiration of the next generation."

"We are also very fortunate that Mozambique is a basketball nation that has a large number of talented players and for us to make it to the team out of all the rest requires that I have commitment to the Mozambican flag," she pointed out.

Mozambique  secured Third-Place at FIBA U18 Women's African Championship 2016 in Cairo, Egypt

"Our target for this tournament is to win. At the last two editions in 2016 and 2014, we managed to secure Third-Place but this time we want to achieve the top position which will enable us to qualify for the World Cup."

Angola, Egypt, Madagascar, reigning champions Mali, hosts Mozambique and Rwanda are the six teams that have already confirmed their places at the continental competition. The winner will represent Africa at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2019. 

FIBA