Former Cote d'Ivoire star turned-manager bets on continuity

 

ABIDJAN (Cote d'Ivoire) – Recently retired from his playing career, Stephane Konate is set to make his debut as Cote d'Ivoire national team manager.

Konate, whose career spanned to over two decades, will put his managerial skills when Cote d'Ivoire open their 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers campaign in Cairo, where they will face Group D opponents Egypt, Central African Republic and Madagascar from February 23-25.

Konate told FIBA.basketball that he wants to do as much as possible to share his wealth of experience as a player to the team in his new managerial role.

"I feel good. I think it was in the spirit of continuity that the President appointed me as manager. Given my experience, given what I've also brought to the national team. I intend to bring my experience and that's the most important thing."

The 43-year-old former shooting guard retired after his Abidjan Basket Club came up short in the Basketball Africa League Qualifiers last November.
 

Talking about Cote d'Ivoire's preliminary squad, the two-time AfroBasket silver medallist, noted that "The new president [Cote d'Ivoire Basketball Federation] wants to give everyone the chance to defend the country's colors."

He says that Souleyman Diabate leads the invited players. "Solo is the oldest and most experienced. It is a benchmark for basketball in Africa.

"The younger ones see him as a role model. It's very important to have legends in the team to guide the younger players.

"We have shortlisted four AfroCan players for this campaign. Continuity and succession are very important for the federation. Like everyone else, they have a chance to be selected. It will depend on the coach."

Konate admits that basketball in the country faces a new reality.

"The federation has changed, the technical staff has changed. The staff that sent Cote d'Ivoire to the final of the 2021 AfroBasket has been reappointed. The new coach is Natxo Lekzano. The assistants are Hoyo Ramos Miguel, Toti Michael and Affi Anderson who is from ABC."

A look into Group D in which Cote d'Ivoire shows that a lot will be expected of them if they must get the final ticket.

Konate addded: "We are in a good group. Egypt are in a good dynamic shape with players who have been playing together for a very long time and they will be the biggest opponent. The Central African Republic, which we have met often in recent years, also has a good team. Madagascar is a young team that wants to show that they have value. The squad will be tough but I think we have a chance of qualifying," he assured with enthusiasm.

This will be Cote d'Ivoire's first competition since finishing 27th at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup and secured a slot to play in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

FIBA