KIGALI (Rwanda) - As the FIBA AfroBasket reach a milestone of sixty years with the 30th of the Championship currently on at the Kigali Arena in Rwanda some players who have become legends for their national teams took turns to heep praises on the continent basketball governing body - FIBA Africa for taking the competition to greater heights.

Speaking recently at the Kigali Arena, in no particular order, FIBA.basketball went to town to catch the feelings of these players with the least of them making their fifth appearance of the competition which was organised every two years until 2015 with the championship taking a new shape after the 2017 edition.

Kenneth Gasana of Rwanda who is making his fifth appearance just as with his country, Angolan duo of Carlos Morais and Eduardo Mingas - both helped their country with four titles between 2005 and 2013, and a silver medals in 2011 and 2015 while the duo of Makram Ben Romdhane and Salah Mejri both contributed to Tunisia's first podium top finish in 2011 and the former went to guide Tunisia past Nigeria on home court four years ago.

Gasana, who made his debut with the Rwanda national team in Libya in 2009 and only missed the 2015 edition as his team failed to qualify, told FIBA.basketball that he is delighted being around when the 60th years anniversary would be held.

Kenneth Gasana

"I can't describe how I feel that I will be around when the 60th anniversary will hold and I want to say a big congratulations to the people working so hard for the upliftment of the game in Africa."

Gasana, however, calls for more dedication on the part of stakeholders so that the game can keep growing in Africa.

Carlos Morais, who began his national team career with the Angolan U18 team in 2002, had an excellent upward movement when he broke into the senior national team in 2005 and earned a gold medal in his first outing with his country.

Carlos Morais

The 1.93m (6ft 3in) shooting guard said: "I am short of words that the AfroBasket has reached 60 years since the first edition was first organised in 1962.

"First and foremost I will like to congratulate the entire Africa continent, FIBA Africa and FIBA worldwide for what has transpired between 1962 and now.

"Honestly it's a feeling of oneness and that went on show the meaning of basketball slogan the world over 'We Are Basketball'.

Eduardo Mingas

Eduardo Mingas with four titles and several appearance with the Angolan national team at the 2002 FIBA World Championship in Indianapolis is full of commendation for the people of Africa.

The 42-year-old 1.99m (6ft 6in) power forward says though he might be playing his last AfroBasket, which is his eighth appearance, he will always love to stay around the game that has taken him to several places.

Tunisia captain Makram Ben Romdhane, who is making his sixth AfroBasket appearance since 2009 says it's a great feeling for him personally to be on duty for his county on the occasion of the 60th anniversary and 30th edition of the championship.

The two-time AfroBasket winner told FIBA.basketball that the AfroBasket has seen lots of improvement in all departments of the game and want the tempo to be taken higher.

Meanwhile, the FIBA AfroBasket 2011 MVP Tunisia center Salah Mejri says the feeling is indescribable for him as a player.

Salah Mejri

Mejri, who had a three-season NBA career, says that AfroBasket offered most players the opportunity to make friends across the continent.

He described Africa basketball as a goldmine that can be tapped for the betterment of the game.

Mejri believed AfroBasket has opened doors of opportunities to several African players and officials.

"AfroBasket has really grown that fans get to watch African players and an easier ways for the players to get scouted by foreign clubs and I am so happy to be wishing FIBA Africa Region a Happy Birthday."

FIBA