Rwanda debuted the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket on a high note, beating Côte d’Ivoire 64-35, and Dr. Cheikh Sarr, the head coach, expressed optimism though He stated that his target goals are to go game by game.
Following an impressive performance to tip off the 28th edition of FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, Rwanda’s head coach, Dr. Cheikh Sarr, fulfilled his FIBA-mandated obligations to attend a duly convened post-match press conference to review the game and give his thoughts on the upcoming encounter.
During the press conference, Dr. Sarr commended his players, and clearly, his optimism looked so uplifting for the tournament; nevertheless, he chose to keep a low profile and did not comment on how he will prepare for his next game against Angola.
Dr Sarr tried and succeeded to prepare his squad under wraps until the final roster was revealed on matchday; as a result, he stunned Côte d’Ivoire, the eighth-ranked African Women’s team.
In his words, Dr. Sarr hailed the team for a good start and appreciated the public for pushing them
“I want to thank the team, Rwandan team, you know we are a family and they [players] show that we have heart and that we can do something. holding a team like Côte d’Ivoire, a running team, a very versatile, physical at 35 points, it means that we can do something together. It is a good start for me, and the public help a lot.”
Dr. Sarr’s team triumphed, however, it became evident that he needs to make a few adjustments in technical aspects. Rwanda made 4-of-17 shots from behind the arc, had 28 turnovers, and shot 60% from the free throw line in a game against Côte d’Ivoire.
How will the Senegalese tactician deal with that?
“I think we can improve some components like the turning the ball over 28 times, but we get a lot of points from the first break, 17 and we attacked the paint, we got 24 inside the paint, which is very good.”
“I think we go back home and then watch the video and prepare for Angola.”
When asked how he prepares for his next opponent and his goals for the competition, Dr. Sarr stated that his goal remains the same; defeat everyone who stands in their way.
“I can’t come here to disclose my plans to Angola. We are prepared, as they are. And for the tournament, we’ll take it one game at a time. We must win all of our games, that is all.” Said Rwanda’s head coach
On the other side, Hope Butera, a center, who was crucial to the victory, wasn’t reluctant to declare that they are ready for this tournament
“We are ready to give whatever it takes to win the competition. It’s my first time, it’s a lot of people’s first time, but I think we are ready as a team, as the whole country.”
Hope Butera, a center, spent 28 minutes on the court and scored 7 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, assisted twice, and stole 3 balls.
In this game, Destiney Promise Philoxy scored a game-high 18 points in her debut. Janai Crooms Robertson chipped in with 11 points in the game Laurence Imanizabayo was forced to withdraw from the competition owing to an ankle injury.
In the next outings, Rwanda takes on Angola on July 30 at 6 p.m. CAT.
