FIBA Africa Zone 6 Weekly Review: 27/09/2025

Mozambique

The women's division witnessed a showdown between the continental champions Ferroviaro Maputo and Costa de Sol. Ferroviaro were caught on the back foot at the start of this five-game series when they went down 2-0. Undeterred, they were banking on the availability of some key players for Game 3.

The return of Ingvild Mucauro and Carla Covane helped the team turn the series around and claim a 3-2 series victory, successfully defending their title in Mozambique.

The culmination of the men's division was also a roller-coaster, with Maxaquene, featuring recruit Congolese forward Emmanuel Shine, seeking to end their 12-year drought, while Costa do Sol were trying to defend their title.

After falling behind 1-0 in the series, they made some adjustments that gave them a 2-1 lead, but ultimately succumbed to the relentless pressure from Costa do Sol. Maxaquene dropped the last two games despite being in control in both fourth quarters by making crucial turnovers and missing free throws.

Subsequently, Costa do Sol hoisted the trophy once again, but are aware that the national club championships in November will be another battle if the two teams cross paths again.

Botswana

Botswana surprised many nations by announcing their national teams two months ahead of the next FIBA window. The national federation, under the leadership of Mr Thipe, has been rewriting their story and wants to be seen as a rising force in the region and on the continent.

One of the reasons for this early release is that they plan to have multiple training camps in the next two months to prepare their teams for the FIBA World Cup qualifying window in November. They have ambitions to compete in the next FIBA World Cup and other FIBA competitions. Some notable names in the selection include Botsile Ramabu and Monicah Tlou – both of whom play for national champions, Dolphins BC.

Angola

Petro de Luanda announced the return of the Angolan national team captain, Lukeny Goncalves. The 6'4" combo guard became a household name after winning multiple domestic titles with Petro de Luanda. However, his time with the club during their 2024 Basketball Africa League championship-winning run propelled his name across the Mediterranean and earned him a deal with French side Aix Maurienne.

Following his stint in France, where he averaged a meager 3.9 points and 1.6 rebounds per game, he led Angola to their record-breaking twelfth AfroBasket title this past summer. This was even more special because it was at home in front of their home fans. He has since announced that he will be returning to his boyhood club and pursue further honors, both domestically and abroad.

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[Photography courtesy of LigaMozal, JHB Giants, Courtside Botswana, Lukeny Goncalves]