RADES - It's been three weeks since Etoile Sportive de Rades won the Tunisian League and National Cup double, but the new champions are already setting their sights on the FIBA Africa Champions Cup (ACC) 2017.

While the annual ACC won't take place until December, Etoile Sportive de Rades head coach Adel Tlatli feels it's about time to plan the future of the club.

"We would love to host the ACC," Tlatli told FIBA.com.

"Of course, if the African Cup is held somewhere else, it will be a lot more  difficult for us, but it won't be impossible to win it." - Tlatli

Tlatli, who led Tunisia to their first-ever FIBA AfroBasket trophy in 2011, argues that the fact the last two ACC editions have been hosted by Egyptian and Angolan clubs, Etoile Sportive de Rades "should be given a chance to host the African Cup."

"We have a beautiful and functional arena, our fans love the game of basketball and our players are experienced enough to compete against Africa's best clubs," said the play caller,  

Egypt's Al Ahly won the FIBA ACC 2016 last December; Angolan side Libolo won the 2015 edition, but it's been six years since a Tunisian side claimed FIBA Africa's most important club competition. 

Back in 2011, Etoile Sportive de Sahel beat Angolan side Primeiro D'Agosto to become the first Tunisian side to win the trophy. 

Now, Tlatli insists his team could bring the trophy to Tunisia again. 

"Yes," he replied when asked if the key to his success at the helm of Etoile Sportive de Rades was linked to his 12-year term as head coach of Tunisian national team, which ended last September.

Etoile Sportive de Rades's  quintet Omar Abada, Mourad El Mabrouk, Amine Rzig, Mohamed Hadidane and Marouan Kechrid have all featured for Tlatli's Tunisia.

Before beating Monastir in the Tunisia Cup, Etoile Sportive de Rades upset Etoile Sportive du Sahel in the national league playoff.

"I joined the club last November, and we started to rebuild the team chemistry straight away. I am pleased to have helped the club win their first national league title in 33 years, and win the first Tunisia Cup in 45 years. We want to continue to make history."

"Of course, if the African Cup is held somewhere else, it will be a lot more difficult for us, but it won't be impossible to win it," Tlatli explained.

FIBA