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Qualified Team Focus – Cote d’Ivoire: Elephants ready to finally … – FIBA

MIES (Switzerland) – The draw for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, presented by Wanda, will be held in Manila, Philippines, on April 29. It is now time to meet the 32 teams that try to become World Champions in a few months.
Here is the number 42 team in the FIBA World Ranking Men, presented by Nike, two-time FIBA AfroBasket champions and four-time runners-up Cote d’Ivoire.

How did they qualify
Cote d’Ivoire came into the African Qualifiers with a target on their backs after they rolled through the FIBA AfroBasket 2021 only to lose 78-75 in the Final to Tunisia.
With the goal clearing to get back to the World Cup after playing there in 2019, Ignacio Lezkano was at the coaching helm but the Spaniard would be replaced by Slovenian Dejan Prokic in the fall of 2022.
The coaching change did not impact the Elephants’ play as Cote d’Ivoire became the first African team to qualify for the World Cup with a full window to spare. Cote d’Ivoire had been the final African team to qualify for the World Cup in 2019.
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The Elephants opened the African Qualifiers Group C in stunning fashion in the November 2021 window in Angola, giving up the first 16 points against Angola and falling behind 20-3. Cote d’Ivoire fought back and Maxence Dadiet tipped in the game-winner with 6 seconds left for a 57-56 victory – becoming the first team to beat Angola in Angola in more than three decades. Dadiet and Souleyman Diabate both scored 15 points.
The Elephants’ second game saw 18-year-old Assemian Moulare hit 4 three-pointers in scoring 20 points and Stephen Konate had 19 points in a 92-64 win over Central African Republic. And Vafessa Fofana tallied 16 points in an 80-69 win over Guinea.
Cote d’Ivoire hosted the second window in July 2022 in Abidjan without Diabate but with Matt Costello – one of the heroes of the AfroBasket run. The first game was another showdown with Angola and the Elephants raced ahead by 15 points and lost the lead. Cote d’Ivoire managed to win 75-73 thanks to Moulare hitting 5 three-pointers for 25 points and Dadiet had 15 points.
The team made it 5-0 with a 73-63 win over Central African Republic as Dadiet had 19 points and Costello collected 8 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks. Cote d’Ivoire needed to come back in the final game of the window, trailing 14-2 but winning 65-56 over Guinea thanks to Costello picking up 12 points and 9 rebounds.
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The Cote d’Ivoire federation in August 2022 temporarily replaced Lezkano with Prokic as head coach for the window – played once again in Abidjan. Diabate was back at point guard and Alex Poythress had joined the team in the middle for the start of Group E play in the Second Round. Cote d’Ivoire pulled away in the final 15 minutes and beat Nigeria 78-66 with Fofana tallying 25 points and 11 rebounds.
Poythress led the way in the second game – a 91-80 win over Uganda – with 24 points and 8 rebounds while Fofana netted 18 points and Diabate had 13 points and 11 assists.
The final game of the window saw the Elephants get past Cape Verde 77-69 to book their ticket to the World Cup. Both Poythress and Konate scored 16 points.
[embedded content]

Prokic in September 2022 was officially given the head coaching job and he went into the final window in February 2023 wanting to see some youngsters – bringing four teenagers for the games in Angola.
Lacking the sense of urgency, Cote d’Ivoire dropped their first game of the window, 72-63 to Nigeria despite Jean-Phillipe Dally scoring 19 points, Fofana adding 12 points and 10 rebounds and Diabate chipping in 11 assists.
Sire Dieng scored 23 points with 8 assists as the Elephants bounced back with an 89-44 drubbing of Uganda.
And the African Qualifiers ended with a second defeat as the Elephants lost a 13-point lead with Cape Verde winning 79-64 to book their ticket to the World Cup.
Best result at the World Cup
Cote d’Ivoire will be appearing on the global stage for the fifth time and the second straight. It is the second time the Elephants made back-to-back World Cups following 1982 and 1986.
Cote d’Ivoire finished 13th in both tournaments in the 1980s – with 13 teams in 1982 and of 24 teams in 1984 (albeit with no differentiation of the bottom 12 teams) for their best-ever results. They took 21st of 24 teams in 2010 and 29th of 32 nations at China 2019.
Cote d’Ivoire and their only World Cup win over Puerto Rico
Last World Cup appearances
After not winning a game in 1982 (0-7) or 1986 (0-5), Cote d’Ivoire finally notched their first World Cup victory in the final group stage game in 2010, beating Puerto Rico 88-79. That allowed them to finish as the best last-placed team from the groups in 21st place.
Back on the World Cup stage in 2019, the Elephants dropped their three First Round games – to China, Venezuela and Poland. Cote d’Ivoire lost both games in the 17th-32nd Classification to Nigeria and Korea to remain winless for the third World Cup – albeit finishing 29th overall.
Players to watch
Vafessa Fofana was the only Cote d’Ivoire player to appear in all 12 games but the team have five others who played in nine games – including Souleyman Diabate, Maxence Dadiet and Guy Edi. That represents a major core of the team that will appear in Asia this summer.
Souleyman Diabate
But Diabate and co. will have a number of other weapons. Matt Costello or Alex Poythress could take over the role of a dominant big man in the paint for the team.
Assemian Moulare
The Elephants also have Stephen Konate, the dynamic 20-year-old guard Assemian Moulare, Nisre Zouzoua, Bazoumana Kone, Jean Kebe, Sire Dieng, Cedric Bah, Ismael Sanogo and Charles Abouo. 
Qualified Team Focus series
Please check the teams we have already broken down. In the past weeks, before the last qualifications that happened in February 2023, we have ordered them by their position in the FIBA World Ranking Men, presented by Nike:
Spain, Australia, France, Slovenia, Lithuania, Greece, Italy, Germany, Canada, Finland, New Zealand, USA, Serbia, Brazil, Venezuela, Montenegro, Puerto Rico, Iran, Dominican Republic, China, Latvia, Mexico, Georgia, Jordan, Japan, the Philippines and Angola.
FIBA

MIES (Switzerland) – The draw for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, presented by Wanda, will be held in Manila, Philippines, on April 29. It is now time to meet the 32 teams that try to become World Champions in a few months.

Here is the number 42 team in the FIBA World Ranking Men, presented by Nike, two-time FIBA AfroBasket champions and four-time runners-up Cote d’Ivoire.

How did they qualify

Cote d’Ivoire came into the African Qualifiers with a target on their backs after they rolled through the FIBA AfroBasket 2021 only to lose 78-75 in the Final to Tunisia.

With the goal clearing to get back to the World Cup after playing there in 2019, Ignacio Lezkano was at the coaching helm but the Spaniard would be replaced by Slovenian Dejan Prokic in the fall of 2022.

The coaching change did not impact the Elephants’ play as Cote d’Ivoire became the first African team to qualify for the World Cup with a full window to spare. Cote d’Ivoire had been the final African team to qualify for the World Cup in 2019.

The Elephants opened the African Qualifiers Group C in stunning fashion in the November 2021 window in Angola, giving up the first 16 points against Angola and falling behind 20-3. Cote d’Ivoire fought back and Maxence Dadiet tipped in the game-winner with 6 seconds left for a 57-56 victory – becoming the first team to beat Angola in Angola in more than three decades. Dadiet and Souleyman Diabate both scored 15 points.

The Elephants’ second game saw 18-year-old Assemian Moulare hit 4 three-pointers in scoring 20 points and Stephen Konate had 19 points in a 92-64 win over Central African Republic. And Vafessa Fofana tallied 16 points in an 80-69 win over Guinea.

Cote d’Ivoire hosted the second window in July 2022 in Abidjan without Diabate but with Matt Costello – one of the heroes of the AfroBasket run. The first game was another showdown with Angola and the Elephants raced ahead by 15 points and lost the lead. Cote d’Ivoire managed to win 75-73 thanks to Moulare hitting 5 three-pointers for 25 points and Dadiet had 15 points.

The team made it 5-0 with a 73-63 win over Central African Republic as Dadiet had 19 points and Costello collected 8 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks. Cote d’Ivoire needed to come back in the final game of the window, trailing 14-2 but winning 65-56 over Guinea thanks to Costello picking up 12 points and 9 rebounds.

The Cote d’Ivoire federation in August 2022 temporarily replaced Lezkano with Prokic as head coach for the window – played once again in Abidjan. Diabate was back at point guard and Alex Poythress had joined the team in the middle for the start of Group E play in the Second Round. Cote d’Ivoire pulled away in the final 15 minutes and beat Nigeria 78-66 with Fofana tallying 25 points and 11 rebounds.

Poythress led the way in the second game – a 91-80 win over Uganda – with 24 points and 8 rebounds while Fofana netted 18 points and Diabate had 13 points and 11 assists.

The final game of the window saw the Elephants get past Cape Verde 77-69 to book their ticket to the World Cup. Both Poythress and Konate scored 16 points.

Prokic in September 2022 was officially given the head coaching job and he went into the final window in February 2023 wanting to see some youngsters – bringing four teenagers for the games in Angola.

Lacking the sense of urgency, Cote d’Ivoire dropped their first game of the window, 72-63 to Nigeria despite Jean-Phillipe Dally scoring 19 points, Fofana adding 12 points and 10 rebounds and Diabate chipping in 11 assists.

Sire Dieng scored 23 points with 8 assists as the Elephants bounced back with an 89-44 drubbing of Uganda.

And the African Qualifiers ended with a second defeat as the Elephants lost a 13-point lead with Cape Verde winning 79-64 to book their ticket to the World Cup.

Best result at the World Cup

Cote d’Ivoire will be appearing on the global stage for the fifth time and the second straight. It is the second time the Elephants made back-to-back World Cups following 1982 and 1986.

Cote d’Ivoire finished 13th in both tournaments in the 1980s – with 13 teams in 1982 and of 24 teams in 1984 (albeit with no differentiation of the bottom 12 teams) for their best-ever results. They took 21st of 24 teams in 2010 and 29th of 32 nations at China 2019.

Cote d’Ivoire and their only World Cup win over Puerto Rico

Last World Cup appearances

After not winning a game in 1982 (0-7) or 1986 (0-5), Cote d’Ivoire finally notched their first World Cup victory in the final group stage game in 2010, beating Puerto Rico 88-79. That allowed them to finish as the best last-placed team from the groups in 21st place.

Back on the World Cup stage in 2019, the Elephants dropped their three First Round games – to China, Venezuela and Poland. Cote d’Ivoire lost both games in the 17th-32nd Classification to Nigeria and Korea to remain winless for the third World Cup – albeit finishing 29th overall.

Players to watch

Vafessa Fofana was the only Cote d’Ivoire player to appear in all 12 games but the team have five others who played in nine games – including Souleyman Diabate, Maxence Dadiet and Guy Edi. That represents a major core of the team that will appear in Asia this summer.

Souleyman Diabate

But Diabate and co. will have a number of other weapons. Matt Costello or Alex Poythress could take over the role of a dominant big man in the paint for the team.

Assemian Moulare

The Elephants also have Stephen Konate, the dynamic 20-year-old guard Assemian Moulare, Nisre Zouzoua, Bazoumana Kone, Jean Kebe, Sire Dieng, Cedric Bah, Ismael Sanogo and Charles Abouo. 

Qualified Team Focus series

Please check the teams we have already broken down. In the past weeks, before the last qualifications that happened in February 2023, we have ordered them by their position in the FIBA World Ranking Men, presented by Nike:

Spain, Australia, France, Slovenia, Lithuania, Greece, Italy, Germany, Canada, Finland, New Zealand, USA, Serbia, Brazil, Venezuela, Montenegro, Puerto Rico, Iran, Dominican Republic, China, Latvia, Mexico, Georgia, Jordan, Japan, the Philippines and Angola.

FIBA

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Bayhorse Mine accident: 6 still trapped, 7 missing as rescue … – New Zimbabwe.com

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Southern Africa

‘Controversial’ economist Gift Mugano fired from ZimTrade Board; hints at contesting his removal – New Zimbabwe.com

Spread This NewsBy Staff Reporter

ECONOMIST Gift Mugano has been fired from the ZimTrade Board for allegedly making disparaging remarks against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration over the faltering economy.
He is also accused of siding with Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) led by Nelson Chamisa amid claims by presidential spokesperson George Charamba that he drafted the CCC’s 2023 elections manifesto, allegations that he swiftly rejected.
In a letter addressed to Mugano, Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, James Manzou said the termination of Mugano’s membership from the ZimTrade Board was with immediate effect.
“I wish to inform you that the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has terminated your membership from the ZimTrade Board in terms of Article 10 of the Constitution of ZimTrade as read with Section 16 of the Public Entities and Corporate Governance Act (Chapter 10:31). The termination is with immediate effect.
“I wish to thank you for the services rendered to the Board and the Ministry and to wish you well in your future endeavours,” wrote Manzou.
ZimTrade is a joint venture between the Government of Zimbabwe and the private sector to promote local exports.
Section 16 of the Public Entities and Corporate Governance Act (Chapter 10:31) provides for the appointment and removal of board members of public entities.
The section outlines the grounds for the removal of board members, which include misconduct or incompetence, failure to attend board meetings without reasonable cause, conflict of interest, and conviction of a criminal offence, among others.
In his brief response on X, Mugano hinted he won’t go down without a fight.
“Fired from the ZimTrade Board by the appointing authority before the end of my term. This is part of the strategies of Government of Zimbabwe aimed at silencing alternative voices. It will not work on me. Zimbabwe is for us all and our views matter,” he said.
In recent weeks, Mugano has been critical of the government’s economic policies.
His last post on X prior to his axing, Mugano wrote a long thread criticising Zanu PF for failing to fix the economy and mocking Mnangagwa for the snub by opposition legislators during the official opening of the 10th Parliament Tuesday.
“I am trying to frame how the economy will look like going forward – all I see is darkness. Let me break this down for the layman: How possible is it for the GoZ to pursue international engagement which is key to driving economic development when at home the same govt is harassing the opposition?
“Yesterday, @CCCZimbabwe MPs didn’t attend the official opening of Parliament by @edmnangagwa rendering the whole process to a Zanu PF caucus.
“Of significance is the fact that millions of Zimbabweans, that is, both those who voted @CCCZimbabwe and those who couldn’t vote for various reasons but have a CCC DNA are in support of this move and will continue to have these kind of protests in the future.
“It is given that going forward national consensus on national developmental issues will be elusive.”
Over the years, Mugano represented the country at various forums on trade negotiations and investment missions abroad (Heads of State & Government Summits, Council of Ministers, Senior Officials of Trade & Technical Committees) at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels.
He has done consultancy for DFID, British Council, the Parliament of Zimbabwe, NIR Sweden, GIZ and UNFPA.
At one time he served as interim board chairman of struggling ZiscoSteel before resigning in June 2020 citing interference by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, and was registrar at Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU).

Spread This News

By Staff Reporter

ECONOMIST Gift Mugano has been fired from the ZimTrade Board for allegedly making disparaging remarks against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration over the faltering economy.

He is also accused of siding with Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) led by Nelson Chamisa amid claims by presidential spokesperson George Charamba that he drafted the CCC’s 2023 elections manifesto, allegations that he swiftly rejected.

In a letter addressed to Mugano, Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, James Manzou said the termination of Mugano’s membership from the ZimTrade Board was with immediate effect.

“I wish to inform you that the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has terminated your membership from the ZimTrade Board in terms of Article 10 of the Constitution of ZimTrade as read with Section 16 of the Public Entities and Corporate Governance Act (Chapter 10:31). The termination is with immediate effect.

“I wish to thank you for the services rendered to the Board and the Ministry and to wish you well in your future endeavours,” wrote Manzou.

ZimTrade is a joint venture between the Government of Zimbabwe and the private sector to promote local exports.

Section 16 of the Public Entities and Corporate Governance Act (Chapter 10:31) provides for the appointment and removal of board members of public entities.

The section outlines the grounds for the removal of board members, which include misconduct or incompetence, failure to attend board meetings without reasonable cause, conflict of interest, and conviction of a criminal offence, among others.

In his brief response on X, Mugano hinted he won’t go down without a fight.

“Fired from the ZimTrade Board by the appointing authority before the end of my term. This is part of the strategies of Government of Zimbabwe aimed at silencing alternative voices. It will not work on me. Zimbabwe is for us all and our views matter,” he said.

In recent weeks, Mugano has been critical of the government’s economic policies.

His last post on X prior to his axing, Mugano wrote a long thread criticising Zanu PF for failing to fix the economy and mocking Mnangagwa for the snub by opposition legislators during the official opening of the 10th Parliament Tuesday.

“I am trying to frame how the economy will look like going forward – all I see is darkness. Let me break this down for the layman: How possible is it for the GoZ to pursue international engagement which is key to driving economic development when at home the same govt is harassing the opposition?

“Yesterday, @CCCZimbabwe MPs didn’t attend the official opening of Parliament by @edmnangagwa rendering the whole process to a Zanu PF caucus.

“Of significance is the fact that millions of Zimbabweans, that is, both those who voted @CCCZimbabwe and those who couldn’t vote for various reasons but have a CCC DNA are in support of this move and will continue to have these kind of protests in the future.

“It is given that going forward national consensus on national developmental issues will be elusive.”

Over the years, Mugano represented the country at various forums on trade negotiations and investment missions abroad (Heads of State & Government Summits, Council of Ministers, Senior Officials of Trade & Technical Committees) at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels.

He has done consultancy for DFID, British Council, the Parliament of Zimbabwe, NIR Sweden, GIZ and UNFPA.

At one time he served as interim board chairman of struggling ZiscoSteel before resigning in June 2020 citing interference by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, and was registrar at Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU).

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Southern Africa

Apostolic Gathering Concert on cards – The Herald

Apostolic Gathering Concert on cards

Arts Reporter
Organisers for the much-awaited gospel concert dubbed “The Apostolic Gathering” scheduled for next Sunday at Rainbow Towers, have said preparations are at an advanced stage, with the show being free to general access.
Hosted by the multi-award choral group Zimpraise Choir, the event will see some seasoned musicians such as Everton Mlalazi, Kuda Mutsvene, Ellard and Sharon Cherayi, Janet Manyowa, Jonah Chivasa, Tembalami Praise, Joyful Praise, Spirit Praise and Sir Benjamin Rupapa sharing the stage.
In an interview with The Herald Arts, Zimpraise chief executive and founder member Joseph Madziyire said gospel fans welcomed the move to have the show on Sunday.
“We are happy with the response so far after we released the list of musicians who are expected at this gathering concert,” he said.
“It will happen on Sunday in the afternoon after church services in some denominations. The musicians have all confirmed and are geared to perform with some started rehearsals.”
Madziyire said Zimpraise Choir will also sing with some of the musicians on the line-up.
“Though it will be a Sunday, we will try to maximise the time we have and we have spoken with the artistes on their playlists if they can include the crowd’s favourite song so that fans are not short-charged due to the time limit of the artistes. Also as ZimPraise, we are going to sing with some of the stars as backing vocalists,” he said.
Commenting on the free entry, Madziyire said since the festive season was close, it was part of giving back to the community.
“Yes, the event is free but only at the balcony of the giant auditorium, but for the VIP and VVIP who will be close to the stage there is a peg which is US$10, US$20 and US$50 respectively,” he said.
“It is part of our social, community responsibility. We decided why not have the gathering as gospel artistes under one roof. We also worked with what the crowd want.”

Apostolic Gathering Concert on cards

Arts Reporter

Organisers for the much-awaited gospel concert dubbed “The Apostolic Gathering” scheduled for next Sunday at Rainbow Towers, have said preparations are at an advanced stage, with the show being free to general access.

Hosted by the multi-award choral group Zimpraise Choir, the event will see some seasoned musicians such as Everton Mlalazi, Kuda Mutsvene, Ellard and Sharon Cherayi, Janet Manyowa, Jonah Chivasa, Tembalami Praise, Joyful Praise, Spirit Praise and Sir Benjamin Rupapa sharing the stage.

In an interview with The Herald Arts, Zimpraise chief executive and founder member Joseph Madziyire said gospel fans welcomed the move to have the show on Sunday.

“We are happy with the response so far after we released the list of musicians who are expected at this gathering concert,” he said.

“It will happen on Sunday in the afternoon after church services in some denominations. The musicians have all confirmed and are geared to perform with some started rehearsals.”

Madziyire said Zimpraise Choir will also sing with some of the musicians on the line-up.

“Though it will be a Sunday, we will try to maximise the time we have and we have spoken with the artistes on their playlists if they can include the crowd’s favourite song so that fans are not short-charged due to the time limit of the artistes. Also as ZimPraise, we are going to sing with some of the stars as backing vocalists,” he said.

Commenting on the free entry, Madziyire said since the festive season was close, it was part of giving back to the community.

“Yes, the event is free but only at the balcony of the giant auditorium, but for the VIP and VVIP who will be close to the stage there is a peg which is US$10, US$20 and US$50 respectively,” he said.

“It is part of our social, community responsibility. We decided why not have the gathering as gospel artistes under one roof. We also worked with what the crowd want.”

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