Effa feels Cameroon can be mentioned in the same light as Senegal, Nigeria at Women's AfroBasket

 

ISTANBUL (Turkey) Cameroon's Marguerite Effa feels Cameroon's time has arrived to be on the map at year's FIBA AfroBasket in Kigali, Rwanda (28 July - 5 August).

The Central African nation, heading to their 12th AfroBasket, have shown the making of a championship team in several tournaments and came within a sniff of the title in 2015, where they finished second.

"When people talk about women's basketball, it's always about Nigeria or Senegal. So, I want Cameroon to be in that category with those teams," said the 26-year-old forward, who spoke to FIBA.basketball.

Marguerite Effa

After finishing third in the 2021 tournament, there is an increased ambition, and according to Effa, the team has more positional balance compared to two years ago.

She and her teammates are also in camp in Turkey ahead of the tournament, and she explained they are in the teething stages of the team bonding process.

"It's been good. We are getting to know each other and how we play. Since we got here, we have had three practices, and they have been physical. It's the early stages, we are getting to know each other, and it's been good," said Effa, who played college basketball for the University of Nevada.

"We have a lot more bigs this time, so that's a positive. We have three-point guards, which is good because in the last tournament, we had literally one. So, to have three is a big thing."

Effa, who was part of the bronze medal-winning team (in 2021), says they picked up a valuable lesson at that tournament. Cameroon are preparing themselves for physical battles in Rwanda.

"I think this team will be physical, and we will focus on our defence. We are going to be tough and we will hold our own in the paint," said Effa, who plays for Iraurgi Saski Baloi Taldea in Spain.

Cameroon will see the likes of Effa, Dulcy Fankam and Tia Weledji, who were part of the bronze medal team, return for the tournament in Rwanda. Also reassuming the coaching reins is Ahmed Mbombo, who led the team to a third-place finish in 2021.

"I think it is important for us to be back, especially a player like Dulcy. She will help us inside and will always be a threat. Tia can shoot from the drive. So those are some of the key elements for the team," said Effa.

Ahmed Mbombo Njoya 

She reflected on Mbombo leading the team to the AfroBasket.

"He is the most important part of the team. He knows how to coach us and knows us individually, which helps. He is more than a coach to us and trusts the team. When we struggle, he knows how to advice and adjust. So, he is a really good coach," said Effa.

She also feels that her game has improved from the 2021 tournament. Effa, who averaged 13.2 points per game, six rebounds and 1.8 assists, says the one aspect of her game that has improved is taking three-pointers.

"The 2021 tournament was my first tournament. So, I did not know what to expect and what the competition would be like. So being here in Turkey and listening to coach Ahmed's teachings has helped improve my game," said Effa. "In the 2021 tournament, I was not comfortable taking three-pointers... Even though I made some shots. This time I feel my game has elevated. I am more comfortable taking the three. I am also going to play at the four a lot more. I will take a lot more screens and make more passes."

The Central African nation are in Group B alongside Mozambique and Guinea. Effa, who stands at 1.91 cm (6ft3), anticipates tough battles against the two countries.

"Those are tough countries, but they will be good games. We are all going to fight to get to the next round. I look forward to it," said Effa.

Marguerite Effa averaged 13.2 points and 6 rebounds per game in the 2021 tournament

Also, looking at their recent history in the AfroBasket, Cameroon have performed well as hosts, winning silver in 2015 and bronze (2021). Can Cameroon win outside of their home comforts? Knowing the obstacles that lie ahead, Effa spoke confidently of their chances at the tournament.

"I think anything is possible. We have to go in with heart. I believe in the team we have and our coaching staff. I believe anything is possible and we can win it all," said Effa. "I think we have been working hard. We will make sure that when we play away, we will deliver the same performances as we did at home."

FIBA