Luanda – President João Lourenço paid tribute this Wednesday to basketball player Ângelo Vitoriano, who passed away on Saturday, in Luanda, due to illness.
At the Cidadela Desportiva Pavilion, where Ângelo Vitoriano's remains are for the wake ceremony, the Head of State laid a wreath of flowers next to the urn of the deceased, greeted the family and signed the book of condolences.
In the condolence book João Lourenço expressed “deep pain, extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, on behalf of himself, his family and the Angolan Executive”.
The remains of the eight-time African basketball champion will be buried this Wednesday, at the Santa Ana Cemetery.
Ângelo Victoriano, remember, was distinguished in August 2023 by FIBA World for his achievements with the Angola National Team in different international competitions.
He became the second Angolan to earn this "FIBA Hall of Fame" distinction, after Jean-Jacques da Conceição, former center forward, also from 1º de Agosto, in 2013.
He was also the only African basketball player to win eight FIBA African championships, surpassing Jean Jacques da Conceição and Carlos Almeida, both with seven titles each.
Ângelo Monteiro dos Santos Victoriano, older brother of former basketball players Edmar Victoriano (Baduna) and Puna Victoriano, was born in Bairro Marçal, in Luanda, on February 8, 1968.
He began his sporting career in 1982, at the age of 14. He transferred to Petro de Luanda at 16, having been called up to the junior National Team for the African Cup of Nations held in Maputo (Mozambique).
During his career, the former winger won 4 national champion titles with the Petro de Luanda, 6 with the 1º de Agosto, 1 with Atlético Sport Aviação (ASA) and the same number with Queluz de Portugal.
With the 1.º de Agosto team he also won 3 trophies from African clubs, while with the National Senior Team he won 8 African titles (1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1999, 2001, 2003 and 2005).
He made his debut at the World Championship in Argentina in 1990, followed by appearances in editions held in Canada (1994) and the United States of America (1998).
Ângelo Victoriano also competed in the Olympic Games in Barcelona (Spain) in 1992, Atlanta (USA) in 1996, Sydney (Australia) in 2000, and Athens in Greece in 2004.
In 2009 he became 1º de Agosto assistant coach.
PA/ART/CF/jmc
