KIGALI (Rwanda) – For top-tier teams, winning one game in a three-team group is an ordinary fact, but for Tanzania, it represents huge progress.
They opened their 2025 U16 Women's AfroBasket campaign with a loss against the hosts, Rwanda, before stunning Tunisia.
This left them with one foot in the next round, although they would need to wait for the outcome of the Rwanda vs Tunisia game.
However, Tanzania will continue to savour their relatively successful group phase campaign until Group A is finished.
Tanzania's goal is to establish itself on the African basketball scene.
Six years ago, on July 28, when Kigali hosted the Women’s U16 AfroBasket, Tanzania recorded their first ever win in the event, beating hosts Rwanda 42-36.
Their victory against Tunisia, on September 5, not only made history in Kigali but also gave a glimpse of what the future could hold for a program still in its early steps.
For Tanzania head coach Cathbet John Maganga who later reflected on their historic win against Tunisia, the turning point came at halftime, when his players needed reassurance and belief.
“We told them to stay positive, to keep fighting. There was nothing to lose, so we had to give everything,” Maganga recalled. “No matter how it turned out, the important thing was to show that we could do it. It wasn’t about tactics, it was about spirit. We told the girls to go out there, to fight, and to give everything.”
That message resonated with a group of young players who rose to the challenge and delivered a performance that went into the history books. The result was Tanzania’s second victory ever in the U16 AfroBasket.
For coach Maganga it was more than just a win. “We’re excited to play at this level. We have to show people that we exist, that we can play basketball. Even if we’re starting from the bottom, we can still fight and show the world what we’ve got.”
The sense of pride was obvious, but so was the perspective. While celebrations were well deserved, the coach insisted this is only a step in a much longer process. “It’s a great win. But it’s just the beginning. There’s still a long way to go. We’ll get there, as long as we have support. We want to make Tanzania proud.”
Beyond the numbers, he sees this breakthrough as a seed that can grow into something larger, especially for the next generation of players.
“If we did it, then others can too. With this victory, we’re setting a blueprint for Tanzania basketball. Nobody will hand you a win — you have to take the initiative, step forward, and keep building. This is our footprint, and we hope it takes us higher.”
The story behind this team’s progress has been years in the making. The coach explained that he has been working with this group for two years, carefully blending their academic lives with sport.
“They’re balancing school with basketball, practicing after class. It’s not easy — we don’t have the resources of a full academy. But we’ve been scouting across Tanzania, developing talent from primary school onwards. Some of these players started when they were very young. What you see now is the continuation of a foundation built over time.”
This commitment reflects the effort required to build a program in a country where basketball is still finding its footing. Regional scouting, grassroots programs, and consistent practice have laid the groundwork for a team that is now beginning to see the rewards of persistence.
The coach also emphasized the importance of representation. He sees the team’s success as proof that girls can thrive in basketball despite the obstacles.
“In five years, I see real progress. We’re raising awareness, especially for girls’ basketball. It’s not always easy for women to play sport, but we’re showing that they can do it. Girls can compete, they can shine. With more participation and support, we’ll grow the game and inspire the community.”
The significance of this victory stretches far beyond Kigali. In a country where opportunities in women’s sport remain limited, Tanzania’s U16 team has shown what is possible when determination meets structure.
The coach believes the win can inspire not just the players, but the wider community. “This is inspiration. If we could achieve it, others will believe they can as well. It’s a first step, and it sets the direction for where we want to go.”
For Tanzania, the journey in this year’s U16 Women's AfroBasket may be over, but the legacy of their performance has just begun. A single win has the power to change perceptions, to plant hope, and to serve as a beacon for those who will follow.
As the coach put it, this is not the end of a story but rather the start of a new one. Tanzania proved that with the right support, development programs, and continued belief, they can leave a lasting footprint on African basketball. The road to new heights is only starting.
FIBA