KAIROUAN (Tunisia) – JS Kairouanaise’s center Maodo Nguirane wants to show some gratitude by winning the FIBA Africa Basketball League (ABL) 2019 in Luanda, Angola.

Ahead of their Final-Four clash with Association Sportive Sale on Friday, confidence levels are high, and things will get heated. At the least that's what the Senegalese believes. 

He insists that winning the ABL would be a way to say a massive thanks to their fans. 

"They are the best fans in the league, always pushing us. We have to reckon we wouldn’t be here without their support," he told FIBA.basketball.

Nguirane continued: "This success would not only be for the fans. It will be a treat for the whole team, who have been working so hard to achieve these results."

Ahead of one of their most important games of the season, the Tunisians are taking things really seriously. While AS Sale sports an average of 87.4 points per game, JS Kairouanaise are trailing with 76.6 points per game.

Yet, these numbers are not what will stop the Tunisians’ grit.

"We know that AS Sale is one of the best teams in the African League. It will not be easy for us, but we will leave no stone unturned to achieve our goals. We have been working so hard to be in the Final Four," Nguirane added.

Amidst all this, the Senegalese player has his eyes set on winning their clash. "They have tall and talented players. But we are aware winning against AS Sale is a way for everyone’s hard work to be recongnized."

Even if Nguirane and JS Kairouan are making their debuts in the contiental league, they have set their targets high. "As an African player, I’m proud to be part of this adventure. Everyone wants to play at this level," the 25-year-old explained.

The Yeumbeul native is adamant that JS Kairouan have what it takes to reach the top step of the podium as they feel no pressure and even much enthusiasm."I don’t feel like there’s much pressure. We are confident in our capacities and we know we can win."

FIBA