Ahead of Sunday’s tip-off of the 2014 FIBA Africa Zone V Nations Qualifiers, Team Somalia captain, Yusuf Qaafow is already in the country.
The flashy point guard attended FUBA’s press briefing this morning in which Team Uganda’s final lists for the Silverbacks and the Gazelles were officially announced.
Speaking to the media after the press conference, Somalia’s skipper said it will be a tough challenge at the tournament.
“There is a tough challenge ahead – from the hosts Uganda, Egypt and Rwanda” Qaafow said. “Winning is everything and we will compete. As individuals we will work hard”
Qaafow said his teammates will be arriving tomorrow and the major concern is whether they will gel and he quickly dismissed it.
“The team was practicing together in Minnesota before the postponement” he said. “In basketball it is easy to pick up quicker than soccer. It is about being selfless and you get guys playing and as a point guard i know that” he argued.
“It is about heart with us and discipline. We know each other more than we did last year when we lost to Rwanda (in the semifinals) and we lost honorably.”
Somalia’s talisman said they will be playing to change the negative publicity about their country. “It has all been negative about our country and it us to change that negative publicity about our country through sport”
