LUANDA (Angola) – Angola hopeful Alexia Dizeko wants to storm the senior national team and leave her mark at the next FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2019 set to take place from August 9-18 in Dakar, Senegal.

Having already donned the national colours at FIBA Africa U18 African Women’s Championship 2018 in Mozambique, Dizeko now wants to climb up in the hierarchy but things are not as simple as they seem.

"It’s an honour to be called in with the seniors. It is my first time with the girls and I see all the talent amongst them. I can tell they really want to make it to Dakar in August," said the 18-year old shooting guard speaking to FIBA.basketball

But having been in the list submitted by the Angola Basketball Federation is a feat in itself as she puts it. Back in Mozambique, she featured in the All-Star Five of the tournament alongside Mali’s Assetou Sissoko and Aminata Sangare, Mozambique’s Filipa Callisto and Rwanda’s Bella Murekatete and ending with a collective bronze medal.

Now, this is well behind and she is looking forward to add new lines to her curriculum vitae. "We are out to win. It has been six years since Angola last lifted the trophy. I know it will be a tough task but I think we can make it happen," she stated.

Despite her young age and being surrounded by more experienced players such as Italee Lucas, she is looking forward to being on court as often as possible.

"We are motivated to go and bring back the trophy," she said.

She will play with a particular mindset. Born in Switzerland to Angolan parents, she chose to wear  Angola’s colours for her grandparents who still live on the continent.

"I know they are happy that I wear the national team's jersey. And I am sure to make them even prouder if we win the tournament."

The 12-player Final roster for the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2019 will be announced in the coming weeks, and she working hard to get the right to play at FIBA Africa's biggest competition for women.

"The fact is that I am the only one from the U18 team to have made it to the preliminary squad. I will defend my right to play in August till the end as I really wish to be on the team that travels to Dakar in August.”

Angola are among 11 other nations including the reigning champions Nigeria, hosts Senegal, Mali, Mozambique, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Cote d'Ivoire, Cape Verde, Egypt and Tunisia. 

FIBA