In the landscape of Cameroonian basketball, there are names that mark the minds and become legends. Ramses Lonlack, 34 years old, is undeniably one of them.
This is the story of an athlete who loved to play soccer, but ended up a basketball player. At 34 years old, Ramses Lonlack is one of the most talented players in the history of basketball in Cameroon. Known for her exceptional defensive qualities, the former captain of the Indomitable Lionesses has engraved her name in the very reserved circle of legends, thanks to her dedication, her perseverance and her love for the game.
Indeed, Ramses Lonlack's qualities go beyond her exceptional defense. Over the years, she has honed her offensive skills, developing her drive and reliable mid-range shot. To the point of becoming a complete back, who has carved out a place for herself among the best players in Africa. A continent that she put at her feet in 2015, during the Afrobasket Women in Yaoundé.
The player of Dallas Lady Diesel at the time, sweeps everything in her path and leads her country to the final. But the Lioness and her teammates broke their claws against other Lionesses, those of Senegal (81-66). It is the first time that Cameroon wins a silver medal at the Afrobasket Women. Ramses Lonlack finished in the best starting team of the tournament.
Ramses Lonlack in the legend
Six years later, Cameroon still puts its fate in the hands of the native of Belabo, in the East, to lead the country to the Afrobasket 2021. In Yaoundé, in front of her public, she performs once again. Result: a bronze medal won and a Lonlack celebrated. "During his international career, Ramses Lonlack has been a pillar for Cameroon, especially in 2015 and 2021, argues Yves Tsala, basketball consultant and close to Lonlack. Every time we talk about our record of achievements, we will talk about her, because she has greatly contributed to write the best pages of women's basketball in Cameroon and Africa.
A career all mapped out
Ramses' childhood was marked by her detection in 1999 during an elementary school championship in Bertoua. At the time, she also played soccer, but Essele Mvondo, her first trainer, saw in her a predisposition for basketball. "She had an ease and technique that children her age didn't have," said the coach who found her.
Despite her mother's reluctance, the technician, supported by her father, molded her from the fifth grade to the second. Rigor and hard work paid off, allowing Ramses to shine in a national school tournament (Fenasco). The young girl caught the eye of recruiters from the capital. She then moved to Yaoundé. This is how she started her professional career, taking part in national and international competitions.
Her talent, commitment and determination quickly attracted the attention of foreign clubs. She first landed at Tigers of Memphis in the United States where she spent 4 years (2008-2012). Ramses Lonlack will then discover other teams such as Dallas Lady (2014-2015), CB Bahía San Agustín Diesel (2015-2016) or the Portuguese club Quinta dos Lombos (2016-2017). Since then, she has chosen to devote more time to her private life.
