Lagos, Nigeria – The upcoming election for the presidency of the Angolan Basketball Federation (FAB) is set to decide who will take on the critical task of revitalizing the country’s basketball legacy. The three candidates—Moniz Silva, the current FAB president; Carlos Almeida, a former captain of the national team; and Henrique Miguel “Riquinho,” a businessman—bring diverse profiles to the table. However, only one seems to have the qualities necessary to lead Angola’s basketball out of its current decline.
Moniz Silva, the incumbent FAB president, is seeking re-election amid widespread criticism of the federation’s performance during his tenure. Under his leadership, Angola has seen a steep decline in both domestic and international basketball.
The national championship has shrunk from 14 teams to just eight, game attendance has plummeted by 40%, and Angola’s global ranking has fallen significantly. These issues have raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of his leadership.
Although Silva has promised to restructure the FAB and improve financial transparency, his time in office has yet to yield tangible results. Many question whether continuing his leadership would bring the much-needed transformation.
Carlos Almeida, a former captain of Angola’s national basketball team, is a legendary figure in the sport. With a career marked by victories and leadership on the court, Almeida embodies the golden era that many fans long to see restored.
His candidacy is built on a clear and practical vision: investing in youth development, strengthening basketball infrastructure, and rekindling the public’s passion for the sport.
Almeida’s intimate understanding of the game—both technically and emotionally—positions him as a candidate uniquely qualified to address the challenges facing Angolan basketball. His experience as a player enables him to connect with athletes and coaches, fostering trust and collaboration within the community.
Henrique Miguel, widely known as “Riquinho,” is a businessman who envisions attracting investments and forging stronger ties with the private sector to rejuvenate the FAB.
However, his lack of direct experience in basketball management raises concerns about his ability to address the sport’s specific challenges. While his focus on financial sustainability is appealing, his unfamiliarity with the inner workings of basketball could hinder his effectiveness as FAB president.
Among the three candidates, Carlos Almeida stands out as the most balanced option, combining technical expertise, experience, and charisma. He not only lived through Angola’s basketball golden age but also offers a practical and results-driven vision for the future.
His commitment to prioritizing youth development and establishing competitive leagues for younger players is essential for reversing the current decline.
Moreover, Almeida understands the importance of restoring public trust in Angolan basketball. His focus on modernizing FAB management and fostering professionalism and transparency aligns with the needs of the sport at this critical juncture.
With Angolan basketball in decline, this election represents a turning point. The choice of the next FAB president will not only shape the future of the sport but also determine Angola’s ability to reclaim its place on the African and global basketball stage.
Carlos Almeida’s track record and vision for renewal offer a realistic and optimistic path forward. He has the tools to unite the passion of fans, the expertise of coaches, and the potential of emerging talent to lay the foundation for a new era in Angolan basketball.
What the FAB needs now is inspired leadership and a commitment to delivering concrete results—qualities that Almeida appears ready to deliver.
