LUANDA (Angola) - Former Angolan youth international player, Paulo Madeira Silva has been named Secretary for Sports of Angola.
Madeira, who currently serves in FIBA Africa Executive Committee, was sworn in last week at the Presidential Palace in the Angolan capital Luanda. In his new position, Madeira will report to Angola Minister of Sports.
A lawyer by trade, Madeira served as President of Angolan Basketball Federation (FAB) from 2012-2016.
During his tenure as FAB President, Angola enjoyed some continental success, in 2013, winning two major continental competitions, namely: the FIBA Women's AfroBasket in Maputo, Mozambique and the FIBA AfroBasket in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. The two FIBA Africa Cup titles qualified Angola to the 2014 FIBA Women's Basketball World in Turkey and the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup held in Spain.
Under Madeira, Angola won the 2013 FIBA U16 African Championship in Antananarivo, Madagascar and the 2016 FIBA U18 African Championship in Kigali, Rwanda.
Paulo Madeira Silva is seen here during FIBA Africa's first 2024 Central Board meeting earlier this year in Abidjan
Talking to FIBA.basketball Madeira, who is currently in his second term as President of FIBA Africa Zone 6, shed light on his new governmental role and explained how his time with FIBA Africa has transformed his sports managerial skills.
"When I accepted an offer to join FAB in 2004 I'd never envisioned to be embracing a sports management career," Madeira recalled.
"Although the responsibilities and tasks are multiple, the management of FIBA Africa Zone 6 and my presence in FIBA Africa the Executive Committee will continue to be my priorities, because as we always say, FIBA Africa is our true family," the official pointed out.
Paulo Madeira (second from left) seen here during the 1987 FIBA Junior African Championship in Maputo
When Madeira looks back at his one-term as FAB president, he notes that it was a highly productive four-year period during which he says: "We experienced a huge growth in terms of training for basketball coaches, referees, and table officials. This training strategy allowed me to join (FIBA Africa) Zone 6 in 2015 as a member of the National Federation Commission."
Madeira, who has become the second former Angolan player since Carlos Almeida to hold the Secretary for Sports post, continued: "By joining the FIBA family I developed an ability to think and view the growth of African and international basketball differently.
"As a member of FIBA Africa Board, and through my connections, I ended up joining the Executive Committee of FIBA Africa last May, a role that fills me with pride and constitutes immeasurable satisfaction for me, as I never expected that I could be chosen. I thank the leaders who considered my name for this role and I am committed to honoring this role with all my commitment and knowledge."
Paulo Madeira (far right) celebrates Angola's 2016 FIBA U18 African Championship title in Kigali
As a player, Madeira represented his country's youth national teams, winning the 1987 FIBA Africa Junior Championship in Maputo, Mozambique.
FIBA