SHEFFIELD (Julio Chitunda’s African Message) The only reason I wasn’t surprised to see Egypt dominate and winning the 2015 FIBA Africa U16 Championship last week in Bamako, Mali, was because of Ahmed Khalaf.

Over the weekend, Khalaf rose to the occasion, playing a pivotal role as Egypt beat hosts Mali 64-63 in the final to regain their continental title two years later.

Even though he fouled out in the last ten seconds of the game, Khalaf - the only Egyptian to score in double digits - finished with much-needed 16 points and 16 rebounds.

And, unsurprisingly he not only headlined the All-Tournament team, but he also was named the Most Valuable Player. And he may have secured his spot in Egypt’s roster for next year’s U17 World Championship to be held in Spain.

As well as stunning Mali in front of their home fans, Egypt amassed a 7-1 overall record, and Khalaf was the tournament leading rebounder with 11.7 boards per game.

I first heard of the 2.06m center during last year's FIBA U17 World Championship held in United Arab Emirates.

At the time, as a 15-year-old, Khalaf impacted Egypt’s campaign with his shot blocking ability, averaging 8.6 points and a team-high 9.3 rebounds per game although the North Africans finished 13th in the 16-team tournament.

As he continues his dream to stardom, last month Khalaf showed up at the 2015 U10 FIBA World Championship in Greece, as a 16-year-old - the youngest in the team -, and made sure to get noticed, averaging 8.3 points and yet again a team-high 8.4 rebounds per game.

From, a young man who has two world championships appearances under his belt as well as a big margin of progression, we can only expect greatness if he lives up to his hard working reputation, and Egypt’s basketball appreciates it.

But, what makes Khalaf even more special is the fact that the he seems to know what he aims for his basketball career.

Talking to FIBA.com ahead of last month’s World Championship in Greece, he indicated what we now know.

At the time he said: “I have gotten more powerful, especially in my body. Last year I thought anybody could push me around. I couldn’t stand my ground. This year I think I have more power.

“I think I also have better contact with the other players on the team.”

Then he went on to explain that he is not in the position that he currently is by accident because the sky’s the limit for the big Egyptian.

“I want to take the MVP title in the African Championship,” he pledged at the time.

And, those who work closely with Khalaf have even more reasons to believe that he may get better and better.

Head coach Branislav Jemc, who has been at the helm of Egypt junior teams and has followed Khalaf’s progress over the course of the past few years, said: “Ahmed is dedicated to basketball.

"He is ambitious and wants to improve himself - Jemc

"He is hard working, and works well in practices. I'm confident that hard work will pay off."

For Egypt, who insist in the rebuilding process of their basketball, Khalaf’s progression seems to be happening at the right time.

And, I look forward to seeing him evolving.

Julio Chitunda
FIBA

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