KIGALI (Rwanda) – On the second day of the 2025 FIBA U16 AfroBasket tournament for boys and girls in Kigali, FIBA Africa hosted a youth media training workshop for the players.
The workshop aimed to introduce the young players to the media activities hosted by FIBA during its various events, teach them about the relationship between athletes and the media, and inform them about other sports-related careers.
FIBA Africa invited a variety of hosts and current and former African sporting stars to speak at the event.
One of the event's key speakers was Marouan Laghnej, who is serving as Tunisia's head coach in the boys tournament.
The former guard, who helped Tunisia win the 2011 AfroBasket title and went on to feature in the 2012 London Olympics, emphasised the power of social media in an athlete's career.
Talking to FIBA.basketball, Laghnej noted: “This workshop has been beneficial to the players. They are the next generation of professional players and it is essential to give them the right tools to interact with the public and fans, and how to act and react on social media.”
Laghnej shared his experience as a player and explained how he chose to become a coach, having participated in the AfroBasket twice during his playing days. “They are being given the opportunity to become leaders in their community, at school, how to respect people.”
Rwanda women’s national team captain Destiny Promise Philoxy and former Uganda international player A’Darius Pegues Lamar were part of the guest speakers.
Philoxy, who featured at the 2025 Women's AfroBasket, shared her experience, talking about her career as a professional player.
“Players nowadays, especially team captains, need to be made aware of what awaits them”, said Rwanda’s national team point guard.
She added: “I understand that my word can have an impact on little girls who look up to me. I’m happy to be part of this event and glad to help inspire the next generation of players.”
FIBA.basketball asked two players - a boy and a girl - to share their thoughts on the importance of the workshop.
Guinea’s Lissa Camara talked about how the workshop has helped her gain new perspective in her career. “It has brought us valuable insight about our careers. It can help us be more at ease.”
Tunisia’s Youssef Kallel also reflected on what he has learnt at the workshop.
“We were given the tools on how to react on social media, especially as a young athlete in 2025. The social media are a powerful tool, where we can get noticed by scouts.”
Both Lagney and Philoxy commended FIBA Africa for taking the initiative to train young players.
“Back in 2011, when I was playing, there were no social media. I just think it’s awesome to give the kids the tools to understand and to evolve in the world they live in”, added Tunisia’s head coach.
FIBA