Algeria looking to make strong return at FIBA U16 African Women's Championship

ALGIERS (Algeria) - The FIBA U16 African Women's Championship tips off In less than 24 hours, and Algeria are making a return to the competition after four precious editions.

This year's tournament runs from August 7-15 in Cairo.

Back in 2009 and 2011 when Mali and Egypt played host, the Algeria women finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

"IT'S IMPORTANT FOR US TO MAKE A GOOD IMPACT SO AS RO ENCOURAGE OTHERS."- Coach Boulahia Radia

Now that they are making a come back and in Egypt where they last participated, Radia Boulahia, an assistant coach with the team told FIBA.basketball that they want to make an impression.

According to Coach Boulahia, the team overcame the lapse caused by the COVID-19 to prepare for this championship.

"Our preparation took place in the midst of the pandemic. After a two-year stoppage, everything was closed. Neither sports infrastructure nor playgrounds, training or competition were available for practice.

"We started our pre-selection for January 2021 holidays by respecting the health protocol. Getting back to competition was good news for the girls.

"After a long absence since our participation, this tournament will allow us to rub shoulders with the favourite teams like Mali and Egypt.

"Our big concern is the morphological aspect, so we will play a much faster game, have fun and also use this to open the key for other tournaments.

"The coach stated further that the Algerian women have four players based in France to help boost the squad and to bring back a plus with the locals. It's important for us to make a good impact so as to encourage others."

He is hopeful that the facilities that the France-based players are exposed to would help give the team an advantage and reflect in their performance.

The North Africans will be depending on two key players Kaouah Khadidja and Boughalem Darine to help make a difference in the championship.

The FIBA U16 Africa Women's Championship started in 1998 and is held bi-annually since 2009. The winners qualify for the the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Championship.

FIBA