Senegal Women’s Basketball Team Scraps US Training Camp Due to Visa Issues
The Senegalese women’s national basketball team has been forced to cancel its planned training camp in the United States after several players were denied visas. This setback significantly impacts the team’s preparations for the upcoming Women’s AfroBasket tournament, scheduled to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 28 to August 6.
According to the Senegalese Basketball Federation (FSBB), the US Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, rejected visa applications for a number of players, making it impossible for the team to proceed with its training camp as planned. The FSBB expressed its disappointment with the situation, emphasizing the importance of the US camp in their strategy for the AfroBasket competition.
The team had intended to use the training camp to fine-tune their skills, build team cohesion, and strategize for the tournament, where they aim to compete for a top spot. With the cancellation of the US camp, the FSBB is now exploring alternative options to ensure the team is adequately prepared for the AfroBasket.
The Women’s AfroBasket is a crucial event for African basketball, serving as the continental championship and a qualifier for major international tournaments, including the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup and the Olympic Games. Senegal, a powerhouse in African women’s basketball, has a rich history in the competition and is determined to perform well in this year’s edition.
Details regarding the exact number of players affected by the visa denials have not been released. However, the FSBB is working diligently to resolve the issue and find solutions that will allow the team to move forward with its preparations. They remain committed to supporting the players and ensuring they have the best possible chance of success at the AfroBasket tournament in Kigali.
The cancellation of the training camp poses a significant challenge for the Senegalese team, but they are determined to overcome this obstacle and compete at their highest level in the upcoming tournament.
