Malashenko to make the most of home comforts with Ukraine

ODESSA (FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017 Qualifiers) – If Ukraine can beat Germany on Saturday to jump towards Final Round, it will represent something extra special for Olesia Malashenko.

The forward would love to clutch a ticket to Czech Republic and if she can complete that task in front of her hometown fans, it would be the perfect night for one of the most talented players of a gifted Ukraine side who are currently 4-0 in Group D and with the considerable scalp of reigning champions Serbia already on their resume.

Instead of playing in Kiev, Malashenko and Co will step out in Odessa, where her family and friends will be giving some extra loud cheers as she tries to ensure her ongoing back problems don't affect her opportunity to seal what would be a memorable evening.

"My responsibility is to the whole of Ukraine, not only to my friends – because together, we all make this a common cause," she smiled.

"Odessa is special as it is a sea port and I love to walk around it. I like to come to the sea and enjoy the majesty of nature - it relaxes and inspires me. I have a personal favourite place of course and that is my home.

"I have already received a lot of messages, people who had read that I have some back problems and might not come, but I was always going to be here."

Whether she ends up fighting on the court or loses her battle to be healthy and watches with the locals, Malashenko is confident the team can do the business against Germany.

"Each player who has received a call to the national team are special in their own way and can help us to win the match," said the 25-year-old who poured in 19 points against Germany in the first meeting a year ago.

"Our head coach Vladimir Kholopov provides the necessary rotations and connects all the new players who can help the team. He is a meticulous person and not a single detail will pass.

"Overall, the team are physically and mentally set for success in this game."

With the breath-taking talent of Alina Iagupova to call upon, Ukraine will be big favourites - even if they only escaped from their road trip to Germany with a nail-biting 66-64 victory.

There will also be an historic note on Saturday as Ukraine will field their first-ever naturalised player in D’Andra Moss, with the guard having linked up at club level with Malashenko in the Turkish League at MBK Dogus Hastanesi.

Ukraine will sign-off their campaign next Wednesday in Belgrade against Serbia which could determine who finishes as the winner OF Group D.

FIBA