South Sudan and Cape Verde made history at the FIBA World Cup in Manila. Despite being the world’s youngest nation, South Sudan defeated China 89-69, while Cape Verde beat Venezuela 81-75. These victories not only kept both nations in the running for the second round of the tournament but also put them in contention to be Africa’s automatic qualifier for the Paris Olympics next year.
Cape Verde’s forward, Will Tavares, expressed his astonishment at their win, stating that it was a significant achievement for their small country. Both South Sudan and Cape Verde were the lowest-ranked teams in the tournament, with rankings of 62nd and 64th, respectively. However, their performance has proven that rankings are not indicative of their determination and skill.
South Sudan’s basketball program was revitalized a few years ago by former NBA player Luol Deng. Despite the lack of proper facilities in the country, Deng’s vision and dedication have propelled the team forward. Coach Royal Ivey acknowledged Deng’s contribution to South Sudan’s basketball development and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to coach the team.
Africa has been making strides in global basketball, thanks to investments from organizations like the NBA and initiatives like the Giants of Africa. These efforts have led to the identification and development of promising young players, as well as the construction of courts and the hosting of clinics across the continent.
Both South Sudan and Cape Verde have one more game left in the group stage before the second round begins. The top-ranked African team in the tournament will automatically qualify for the Paris Olympics. Currently, South Sudan, Cape Verde, and Angola all have 1-1 records, making the battle for the Olympic berth highly competitive.
The players from both teams expressed their joy and emotional journey to reach this point. They are proud to represent their nations and are grateful for the support they have received. These victories mark a significant milestone in their basketball history.
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