Occansey tipped to lead Cote d'Ivoire at AfroBasket 2015

ABIDJAN (AfroBasket 2015) - Former French national team player turned coach Hugues Occansey could take the reins of Cote d'Ivoire's men's side for AfroBasket 2015, according to Boubakari Toure, the President of the Cote d'Ivoire Basketball Federation (FIBB).

"We have discussed with Hughes Ocansey and he gave us his word", Mr Toure said in an interview with FIBA.com.

If Occansey finds an agreement with Cote d'Ivoire, he will replace Olivier Tea who helped his country book its 20th participation in Africa's biggest basketball event, by winning their Group D qualifiers over Benin.

Ocansey is no stranger to Ivorian and African basketball, having already served as an assistant coach of Cote d'Ivoire national team at AfroBasket 2007 in Angola. However, it would be the first time the 49-year-old plays a leading role at Africa's flagship event.

Cote d’Ivoire are looking for a third continental crown, to add to the titles won in 1981 and 1985.

Following a successful playing career, Occansey turned his hand to coaching in 2003 with France side Bastia in National 3 (3rd Division).

He also coached several French clubs including CSP Limoges, a top flight (Pro A) side for which he played from 1995-1998.

According to Toure, the thinking behind appointing Occansey is motivated by Cote d'Ivoire's desire to feature regularly in international competitions and especially to achieve a first-ever qualification for the Olympics.

AfroBasket 2015 takes place in Nabeul and Tunis, Tunisia from 19-30 August and serves as a qualifier for Rio 2016.

"This year's AfroBasket is qualifying for the [2016 Rio] Olympic Games. And that is why we will try all our best to qualify for such a big competition," he said.

To achieve this goal, the "Elephants" must reach the top step of the podium in Tunisia. If they finish second or third, they will have another chance by playing the 12-Teams FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

In 2013, Cote d'Ivoire fell short of qualifying for the 2014 FIBA Basketall World Cup after a heartbreaking loss to Senegal in the Third-Place Game of the AfroBasket they hosted.

At AfroBasket 2015, Cote d'Ivoire will play in Group D alongside Cape Verde, Algeria and Zimbabwe.

FIBA