Sy Diop adamant Senegal can reclaim African crown

ARDEN (France) - Mame Marie Sy Diop has played at the highest level against the best but she is far from attaining her set goal of returning Senegal as champions of FIBA Women's AfroBasket. 

A proud Olympian who represented Senegal at the basketball event in Rio 2016, Sy Diop is not quitting just yet until she helps her country reclaim the crown of Africa's prime women's tournament, which they last won in 2015.

Senegal reached the Final of the last two editions of FIBA Women's AfroBasket in 2017 and 2019, which Sy Diop had dreamt of winning, but Nigeria proved stronger on both occasions. 

"I WANT TO SEE SENEGAL ON THE TOP STEP [OF THE PODIUM] AND STAY THERE AGAIN BECAUSE WE ARE A BASKETBALL COUNTRY."
- Sy-Diop

The 35-year old power forward admitted to FIBA.basketball that she is a hard fighter that would not give up easily and is ready to guide her national team realize that dream at this year's Women's AfroBasket. 

"I am a very committed player in what I do. I am a fighter. On the court, I use my determination and commitment to participate in the collective goal. I put all the necessary means to win," she pointed out.

Though Senegal hold the most wins with eleven African titles, the 1.92m (6ft2in) says that her country is not relenting in reclaiming their pride of place.

"We're still aiming for the title. Senegal is recognized as the most successful country in Africa and it is our duty to keep the team at the highest level. We had years of failure but that is part of the sport. Senegal will bounce back to regain the title."

Looking back on the recent setback that Senegal suffered, Sy Diop points out calmly that there would always be ups and downs in life.

"I can say that it is the rule of sport but at the same time we had our destiny in our hands. We were surprised by Nigeria in 2017 and normally we knew what awaited us in 2019 but unfortunately, we lost against a very good Nigeria team.

"Nigeria want to make history and that is understandable. It's up to us to learn from our failures in order to be able to prepare properly for 2021 [African Championship]."

On the next line of action that would help revive women's basketball in Senegal, she says there are quite a few things to be done and in the process of being done.

The Senegalese Basketball Federation, she noted, is working on it. "The domination that we had a few years ago cannot continue forever and we, therefore, need to readjust. They are in the process of bringing together, unearthing players who are all over the world."

Sy Diop who stars for Charleville-Mezieres (FCBA) of France alongside Nigeria's Evelyn Akhator says that part of the plan is for them to integrate younger players into the team.

"We have to try to bring together the players that we have all over the place so that they can give the team new life. We have so many talented players who are able to wear the national jersey.

"I want to see Senegal on the top step [of the podium] and stay there again because we are a basketball country. We have the means to do it.

"I would like young people to be able to continue to have international competitions. This will allow them to be ready when they reach the national team. It is very important to make this transition."

Given her wealth of experience, Sy Diop insists that beyond playing for Senegal, she also wants to contribute in building other athletes for a stronger Senegal.

"Beyond the sporting aspect, there is this extra basketball side that you have to take into account. The African Cup is really different from other competitions. I would like to be able to accompany, advise young people so that they feel more comfortable and not be too distracted by what is going on around them."

Speaking on her memories of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, she recalls that it was all fun and an experience that she would cherish.

"It was wonderful. There are no words to describe how it feels right now. Whether it is sport and humanly, it is something to experience for any athlete. The visibility that it brings for our country as well as for Africa is huge.

"To represent your country in the biggest competition in the world is awe-inspiring. What pride to have to wear the national jersey in front of the best teams in the world. First, we discovered a small town (Olympic Village). Everything you need is there. We met our idols; It's a great experience that every athlete dreams of having."

Mame Marie Sy in action against Spain at Rio Olympics

Sy Diop admits that Nigeria has a great team with good players but she maintains that Senegal is not below D'Tigress and still believe they can beat them.

"Currently Nigeria has the psychological advantage over us as they beat us twice in the Final with deserving victories. It's up to us not to be surprised yet again by the likes of Nigeria, Angola and others," she added.

 FIBA