DR Congo's Mfutila ready to adventure at FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup

29 Oct 2018

KINSHASA (FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup) - With massive experience at the highest level of women's basketball on the African continent in regular 5x5 basketball, DR Congo's Ginette Mfutila is seeking a new challenge when she partakes in the upcoming FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup set for November 9-11 in Lome, Togo. 

The 30-year old, who featured for the Democratic Republic of Congo at the FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017 and also played at the FIBA Africa Women's Champions Cup 2017 in Angola with Algerian side GS Petroliers, is excited about the continental showpiece. 

 In an exclusive interview with FIBA.basketball, Mfutila emphasised her excitement on being part of the Democratic Republic of Congo side that will be debuting at this annual tournament that will be in its second edition next month. 

"My first FIBA 3x3 tournament was in July at the qualifiers in Madagascar so this will be my second FIBA 3x3 competition,"she explained with a grin on her face. 

"OUR GOAL IS TO WIN THE TITLE AND GO HOME AS THE FIBA 3X3 AFRICA CUP CHAMPIONS. THIS IS A VERY GOOD INITIATIVE FOR THE AFRICAN CONTINENT BECAUSE IT ALLOWS US TO DISCOVER OTHER ASPECTS OF THE GAME OF BASKETBALL ."- Mfutila

 "I have more experience in 5x5 basketball. I must admit that 3x3 basketball is completely different but it is still basketball and I know that with all that I know and can do, I am certain to be of great help to my country and those who like to see good basketball."

"Our goal is to win the title and go home as champions of the FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup. This is a very good initiative for the African continent because it allows us to discover other aspects of the game of basketball, and we hope to go further with it and why not at the global level."

The last two years have seen a significant rise in Congolese women's basketball and for Mfutila and her teammates, the FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup in Togo next month, will also present yet another threshold to display their growth and commitment. 

A total of 12 teams including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Togo and Uganda will be competing for the available three podium places. 

This competition will also be an opportunity for teams to compile points that will in the long run help with qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics where 3x3 basketball will make a historic and memorable debut appearance. 

 FIBA