NAMUR (EuroCup Women/AfroBasket Women 2015) - The Eurocup Women is over for Djenebou Sissoko and Belfius Namur Capital, but the Malian international remains upbeat for the remainder of the season.

The 32-year-old intends to turn her focus to the Belgian League, and insists she still has something to offer to her national team.

In Thursday's 85-54 defeat against French side ESBVA in the Eight-Finals of the Eurocup Women, Sissoko contributed 14 points and four rebounds, but that was not good enough to build on her dream of advancing to the last eight of the competition.

Before the game, Sissoko spoke to FIBA.com and explained how significant this game would be, especially as they needed to overcome a 60-54 first leg loss.

Once on the court, Sissoko had a productive offensive game, confirming her intentions to do everything in her power for Namur to continue in the competition.

They trailed 43-31 at the break, but the second half proved costly.

Now in her third season playing in Belgium, Sissoko is fully intent on helping Namur win the national league.

Even though Sissoko missed out the 2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women and AfroBasket Women 2013, the 1.84m forward who led Mali in scoring in several international competitions says she is available to help her country at AfroBasket Women 2015, a qualifier tournament for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

This year's AfroBasket Women is expected to take place from 24 September to 4 October in Cameroon.

For sure I am really confident that if all good players come to participate, we will have a big chance to win AfroBasket Women 2015 - Sissoko

"I look forward to playing great in one more AfroBasket. Maybe I will retire from the national team after that AfroBasket.

"Right now, even though I am slightly injured, I am still playing. Hopefully I will be ready and strong before the AfroBasket."

Although Sissoko was not part of the Mali team that won their only continental title in 2007, she belongs to a generation of players who helped the country become a household name on the African continent.

Just like Sissoko, who participated in the 2001 World Championship for Junior Women, a number of young Malians have followed in her footsteps with appearances in the world stage.

This summer, Mali and Egypt will represent Africa at the FIBA U19 Women’s World Championship in Chekhov, Russia, from 18 to 26 July.

Sissoko has not seen her fellow Malians play as at late, but acknowledges their potential.

"To be really honest with you, I haven't watched the young girls play at the World Championships. But one thing I know, they really play great in African Championships.

"We have talented young girls back home, but the World Championship can be tough because of the gap experience. Basketball is clearly more developed in the USA and some European countries than it is in Africa.

"Those countries have better conditions to prepare their teams. And that's what we need to take the Mali basketball to the next level. We need our teams in better condition and more preparation time."

Sissoko took the opportunity of talking to FIBA.com to pay tribute to late Salamatou Maiga, who served as General Secretary of Mali Basketball Federation and was a member of the FIBA board.

"It's a big loss, not only for Mali basketball, but also for Mali as country. Her death affected us, proud citizens who defend the colours of our country.

"She was a great leader. For sure she really leaves a big place in our hearts and in Mali basketball. She will be remembered forever."

FIBA