BEIRA (Mozambique) - Ferroviario da Beira are making a second straight appearance at the Road to BAL Elite 16 qualifiers. Can they succeed once again?

The Mozambican club are one of the favourites to make it out of East Divisionwhen the qualifiers tip off in Johannesburg (22-27 November).

In this article, FIBA.basketball introduces you the Mozambique champions. 

TEAM: Ferroviario da Beira are based in Beira in the Sofala Province of Mozambique.

HISTORY IN FIBA AFRICA/BAL: Ferroviario da Beira are not new to continental competition and qualified for previous FIBA Africa Champions Cup (2007, 2013, 2017 and 2019). They debuted in the Road to BAL last year. 

BEST RESULT IN FIBA AFRICA/BAL: The Mozambican club could not get past the group stages in their debut season in the BAL. Beira's 98-92 win over BAL Sahara Conference hosts DUC was their best result in March 2022 in Dakar.

Losses to REG, US Monastir, SLAC and AS Sale left Beira with a 1-4 record in their BAL debut.

HOW THEY QUALIFIED FOR THE ELITE 16: The Beira-based club are one of the six five teams who qualified for the Elite 16 by virtue of participating in the second edition of the BAL.

STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES: Beira are one the strongest clubs in Southern Africa and play a good brand of team basketball. Should they qualify for the BAL, they will need to make sure that they sign quality import players.

Judging by what Beira did in the last BAL season, they need a more productive bench, and need to be better at shooting from behind the arc.

Fighting back when trailing by double digits has also proven challenging for Beira.

KEY PLAYERS: American Will Perry is back for a second stint with Beira, and the point guard will dictate how the team plays during the Elite 16.

Mozambique international player Helton Ubisse is a power forward with well-rounded ability. He can score, pass and is a good rebounder of the ball.

Shooting guard Ismael Nurmamade is a good shooter and a player who is not afraid to drive into the painted area.

HEAD COACH: Since taking over at Ferroviario in 2020, Spaniard Luis Hernandez has turned the Mozambican club into a formidable outfit. He has a calm demeanour on the sidelines and is a brilliant strategist.

OUTLOOK: Ferroviario da Beira are likely to be the favourites of the Elite 16. Da Beira are a technically sound team, but they tend to struggle once they qualify for major tournaments.

FIBA