LUANDA - Former Angolan international Carlos de Almeida has been appointed Secretary of State for Sports by Angola newly elected President Joao Lourenço.

The ex-skipper of the eleven-time African champions, who retired from his playing career in 2013, has last served as a Member of Parliament for ruling MPLA party.

In the previous legislature de Almeida was a member of the 7th Commission of the National Assembly (Angolan Parliament), which deals with issues relating to family, infancy, youth, sports, former combatants and social action. He co-ordinated the sub-commission for youth and sports.

de Almeida will be assisting the new incumbent minister of Youth and Sports, Ana Paula Sacramento, herself a former highly decorated handball player.

He has a degree in Psychology from the Angolan Higher Institute of Education Sciences (ISCED-Luanda).

de Almeida started his sport career at the age of nine in Grupo Desportivo da ERT team.

He played for the country's two main and oldest clubs, namely Petro Atléctico de Luanda and 1º de Agosto, having finished his career in the latter.

He helped his country win six FIBA AfroBasket titles from 1999-2013.

He has also received a few distinctions for outstanding performances in the national, African and world championships.

de Almeida also played in three Olympic Games, namely in Sidney (Australia 2000), Athens (Greece 2004) and Beijing (China 2008).

FIBA