Braves of CEPS (Custom Division) team are confident of carrying the aspirations of Ghanaians when they stage a return to the continent in the 2013 FIBA African senior club championship.
The qualifier, which is expected to take place in the Liberia capital of Monrovia from October 7-15, will see the Ghanaian participate in the championship for the first time since 2004.
CEPS will be hoping to secure one of the two slots available for the World championship in later in the year.
Chairman of the Greater Accra Basketball Association, Benjamin Baafi, who doubles as an official of the Accra-based side has tasked the side to go all-out to secure a crucial World Cup berth.
CEPS have dominated the Greater Accra Basketball series in the West African country for over a decade and will be required to improve on their fourth position achieved nine years ago in Cote D’voire.
The African title is very much a goal for the gentle-looking chief, but a silver medal would be enough to qualify the team for the leading Ghanaian national league team.
Ghana got a taste of playing at the African stage in 2004 when they participated in the championship and placed a respectable fourth position.
The country’s Basketball Federation is making sure to avoid any mistakes by investing in the team with training camps.
“We are preparing steadily for the championship. We have not been part of the process for the past 9 years and so want to make a huge impression on our return,” Baafi said
“The last time we played in the competition, we did not disgrace ourselves. We made our presence felt by placing a respectable 4th position.
“The game has seen a major rise in popularity in Ghana and therefore we’re hoping to capitalize on it to assemble our best squad for the championship.
“Thankfully, there are no major injury concerns in our camp. We want to go to Liberia and make a huge impression. That is the ultimate goal.
“We don’t want to go there and add up to the numbers. We want to be counted among the best and when the chance comes, I’m sure we’ll take it.
He added: It’s time for us to show our pedigree on the continent. Winning the League in Ghana is no more attractive.
“Going to Africa to beat some of the best teams on the continent is our definitive goal.
“The confidence is up and I believe with the right approach and attitude, the sky cannot be the limit for us.”
“We had a valuable preparation and we are ready to reach our objective which is to qualify for the world championship.
“All we need now is to feel our fans’ warmth as we need their support to shine.”
The six-day tournament tip off on Monday October 7- 15. It brings 8 teams in Liberia’s capital of Monrovia.
