Malian international, Djeneba N’Diaye, has joined Miguel Ortega’s Gladiators as the fourth fresh face in the squad ahead of a crucial domestic and European campaign.
After playing her fifth professional season, which was spent in Morroco, N’Diaye welcomes a new challenge as she heads to the UK for the first time. Her first three seasons were spent with Malian D1 side, Djoliba Athletic, before making the move to Europe to play with Gran Canaria and Embutidos Pajariel Bembibre.
Last year, with Morocco’s Madj Tanger (MTB), her side won an impressive 26 out of 32 league games. The season prior, the 5’9″ guard put up an impressive 9.4 PPG, 2.4 RPG and 1.1 APG in Spain’s LF Endesa.
Internationally, N’Diaye has had a stellar career so far, competing with Mali since the U16 level and paving her path to being a key member of their senior squad, most recently playing in the Women’s World Cup. In that competition, held in Sydney, she averaged 11.6 PPG, 2.2 RPG and 1.6 APG across five games. She scored consistently against some of the world’s best teams: Japan, Australia, France, Serbia, and Canada.
Upon signing her deal, the Malian revealed that she “can’t wait” to arrive in Scotland and join the Gladiators ahead of an extremely exciting season. Miguel Ortega’s squad are set to take on two competitions, the WBBL and Women’s EuroCup, as the Spanish coach is building an impressive roster set to face the challenge.
N’Diaye joins a solid core already announced, including new Spaniard Ariadna Pujol, and Brits Robyn Lewis, Chantelle Handy, Erin McGarrachan, Kirsty Brown and Hannah Robb.
Announcements including season ticket details and both domestic and continental fixtures can be expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks as details are being finalised.
