Palma put in charge of Tunisia's men's national team
TUNIS (FIBA AfroBasket 2017) - Mario Palma is the new head coach of Tunisia’s men national team, the country's basketball federation confirmed on Friday.
The 66-year-old, who last coached Portugal during last month's FIBA EuroBasket 2017 Qualifiers, has replaced Adel Tlatli.
Although the Guinea-Bissau-born Angolan-Portuguese was long tipped as the favourite to replace Tlatli - who guided Tunisia to their only continental title in 2011 - the appointment ended weeks of speculations about Tlatli's replacement.
Mario Palma resigned as head coach of Portugal. Is he signing for the Tunisian national team? He now coaches Tunisia champs Club Africain. pic.twitter.com/x71Yqjwr6F
— Júlio Chitunda (@JChitunda) September 25, 2016
Palma made his introduction to Tunisian basketball early this year when he led Tunis-based side Club Africain to the title of Tunisia's league.
As well as coaching the national team, Palma extended his contract with the Tunisian champions.
A winner of four FIBA AfroBasket titles (1999, 2001, 2003 and 2005) while at the helm of Angola and two African Champions Cup (ACC) with Angolan side Primeiro D’Agosto, Palma accepted his new job looking to replicate his success in African basketball.
Tunisia becomes Palma's fourth national team appointment. He enjoying some success with Jordan, helping the Arab kingdom claim a first-ever podium finish by coming in third at the FIBA Asia Championship in 2009.
FIBA
