Cendric Mansare believes Guinea can advance to knock-out stages at AfroBasket 2021

KIGALI (Rwanda) - After a well-planned training program that saw Guinea camp in USA, Canada, and France before returning home and off again to Cote d'Ivoire for friendly games ahead of the FIBA AfroBasket 2021, Cedric Mansare was already dreaming of Guinea putting up a good performance in Kigali.

The Guinea shooting guard already has one of his dream come true earlier when Guinea earned qualification for the AfroBasket 2021 in a dramatic way but he just won't stop dreaming as he has set a new goal for himself.

Days before their 82-46 defeat to reigning African champions Tunisia in Group B opener, Mansare talked to FIBA.basketball.

"I felt a lot of emotion like every time I win something with this national team. But this qualification was close to my heart, I even had tears in my eyes."

Mansare is oblivious of the fact that Guinea finished bottom of the table the last time out in 2017 when Senegal and Tunisia co-hosted the AfroBasket.

"WE ARE NOT KIGALI TO MAKE UP THE NUMBERS. FIRST OF ALL WE WILL DO EVERYTHING TO TRY TO GET THROUGH THE GROUP STAGES."- Mansare

Now 35, Mansare participates in his second AfroBasket and says he wants to make it memorable. "This is the biggest African competition and it's an honor to be able to represent my country in this competition."

"We are not Kigali to make up the numbers. First of all, we will do everything to try to get through the Group Phase. And after that, it will only be a bonus for us," he says.

"This is a very important competition for the group and myself. I would like it to end in the best possible way and respecting our goals."

While this may be his last appearance for Guinea as a player, Mansare insists that he would like to live a legacy by encouraging younger players not to shy away from representing the nation.

"What I want to leave and pass on is, first of all, the desire and the motivation to play for Guinea. And above all to help our young people who are full of talent. I hope to be an example for them. This is what I try to show every day," Mansare added.

On the chances of Guinea, the France-based player says he is optimistic that Guinea will not disappoint.

He explained that he is open-minded and expectant.

"Guinea have chances but they are really limited, we do have a strong squad and nothing is impossible. The smallest mistakes will cost us dearly."

"We have some great players who play in good leagues. I think that with seriousness some players can make a difference in our game. Now it's up to us to be diligent and focused in every game."

Mansare describes his career in the national team as one of a 'compatriot.' "My career, in general, I would say is that of a soldier."

He stated that he and his teammates are grateful to the Guinea Basketball Federation. "In difficulty, they are there and fight every day for us. A big thank you and huge respect to the Guinean basketball federation."

FIBA