The Mozambican Basketball Federation (FMB) announced that Iñaki Garcia will no longer be in charge of the team due to his wife's health problems, which require his presence in Spain. This change comes at a crucial time, as the national team is preparing for the FIBA World Championship 2026 Qualifying Tournament, to be held in Mexico from August 19 to 25. Garcia was supposed to join the group in the second half of last month, but the team will now continue its preparations under the leadership of assistants Leonel Manhique and Deolinda Ngulela.
The situation is further complicated by the absence of Leonel “Mabê” Manhique, who is in the United States for a preseason training camp with NBA coaches. This leaves Deolinda Ngulela primarily responsible for preparing the team during this transition period. Ngulela's experience and leadership will be crucial in maintaining the cohesion and morale of the players.
The FMB, for its part, has already activated a Plan B and is in the process of hiring a new coach, who should be presented on Friday and join the working group immediately. Rapid adaptation to these changes will be crucial to ensure the team is well prepared to compete at the international level.
Beyond the technical issues, the FMB is also preparing to implement a new player registration structure, aiming to create a concise database and combat age falsification. This initiative demonstrates the Federation's commitment to improving the transparency and organization of Mozambican basketball.
The current situation demands resilience and determination from the Mozambican team. Despite the challenges, the Women's National Basketball Team must continue to work hard to overcome adversity and proudly represent Mozambique in the next tournament. The leadership of Deolinda Ngulela and the arrival of a new coach will be essential to guide the team on this journey towards the 2026 World Cup.
