Former international basketball player Nacissela Maurício met with V&G to talk. Measuring in at 1.86 metres and with undeniable talent, she won the hearts of the cities and countries she spent time in. She went all the way in the Africa Championships and was twice considered MVP (Most Valuable Player). She participated in the 2012 Olympics in London and the World Championships in 2014. But more than that, Nacissela is a woman and a citizen of the world and for her achievements, she was honoured as a United Nations Ambassador against AIDS. The former player is a mother, daughter and wife, and it is in these roles that she sees her future passing.
Tell us about your origins.
I was born in Angola, more specifically in Luanda, just like my parents and grandparents, on my mother’s and father’s side.
How and at what age did you first discover your talent for basketball? Was your family’s reaction positive from the outset?
It all started in a Physical Education class, when the teacher invited a group of pupils to play. I was 11 years old and, from that moment on, the basketball «bug» started to bite. Among many, I was the one who kept at it and made a career out of it. At first, my family did not react well, as they thought that the sport distracted me and put me in frequent contact with boys. Nevertheless, it was a very important time for me to become the athlete Nacissela. I ended up having the fundamental support of my family. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve my victories.
How would you describe Nacissela Maurício in her professional playing days?
I would describe her as someone who was very fearless and capable. Despite the immense adversity I have overcome throughout my sporting career, I have never given up on myself or my purpose.
«People think sport is something meant for men only»
Which clubs have you played for?
The Angolan club Maculuso was where I started playing. Then, I went to Clube do Povo de Esgueira, in Aveiro, Portugal; later Vetusta, Ponce de Leon and Badajoz, in Spain, over a period of seven years, before finishing my career in Luanda.
Who are your idols in the world of basketball?
Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Miguel Lutonda.
Tell us about some of the most memorable moments of your sporting career.
One of the most memorable moments was in 2013, when Angola became African champions for the first time and I was named MVP at the same time. This was also the moment we qualified for the World Cup. Being in that Maxaquene stadium, in Maputo, packed with thousands of people, at 31 years old as team captain and with the responsibility I had, was one of the highest and most remarkable moments of my career. It was a real mix of emotions.
«It would be important to create more harmony between school and sport»
Tell us about your origins.
I was born in Angola, more specifically in Luanda, just like my parents and grandparents, on my mother’s and father’s side.
How and at what age did you first discover your talent for basketball? Was your family’s reaction positive from the outset?
It all started in a Physical Education class, when the teacher invited a group of pupils to play. I was 11 years old and, from that moment on, the basketball «bug» started to bite. Among many, I was the one who kept at it and made a career out of it. At first, my family did not react well, as they thought that the sport distracted me and put me in frequent contact with boys. Nevertheless, it was a very important time for me to become the athlete Nacissela. I ended up having the fundamental support of my family. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve my victories.
How would you describe Nacissela Maurício in her professional playing days?
I would describe her as someone who was very fearless and capable. Despite the immense adversity I have overcome throughout my sporting career, I have never given up on myself or my purpose.
«People think sport is something meant for men only»
Which clubs have you played for?
The Angolan club Maculuso was where I started playing. Then, I went to Clube do Povo de Esgueira, in Aveiro, Portugal; later Vetusta, Ponce de Leon and Badajoz, in Spain, over a period of seven years, before finishing my career in Luanda.
Who are your idols in the world of basketball?
Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Miguel Lutonda.
Tell us about some of the most memorable moments of your sporting career.
One of the most memorable moments was in 2013, when Angola became African champions for the first time and I was named MVP at the same time. This was also the moment we qualified for the World Cup. Being in that Maxaquene stadium, in Maputo, packed with thousands of people, at 31 years old as team captain and with the responsibility I had, was one of the highest and most remarkable moments of my career. It was a real mix of emotions.
«It would be important to create more harmony between school and sport»
