Mozambique paid tribute to national team manager Joao Chirindza, who passed away on Friday
RADES (AfroBasket 2015) - Mozambique's coach and players have paid an emotional tribute to former national team star Joao Chirindza following his sudden death on Friday.
Chirindza, who was working as the national team manager, was taken to a hospital in Tunis after complaining of feeling unwell and he later passed away.
A moment of silence was observed before the team's game against Senegal on Saturday, one that Mozambique ended up losing 86-76.
RADES (AfroBasket 2015) - Mozambique's coach and players have paid an emotional tribute to former national team star Joao Chirindza following his sudden death on Friday.
Chirindza, who was working as the national team manager, was taken to a hospital in Tunis after complaining of feeling unwell and he later passed away.
A moment of silence was observed before the team's game against Senegal on Saturday, one that Mozambique ended up losing 86-76.
"This has affected all of the players because he's like our father," Mozambique big man Octavio Magolico said to FIBA.com after the loss.
"When we were kids, he grew up with us. He was a great player.
"We don't feel well. But we play for him."
Mozambique coach Inaki Martin Garcia and all of the players attended the post-game press conference.
Martin Garcia spoke of the pride that he had in his players the fight they showed against Senegal in difficult circumstances.
I think that we have the power of Joao, that he stays [with us]. - Inaki Martin Garcia
"It was the most difficult game for me as a coach.
"It was very difficult for us to play. This group [of players] is incredible.
"We suffer for the entire family of Joao Chirindza."
Veteran forward Custodio Muchate also expressed his sorrow at the loss of a mentor and friend.
"Our feelings today are awful," he said.
"We wanted to honor the memory of Joao in the best way for all the work he has done in these years but it didn't happen.
"But we have another chance against Morocco [on Monday]."
"When we were kids, he grew up with us. He was a great player.
"We don't feel well. But we play for him."
Mozambique coach Inaki Martin Garcia and all of the players attended the post-game press conference.
Martin Garcia spoke of the pride that he had in his players the fight they showed against Senegal in difficult circumstances.
I think that we have the power of Joao, that he stays [with us]. - Inaki Martin Garcia
"It was the most difficult game for me as a coach.
"It was very difficult for us to play. This group [of players] is incredible.
"We suffer for the entire family of Joao Chirindza."
Veteran forward Custodio Muchate also expressed his sorrow at the loss of a mentor and friend.
"Our feelings today are awful," he said.
"We wanted to honor the memory of Joao in the best way for all the work he has done in these years but it didn't happen.
"But we have another chance against Morocco [on Monday]."
By: FIBA.com
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