Zerbo, Edi voice optimism for Cote d’Ivoire

LIMOGES (AfroBasket 2015) - Two years ago, Burkina Faso native Frejus Zerbo faced a dilemma of deciding which country he would represent at AfroBasket 2013.

The 26-year-old, who lived part of his life in neighbouring Cote d'Ivoire before moving to France, took part in one Burkina Faso's training camp, but eventually decided to play for the Ivoirians in the continental championship, where they trounced the debutant Burkina side.

The 2.08m center, who plays for Limoges in the French top flight, was one of the most distraught faces when the "Elephants" were denied a place in the Final of Abidjan 2013, following a 66-59 Semi-Final defeat to Angola.

Things got even worse for Zerbo and his team after a 57-56 defeat to Senegal in the Third-Place Game meant Cote d'Ivoire lost out on a ticket to the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

The 26-year-old has moved on from that disappointing campaign and is one of the confident voices of the country which last won an African Championship three decades ago.

What Zerbo really cares about these days, when it comes to international competition, is the upcoming AfroBasket 2015 which will take place in the Tunisian cities of Nabeul and Tunis (19-30 August).

Cote d'Ivoire have been drawn in Group D along with Cape Verde, Zimbabwe and another team to be determined through the attribution of of wild cards.

So far, no one knows whether Senegal - one of the seven countries to have submitted a bid for a wild card - will receive an invitation to participate in the tournament which is a qualifier for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

But, for the player nicknamed 'The Rock' in the French League circles due to his toughness, any team is welcome in their group.

"Our objective is the 2016 Olympic Games," Zerbo said.

Everyone is focused on the same goal, no matter which team we will face. - Zerbo

Meanwhile, he assured that administrative issues with the national team should be resolved before the team's preparations.

Just like Zerbo showed, Guy Landry Edi, who plays for Chalons-Reims in France's Pro A, believes they have what it takes to make an impact in Tunisia.

"It's a very good draw for us to clinch that top spot in the group," he said.

"I have got more experience playing professional and the other guys also are on the same path to stay focused and work hard to get it done in the summer."

The winner of AfroBasket 2015 will secure automatic qualification for the Rio Games, while the teams that finish second and third, respectively, will have a second chance to reach the Olympics by playing in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

FIBA