Siphamandla Gumbi pleased with team progress ahead of Africa Championships

The national team recently concluded a two-week training camp focused on fine-tuning combinations and sharpening key areas ahead of the continental showpiece, scheduled to take place from 27 March to 4 April.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Gumbi emphasised that the team’s primary objective is to successfully execute their game plan during the tournament.

“Our preparations have been very solid. The two training camps we’ve held, including the most recent one, have allowed us to address key areas we weren’t fully satisfied with. There’s been clear and measurable progress, and I’m confident in the growth we’ve achieved as a group.

“Heading into the tournament, our expectation is to compete at the highest level and to consistently execute what we’ve been building in training,” said Gumbi.

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Gumbi also outlined what it will take for the team to assert its dominance and challenge for top honours in Angola.

“It will require a strong collective effort built on unity, both on and off the court. Our identity is being shaped around discipline and defensive intensity, and that’s an area where we’ve made significant strides.

“If we maintain that defensive consistency and stay connected as a team, we will put ourselves in a strong position to assert our authority and improve our standing on the continent,” added Gumbi.

The coach further highlighted the importance of the squad’s youthful core, noting that their shared experience over the years has helped build strong cohesion within the team.

“What excites me most about this squad is it’s youth and the continuity they’ve built over time playing together. That foundation gives us a strong platform for both now and the future,” he expressed.