The basketball season in Portugal kicked off with a major win. Quinta dos Lombos captured the Women’s Supercup. They defeated Benfica, setting a great tone for the 2025/26 season. Sara Caetano played a key role in this triumph. She put up impressive numbers: 13 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 assists. This performance earned the Angolan international the MVP award for the game. However, she sees this individual honor as a testament to her team’s hard work.
Caetano shared her thoughts with Record. “It’s always very special to start the season like this,” she said. “The Supercup was an important team victory. It gives us a lot of confidence for what’s coming up. The MVP award feels special, but I truly see it as a reflection of the team’s effort. It shows the trust my teammates and coaches have in me.”
Eyes on the Big Prize
Winning against the current champions was a big deal. Yet, the team’s biggest goal remains the Liga Betclic title. Quinta dos Lombos previously won this league in 2010/11 and 2013/14. The 22-year-old small forward made her intentions clear. “Without a doubt, winning the title is a main objective,” Caetano stated. “This club has the drive and skill to fight for it.” She also outlined her personal hopes for the new season. “On a personal level, I hope to keep improving as a player. I want to be more consistent and help the team in any way needed.” As for the team’s collective aims, she added, “Together, we want to compete hard in every competition. We always aim to deliver a strong performance on the court.”
AfroBasket Experience Fuels Growth
This season marks Sara Caetano’s time with Lombos following a solid debut. Last season, she actually led the league in two-point shooting percentage, hitting 59%. Over the summer, she shined at the AfroBasket tournament. There, she averaged 17 points and 6 rebounds. Her Angolan team finished 10th in the competition. This international experience clearly boosted her game. “AfroBasket is a really high-level tournament,” Caetano explained. “Playing against some of the continent’s best players helped me grow so much. It was a very rich experience for me, both on and off the court. I feel I came back more mature and with more skills to help my team.”
A Missed Connection in France
Before arriving in Portugal, Sara Caetano spent time in France. She played for ASVEL. This club is famously led by Tony Parker, a former French basketball legend. Interestingly, Victor Wembanyama was also part of ASVEL in 2021/22. This was exactly when Caetano was there. “I was at Tony Parker’s Academy,” she shared. “But I didn’t get to meet Wembanyama. He wasn’t living at the Academy then,” she said, expressing a touch of regret.