MAPUTO (Mozambique) - What happened over the weekend in Maputo is a clear message that reigning champions of the FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women Ferroviario de Maputo have one more obstacle to try to defend their crown. 

When it all appeared that Inter de Clube de Luanda, a team that Ferroviario de Maputo upset in the last two editions of the tournament in 2018 and 2019, would be their main challenger, Costa do Sol indicated they too will have a word to say throughout the ten-team event that is scheduled to run from December 9 to 17 in Maputo.

The "Canarinhas", as Costa do Sol basketball are widely known, claimed the 2022 Mozambique National Championship title after beating Ferroviario da Beira 62-51 in Game 2 of the best-of-three Finals series on Saturday to win their third national title.

The team located in the affluent Maputo neighbourhood of Costa do Sol have found their backs against on several circumstances during the Finals, but, somehow, they managed to turn things around to shock Mozambique's most successful team.

Mozambique international team player Ingvild Mucauro, a medical doctor by day and basketball player,  was the key factor for Costa do Sol in the decisive Game 2 after recording 15 points and 10 rebounds before being named the 2022 Mozambique National Championship Finals Most Valuable Player.

Mucauro, a key piece to Ferroviario's last two African  titles, has been one of Africa-based finest players in recent times. 

In 2019 when the FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women last held in Cairo, Mucauro was named MVP of the continental showpiece.

This is the first major continental appearance for Costa do Sol, a team that aims to rewrite history in Africa, and it seems they have to assets to go places.

Leonel Manhique was in charge of Mozambique during the 2022 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Serbia

Under the leadership of Mozambican Leonel Manhique, a coach who inspired Ferroviario de Maputo to the 2018 FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women in Maputo title, Costa do Sol's squad relies on a number of Mozambique international players.

For his achievement at national and international level, Manhique, who has coached his country's senior and youth teams, emerges as a coach to be reckoned with.

Alongside Mucauro, other Costa do Sol players that have carried the Mozambique flag internationally are Nilza Chiziane, Shelsea Rafael, and Carla Covane.

Bride Kennedy Hopoate

Australian Bride Hopoate, who helped her country to the Fifth-Place at the 2014 FIBA U17 Women's basketball World Cup, has been a solid presence in the paint for the "Canarinhas", and might be a major support in upcoming African Champions Cup for Women. She made her presence felt for most of the Mozambique National Championship playoffs. 

FIBA