This week’s FIBA Africa Zone 7 Review brings you some news from Madagascar, where Coach Deda, a respected technician, is celebrating 50 years in service of the game. Comoros, on their hand, have given a notch to women’s basketball and Mauritius is all set for the new managing committee.
Last Updated on
September 24, 2024
Jonathan Oriant
Staff Writer
The Comoros Basketball Federation is pursuing its development, with a particular focus on women's basketball. After taking part in a regional tournament in Madagascar, young female basketball players under the age of 23 will be in the spotlight at the "Coupe de la Jeunesse U23", organized in September. Five clubs, including BCM,ODM and Djabal, are taking part in this event, which is seen as an opportunity to develop female talent. The tournament also aims to prepare the next generation of players for the 2027 Island Games, with the ambition of strengthening the female presence in national basketball.
To celebrate his 50 years of service to basketball and to mark his 45-year career as a coach, Deda, a respected figure in Malagasy basketball, hosted two events on September 21 and 22 in Antsirabe and Mahamasina. His real name is Jean de Dieu Randrianarivelo and he has made basketball an essential part of his life. A technically gifted individual, he has helped Madagascar shine on the international stage, particularly in 3x3, a field where the country is now respected. At national level, he has amassed a string of titles, consolidating his place as one of the leading figures in Malagasy basketball.
After winning the continental title in 2022, Livio Ratianarivo, Elly Randriamampionona, Arnol Solondrainy and Fiary Rakotonirina are aiming to repeat the feat on home soil. The African 3x3 basketball championship will be held in Antananarivo from 29 November to 1 December.
The men's and women's national teams are training under coach Deda. With opponents like Algeria and Uganda, the task will be tough, but playing at home could be a major advantage.
Madagascar's N1A championship begins its Top 8 phase on September 26 at the Palais des Sports Mahamasina. Eight men's and women's teams are vying for the 2024 titles.
For the men, a particular stake is the ticket for the "Road to BAL". The opening game will pit defending champions Gendarmerie Nationale de Basketball (GNBC) against COSFA soldiers at 1pm. GNBC, who are in great form, are looking to confirm their supremacy, but COSFA have no intention of letting them down. In the women's competition, MB2All are aiming for a sixth title and will take on USJFM of Atsimo-Andrefana.
The Mauritius Basketball Federation (MBBF) will be holding an elective general meeting on October 5 at the Phoenix gymnasium. The deadline for the submission of candidatures has been set for this Wednesday at 3pm.
Of the nine regional committees that make up the FMBB, only two have yet to submit the composition of their boards. Philippe Boudou, Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, praised the cooperation of the clubs in this exercise. A recent meeting gave presidents and coaches the opportunity to discuss the arrangements for the 2024/25 season, encouraging clubs to prepare proactively for the transition to the new committee.
[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of Comoros Basketball Federation, Midi Madagascar, Le Mauricien]
