AfroCan 2023 - Engelbert Beleck: "I can't stomach it"

Sport News Africa: Cameroon are coming off a disappointing campaign in Luanda (Angola), where you and your team-mates were knocked out in the first round of the AfroCan after three straight defeats. In the aftermath of that trip, what is your frame of mind?

Engelbert Beleck : We are very disappointed. This early exit hurts us deeply, because we worked really hard to go as far as possible. Our goal was to leave this competition with a medal. Everyone was fully committed to achieving that. That is why going out in the first round without a single win is very hard for each one of us to take. I don't have the exact words to describe the emotion I'm feeling. I can't stomach our country's first-round exit. It's a bitter pill to swallow. This elimination leaves a sour taste.

 Sport News Africa: What went wrong in Luanda?

Engelbert Beleck : In my view, we lacked determination at some point. We lacked fighting spirit. To the point where almost nothing we tried worked. We were missing the spark we needed to get going in this competition. Starting such an important tournament with a defeat (against DR Congo (70-63) on 8 July 2023, editor's note) affected us. And that's normal. After that, we lacked strength, the energy needed to bounce back, as Cameroon know how to do so well. We were good on the court, but we missed that little something that would have lifted the group.

 Sport News Africa: How do you rate the level of the African home-based players who took part in this competition?

 Engelbert Beleck : All the teams that took part in the AfroCan in Luanda had prepared with the same aim: winning the gold medal. The other thing these nations have in common is a fairly high standard, with players at international competition level. It proves that our African states and our federations are genuinely working to develop basketball. There is plenty of quality and talent in Africa. The AfroCan 2023 gave us the chance to see that first-hand. It's a positive thing, and you can see it because today basketball in Africa is rubbing shoulders with football at the top.

Sport News Africa: Now that Cameroon are heading home from Luanda empty-handed, what are the prospects?

Engelbert Beleck : Once we're back home, the focus will be on working harder in a positive spirit. The coaches have had the chance to see each player's true level. They've been able to note our strengths and weaknesses. It is vital to work from the observations made during our AfroCan campaign so we can fix and improve what needs it. I think that work should shape the technical staff's plans. As for me personally, I'm going to get back to work so I can return at a better level and give Cameroonians the wins they are waiting for.

By Arthur WANDJI