In Conversation with 2022 WBNL Most Valuable Player Dr. Corinne Moussi

The women’s component of basketball has stagnated considerably over the last decade, due in large part to the managerial crisis that has plagued South African basketball over the last decade. Nevertheless, even amid a storm, it is possible to find an island of peace, which is what the 2022 edition of the Women’s Basketball National League (WBNL), provided basketball fans. This was the second season to see the participation of franchises from all nine South African provinces and despite the condensed competition schedule, which saw teams compete over the course of a week, WBNL 2022 was widely regarded as a resounding success.

A major reason for this for this sentiment, was the scintillating play of 2022 WBNL Most Valuable Player (MVP), Dr. Corinne Aurelie Moussi. The Belgium-born, Cameroonian national, who was conferred with a doctorate from Stellenbosch University in April, averaged a league leading 17.5 ppg, alongside 11 rpg and 2.3 apg, en route to winning the WBNL championship with the Western Cape Mountaineers, after defeating Egoli Magic 64-58. Dr. Moussi, who led the Mountaineers to a flawless 6-0 record, picked up where she left off, following her breakout 2021 campaign, during which she put up a standout 22 ppg, 11 rpg and 4.5 steals per contest. Although the 2018 and 2019 USSA All-Star, finished runner-up in that competition, after losing to the Tshwane Suns in the final, she explained to us what enabled her and the Mountaineers to overcome this disappointment and win the 2022 trophy.

What were your ambitions and expectations for the 2022 WBNL campaign?

Returning to the finals and surpassing our performance in 2021 by winning the finals.

What steps did you take to achieve these goals?

Although we maintained the core members of the team, we recruited players with more experience to give us an edge against our primary contenders, who also fielded well-seasoned players. We also instilled accountability as a team value, which helped us to optimally prepare ahead of the competition, especially with respect to fitness and conditioning.

What else were you looking forward to ahead of the WBNL season?

I was excited at the possibility of playing against tougher competition. Since we had been informed earlier that the WBNL would occur this season, we heard rumours about the squads that were being put together in other provinces. Knowing which competition that we had in store, served as a source of motivation to challenge and be better than players who I was set to face in the upcoming season.

Did the actual level of competition meet the standards that you had expected?

They did, because even teams like the Mpumalanga Rhino’s who we did not know what to expect from, came out and gave us some difficulties, so the level of play was appreciated.

What was your overall impression regarding the competition format that was adopted for WBNL 2022?

It was a bit challenging because being away from the Western Cape so long, solely for basketball took me out of my comfort zone, so it took awhile for me to adjust and find my footing. Playing two games per day was quite tasking and the multiple days off, also had the risk of causing players to lose their rhythm. Moreover, the late games were not ideal. If this format must be replicated in 2023, my utmost suggestion is that the organisers procure additional venues.

Did the new format have an impact on you (good or bad)?

It put us on our toes, as we knew we were always going to play and as a basketball fan, it was nice to continuously see games on display.

How did you feel about winning the championship and MVP trophy?

It was quite a surreal feeling, which I am still trying to wrap my head around. Regardless, I was happy and proud to have attained these accolades.

Considering that you are an academic and researcher, how do you find the balance between competing at such a high-level and balancing basketball with professional commitments?

Basketball is therapy for me and prevents me from getting overwhelmed by life. While there are unexpected challenges that arise from being involved with, the sport, it provides an intangible amount of stress relief which I need at this stage of my life.

What do you attribute your success to?

Firstly, I attribute it to me, myself, and I. However, I have a very small, yet important support base, consisting of people like my parents, my siblings who reside in Johannesburg, my coach Nathaly September, coach Tikiwiza Silubonde at UCT, my former Maties teammate Dr. Maria Garcia as well as “number one fan who shall not be named” (she laughed and was tight lipped when I tried to find out who this person is).

What lies next for Dr. Moussi’s basketball career?

This was probably my last season. I am content with the success I achieved. It was a good run, but I will probably only play basketball at a social, rather than at a competitive level.

NB: Dr. Moussi capped off an already great season by winning the Cape Town Basketball Association (CTBA) senior ladies division championship with Maties, after they defeated the University of Western Cape (UWC).