AfroCan 2023 - Labib El Hamrani: "Moroccan basketball is looking to the future"

Sport News Africa: Morocco have reached the final of AfroCan 2023, the 2nd edition, being held in Angola. What were the keys to this success?

Labib EL HAMRANI: Morocco are now in the final of this second edition of the AfroCan. There's no magic to getting here. It took stability in the work of the technical staff, perseverance from the players and, above all, commitment from those in charge of sport in general and basketball in particular.

Sport News Africa: We have seen a side with plenty of experienced players who have already played in the AfroBasket, along with a few newcomers. What is the main strength of the roster?

Labib EL HAMRANI: Our team is made up of the best local players, with a few absences because of injuries. The current group is 70% players who have taken part in several continental competitions, notably the AfroBasket. Added to that are a few hungry youngsters who have shown off their talents since the start of the current tournament. The stability within the technical staff has also certainly allowed for a better structure in the national team.

Sport News Africa: How do you find the level of the competition? Does it meet your expectations in terms of the standard of play?

Labib EL HAMRANI: The competition already gives us an idea of the level of local basketball in the different African countries and lets us take advantage of it to develop our own.

Sport News Africa: Are there areas to improve in terms of organisation?

Labib EL HAMRANI: Without a doubt, the efforts made have improved the organisation and running of the competition. But there is no doubt that the choice of when to play the competition has an undeniable impact on the individual and collective performance of the teams. In July, almost all the players are coming off long, gruelling seasons, like the players who reached the Moroccan championship final. Several players arrive at the AfroCan drained, with legs and arms like jelly. Playing the competition between December and January would be more favourable, because athletes in better physical condition and with impeccable sharpness are able to perform better and, as a knock-on effect, raise the level of the competition. The level of the competition would also certainly benefit from a different format.

Sport News Africa: Morocco will face Ivory Coast this Sunday (18:00 GMT). Are you favourites to win your first trophy?

Labib EL HAMRANI The chances are equal. Ivory Coast are a great side who never give up, with a staff who manage games well by studying their opponents closely, and a squad that can come back from behind by handling the dips in form well.

Sport News Africa: Which opposing team has impressed you most since the start of the AfroCan?

Labib EL HAMRANI Tunisia, with the partial renewal of the squad and the basketball they play, seem to me to be on the right track. Ivory Coast also play attractive, effective basketball. Other nations are coming through too.

Sport News Africa: Given that certain constraints that existed in the past are behind you, do you think the Moroccan team is well equipped for the next AfroBasket?

Labib EL HAMRANI Admittedly, in the not-so-distant past, we went through some difficulties that delayed the realisation and delivery of certain projects. But today all that is behind us. Moroccan basketball is looking to the future. All the national teams are going through a renewal, and projects with clearly defined objectives are in place. The work is going well and everyone is looking in the same direction. The future looks bright, Incha'Allah! Next year, the national competition will get a fresh impetus thanks to a different format and better-structured clubs.

Sport News Africa: Basketball fans have been waiting several years for a continental title. Will you finally give it to the Moroccan people?

Labib EL HAMRANI: We are in the final. We have had a good run so far, and we will go all the way to honour our basketball and give this title, incha'Allah, to our people and Moroccan supporters wherever they are.

Interview by Mohamed HADJI