DAR-ES-SALAAM (Tanzania) - Tanzania are headed to the FIBA U 18 African Championships in Antananarivo, Madagascar brimming with confidence despite not knowing what is in store for them.

The Tanzanians are going out there to give their all whether facing top four guns led by 2020 champions Mali, runners up Senegal, third-placed Egypt or Guinea who were fourth.

Forget about what the draw will bring come August, Tanzania remain very much the underdogs. But the fact that they have two of their brightest youngsters out there, they have hope.

They are venturing into some unknown territory and expects some tough games, but they are happy with the youth programme they are putting up and believe it will soon bear fruits.

Within a short time, the new leadership in Dar es Salaam is focused in pushing youth basketball to great lengths and the best way to go about it is to start building from the junior level.

According to Agness Njavike, the Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) youth activities coordinator both at school and club level, feels the time to get the nation up and running is now.

With well-organised camps starting early, more players should be able to join in and reinforce the sides. In this way, they would be able to do well.

The fruits for the journey that started in Kampala, Uganda in June will soon be reaped. This vibrant programme will come in handy when they brush shoulders against some of the best young talents in Africa.

Team: Tanzania
FIBA Ranking U18 Boys: N/A
Last participation at U18 African Championship: N/A
Best result at U18 African Championship: N/A
How they qualified for the 2022 U18 African Championship: During the FIBA Africa Zone Five Qualifiers in Uganda, the team played Rwanda and the host. They were placed second. They blanked Rwanda 61-48, but went on to lose 48-36, 73-57 and 84-43 to Rwanda and Uganda respectively.
World: NA
History/Qualification: Qualified for the Madagascar FIBA U18 African Championship by virture of a Wild Card.
Head Coach: The Phabian Mjarifu-led team is looking forward to the tournament in Madagascar. His assistant is Phineas Kahabi, who handles International School of Tanganyika (ISK).

"Tactically, we have made some important adjustments on our game plans and plays after the last tournament in Uganda, as head Coach I believe my team is set to go and compete in Madagascar." Mjaribu told FIBA.basketball.

Outlook: If the results from Kampala are anything to go by, then Tanzanians should harbour some hopes of success and learn against the big boys in the process.

Mbatian Odupoi was voted best player in the Qualifiers and Oanise Nkya declared the events best rebounder. The duo have the energy and the drive to hoist the nation’s flag high just like they did in Uganda.

Tanzania did not parade some key talents in the regional tournament due to school programme. But in August when the schools are in holiday, they hope to put together some fine talents that can fly the nations flag with pride.

FIBA