ALEXANDRIA (Egypt) - The first edition of the newly-former Africa Women's Basketball League (AWBL) gets underway on 11 December in Alexandria, Egypt with 10 teams competing. 

Teams are set to do battle until 19 December when the tournament concludes and a winner is crowned. 

FIBA Africa caught up with some players who are expected to light up the arena, including last year's Cup MVP Hager Amer and 3x3 African champion Natalie Akinyi, as they shared their thoughts on the coletitin. 

Tiffany Mitchell (REG) 

Tiffany Mitchell (25)

"This is my first time visiting and playing in Africa and I am glad to have this opportunity to represent Rwanda. The objective in every match I play is to win and we have a good players here who will help us achieve that. 

We are still working on some areas as it is our first time together as a unit. At first it may not look pretty but I am confident we can work through this and pull it together for a result."

Hagar Amer (ASC) 

 Hagar Amer

"It is such an honour to play this competition in our backyard, the place I have grown up playing basketball. This is an advantage for us but are aware every team is here for the title.

We will take it one match at a time as there are no easy matches in this competition and hopefully we can win all of them and lift the title. Last year I won the MVP award in the Cup but that comes as a bonus, the mission is to always help my team win."

Maranne Johnson (Nigeria Customs) 

Maranne Johnson (first from left, bottom row)

"My first time playing in Africa was during the qualifiers and it was tough. I expect the same kind of competition at this level, but I am glad to have the opportunity to help the team advance further in this showpiece.

We are just from playing the qualifiers and that acts as part of our preparation for the continental games. We will come out to compete in each game, play for one another and give it our all."

Natalie Akinyi (KPA) 

 Natalie Akinyi

"We have been in camp for 3 weeks polishing up on a few things and we are ready. We have 2 new additions to the team, included to strengthen the squad. We are happy with the group we are in but will take one game at a time and work our way into the medal bracket which is our target."

FIBA