MONTPELLIER (2016 Rio Olympics) - Senegal forward Mame Marie Sy played a pivotal role at AfroBasket Women 2015 in helping her country claim a 12th continental title. Now she can't wait to make her first appearance at this summer's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The 31-year-old forward, who averaged 8.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists last October in the 16-team event in Yaounde, Cameroon, is now focused on the Rio Games.

"Featuring at the Olympics is the dream of any high-level player, and that is the same for me. I'm really proud to represent Senegal my country at this level for the first time in my career," she told FIBA.com.

The Senegalese Basketball Federation (FSBB) recently re-appointed Moustapha Gaye as head coach, and Sy feels that it's a good news for Senegal who are not going to the Rio Games just to make up numbers.

"We're not going to Rio in tourism. We will battle with our best weapons. And the best way to represent our country, is to win games and get as far as possible in the competition," the native of Dakar said.

Sy, who plays her club basketball for French side Montpelier and made her national team debut in 2009, has become one of Senegal's key players.

Back in 2013, she stunned Cameroon in the Third-Place Game at that year's AfroBaskert Women by hitting a buzzer-beater three-pointer.

Before taking the court at the Rio Games, Sy said she has accomplished good things when playing for her country.

''I never thought I would have such a career. But my teammates have helped me a lot since I made my first appearance with the team. And, I am now pleased to be considered as one of the team's key players," she explained.

I have experienced good memories in my career. But winning two AfroBasket Women titles  [2009 and 2015] and taking part in the Olympics is really great. - Sy

Following his re-appointment, Gaye insisted that one of his main tasks is to prepare the team to win AfroBasket Women 2017.

And Sy does not rule out the possibility of continuing to play for her country beyond Rio 2016. 

"I take things day by day. I can't confirm my retirement [from the national team] after the Olympics. Only my body will decide. Right now, I'm still available," she concluded.

FIBA