DR Congo's Omari Gudul: ''We need to believe in ourselves''

KINSHASA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers) - Levski Sofia’s Omari Gudul who is part of the DR Congo national team for the third FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers window hopes to be a major boost his country. 

However, he is aware of the task above, and that is why he says, "we need to believe in ourselves.”

The 6ft’9in (2.06m) power forward says he is happy to be representing his native country for the first time.

He will be joining Christian Eyanga, who is making his comeback, in order to give a boost to the country’s chances of getting a FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019  ticket this week.

“Personally, I am happy to be representing my country and to play along DR Congo’s best talents”, Gudul offers.

But things look tough for the Leopards, who have been through more downs than ups in the first-leg of Group C of the African Qualifiers last November. 

As a matter of fact, they are lagging behind in group C’s standings, with losses that are accounted to Egypt, Angola, and Morocco.

The Leopards have neared victory against Egypt (61-65) in the first round.

Turning tables will be amongst Gudul’s main target. He also has an eye on the other rivals, Angola and Morocco.

Needless to say that a victory against Angola and Egypt would be most welcome. “It won’t be an easy task, but this is something I’m personally looking forward to,” the 24-year-old said. 

Achieving a hit in this third window would mean so much, especially for him, as he would be sporting his country’s colors for the first time.

"WE HAVE BEEN WORKING REALLY HARD TO PUT OURSELVES IN POSITION TO BE SUCCESSFUL AT THIS POINT." Gudul

Back in April, DR Congo appointed Frenchman John Douaglin as head coach with a view to paving the way to China, in 2019.

Gudul has an opinion about it and says it loud.

“I have inquired a bit about the new coach. He is a man of experience, with a strong career. If the country took the decision to appoint him as head coach and lead us through the third qualifying window, then I believe we will be in good hands,” adds Gudul.

Now that the dice is rolled, the Leopards have to rise up to their best level if they wish to upset the hierarchy.

But Gudul wants to give it his best shot, alongside with his team-mates.

“I know we have been working really hard to put ourselves in position to be successful at this point. We need to believe in us,” he concluded.

FIBA