Mali's new coach Giuitta: ''We will do everything we can to make our fans proud''

BAMAKO (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers) - As hosts of the first-leg of Group B of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers, Mali not only signed a new head coach on Tuesday, but they also look to build a team that can compete against the best nations on the continent of Africa.

The objective, Mali Basketball Federation said, is to secure one of the five tickets for Africans teams for next year's 32-team FIBA Basketball World Cup in China.

"IF WE ARE GOING TO FEEL ANY SORT OF PRESSURE TO DELIVER ? I DON'T THINK SO, ON CONTRARY, OUR FANS WILL GIVE US POSITIVE ENERGY ,  AND I AM SURE MY PLAYERS WILL RESPOND ACCORDINGLY. WE ARE GOING TO WORK TOGETHER TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL FIRST-LEG AT  HOME" -  Mali coach Remi Giuitta

And, newly-appointed Frenchman Remi Giuitta, who currently coaches FOS Provence Basket in France's PRO B, took notice, and he feels ready "to help Mali play the best we can in front of an enthusiastic home crowd," he told FIBA.basketball.

From February 23-25, Mali will host former African champions Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda in an attempt to secure a place in the 12-team second round of the African Qualifiers.

"The federation asked me to bring Mali's best players together and therefore build a team that is capable of qualifying for the World Cup. We all know it won't be an easy task, but we'll do everything we can to make our fans proud," Giuitta explained.

Although the 40-year-old has never visited Mali before, he insists that he has followed the growth of the game in the country very closely, and therefore, he welcomed the offer of coaching a "basketball-nation".

"I have coached many Malian players here in France, and I know how hardworking they are," he added.

Giuitta replaces Moussa Sogore at the helm of the No. 9 African team in the FIBA World Ranking, and he will be assisted by Malian Souleymane Kanoute.

"I will be traveling to Mali on February 17, and we'll start our preparation straightway," Giuitta said.

"We all know that we have a short time to prepare for the African Qualifiers, but all Mali players that I have spoken with in recent days feel excited about the prospect of playing in front of family and friends.

"If we are going to feel any sort of pressure to deliver? I don't think so, on contrary, our fans will give us positive energy, and I am sure, guys will respond accordingly. We are going to work together to have a successful first-leg at home."

Mali fell short of advancing to the Final Phase at last year's FIBA AfroBasket despite a 2-1 mark, but that result doesn't prevent Giuitta from aiming a successful World Cup African Qualifiers campaign.

"I have been watching a lot of African basketball games, and I know that Nigeria is usually one of the most talented in Africa. But I am yet to find out the final rosters of our opponents. But, to be honest, it's more important for us to focus on ourselves rather than thinking too much about our opponents. Of course, we'll watch film and scout Nigeria, Uganda, and Rwanda."  

Mali open their World Cup African Qualifiers against Rwanda on February 23. A day later, they will go up against Uganda before facing Nigeria on February 25.

FIBA