BEIRUT (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers) - Tunisia captain Makram Ben Romdhane believes hosting Group A's second leg action during the June-July window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers will give them a major advantage and confidence boost.

The FIBA AfroBasket 2017 champions head into the summer window with a perfect 3-0 record from last November's Qualifiers and the veteran expects there to be a great atmosphere when his country hosts and goes up against Cameroon, Chad and Guinea from June 29-July 1.

"The next window will take place in Tunisia which is a big plus for us," Ben Romdhane said. "After this past AfroBasket at home, we can say that basketball has become the second most popular game behind football in the country."

The Sousse native stressed how important the three games are crucial in Tunisia's battle to reach the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019.

"QUALIFYING FOR THIS WORLD CUP IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR THE COUNTRY'S BASKETBALL HISTORY AND ITS FUTURE, AS WELL AS FOR ALL CURRENT TUNISIAN PLAYERS AND THE NEW GENERATION." - Ben Romdhane

"For us, this window is more important than the first one because winning these next three games will assure us a slot in the next round," the 6ft 8in (2.03m) versatile forward pointed out.

Ultimately, the main goal remains reaching the World Cup, especially after the Tunisians missed out on Spain 2014 after having made their World Cup debut in 2010.

"Qualifying for this World Cup is very important for the country's basketball history and its future, as well as for all current Tunisian players and the new generation," said Ben Romdhane, who averaged 10.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.7 assists in the first three games in Cameroon last November. 

Tunisia's biggest game during the first window was their last one against Cameroon as they gave up a 12-point lead before fighting back and scoring a go-ahead basket with 13 seconds left to take a 67-66 victory.

Ben Romdhane, who plays for Lebanese side Homenetmen Beirut, knows he is called upon to be a major contributor to Tunisia.

"I'M LIVING A NEW EXPERIENCE BY BEING THE NEW CAPTAIN OF THE NATIONAL TEAM. IT'S MORE RESPONSIBILITY AND DISCIPLINE." - Ben Romdhane

"My role will be the same: giving my best to Tunisian basketball and learning more to continue moving forward," he said. "I'm living a new experience by being the new captain of the national team. It's more responsibility and discipline."

At 29, Ben Romdhane has already been playing for Tunisia's senior team for eight years. He is looking forward to him and his teammates making the most of the home court advantage this summer.

"We will play in front of our fans so we will have more confidence and it will be more fun for our basketball fans," he concluded.

FIBA