Zainab Mboob’s love for basketball began as a teenager, but it was her older sister, a global basketball representative for The Gambia, who first sparked the interest.

Growing up in a family where sports were an integral part of life, Zainab’s journey into basketball was almost inevitable.

“My sister was always involved in basketball, and I would go with her to training sessions. Over time, I developed a real passion for the game,” Zainab recalls. “It was my sister who opened my eyes to the world of basketball, and that’s when I decided to pursue it seriously.”

Zainab was raised in a family where sporting achievements were not only encouraged but celebrated. Her mother, a former football and basketball player, also played a significant role in shaping Zainab’s career path.

“My mum was a huge motivator for us. She was both a football and basketball player, and she always encouraged us to pursue sports,” Zainab explains, a smile lighting up her face.

“She particularly encouraged my sisters to take up basketball, and that’s the path I followed.”

Today, Zainab is training intensely with her teammates at the YMCA in preparation for an international competition in Senegal next month. Representing her country on the global stage is both a dream and a responsibility that Zainab takes very seriously. “It’s exciting, of course, but for me, it’s just another opportunity to do what I love. I always knew I would represent my country one day, so I was prepared for it,” she says with a sense of determination.

Despite her rising profile as a young athlete in a country where women’s sports, particularly basketball, are often underfunded and overlooked, Zainab remains optimistic. She believes that with greater support and investment, The Gambia’s basketball scene could reach new heights.

“We’re working hard, but there’s still so much more to be done for basketball in our country. We need more organised games and better exposure to higher-level competitions. We need to test ourselves against teams from other countries to improve,” she stresses.

Although women’s basketball in The Gambia has faced challenges in gaining the attention it deserves, Zainab’s commitment to the sport serves as an inspiration to the next generation of female athletes.

“We’re trying our best, but we need more support to help us grow,” she adds. “With the right opportunities, I know we can take the game to another level.”

As Zainab and her teammates prepare for their upcoming tournament, her journey is not just about the game – it’s about breaking barriers, setting an example, and inspiring young girls across The Gambia and beyond to chase their own dreams, no matter the obstacles.

With the support of family, a deep love for the game, and a strong desire to uplift the sport in her country, Zainab Mboob is truly a force to be reckoned with on and off the court.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba