KINSHASA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers) - Bismack Biyombo on Friday held a press conference in Kinshasa to announce that he will make his debut for the Democratic Republic of Congo later this month in Cairo.

The announcement comes as a major boost for the Congolese who currently sit in the last place of Group C of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers. 

For years, the Orlando Magic power forward has expressed willingness to wear the colors of his native country, but for reasons out of his control, he has never been able to do it.

"IN THE PAST THE INSURANCE ISSUE PREVENTED ME FROM PLAYING. BUT FIBA AND THE NBA FOUND A SOLUTION FOR THE WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS, WHICH MAKES THINGS EASIER FOR US TO PLAY."
Biyombo

Now, with the Congolese facing a do-or-die situation in a "group of death", which includes group leaders Angola, Egypt and Morocco, Biyombo felt it was the right time to make a move.

“Like many people, I too have been waiting for this moment for a long time," he said.

"Last year, I came to play, but eventually it became impossible to do it. Now, I am almost ready. I love my country, and it is an honor to represent the Democratic Republic of Congo."

Egypt will play as hosts of the second-leg of Group C of the African Qualifiers from June 29 - July 1.

And the Congolese will need to excel in order to overcome a 0-3 record, and, try to secure one of group C's three spots available for the 12-team Second Round of the African Qualifiers, which tips off in September.

Although Biyombo insists that he doesn't come as a savior to his national team, he pledges to do everything in his power to steer his country in the competition.

“I have always wanted to play with the national team. I have never changed my nationality, I have been offered to do so, but I refused it because I thought that one day I would have a chance to play with the national team," the 6ft9in (2.06m) forward offered.

“I have built my career in the NBA, I am successful, but that is not the most important thing, the honor is to represent this country.

“I don’t come [to the national team] as a hero or a savior. I just came to give my contribution and add my skills, and help us accomplish something special together."

Under FIBA's new competition system, the number of participating teams in the FIBA Basketball World Cup has increased from 24 to 32 with Africa allocated five spots (two more than previous editions of FIBA's flagship event).

And, the Congolese - who aim to become a continental powerhouse - see it as a chance of putting their country on the world stage map.

“Our youth have dreamt of the DR Congo qualifying for the World Cup in China. We will fight, so this experience becomes an unforgettable one for us," the Lubumbashi native said, adding : “If we can convince our foreign-based players, we will be able to have a special national team. But for now, we must make the most of this [African Qualifiers] experience."

Why has Biyombo taken so long to suit up for his country?

“In the past, the insurance issue prevented me from playing for the national team. But FIBA and the NBA found a solution for the World Cup Qualifiers, which makes things easier for us to play.

“This summer, my schedule allows me to see the work that the federation has done, and what the players have achieved."

The Congolese are currently holding a training camp in Tunisia ahead of the third window of the African Qualifiers.

FIBA