KIBAHA (Tanzania) -They have been a constant figure in the Road to BAL (Basketball Africa League) but are yet to break through to the Elite 16.
However, Seychelles champions Beau Vallon Heat have been on an interesting journey to Africa's premier club competition.
The Augustin Scholastique-coached side, making their third appearance in the BAL qualifiers are well aware of the difference between their side and the other teams competing in the East Division Group D qualifiers and are not oblivious to the changes needed back home to bridge the gap.
On the sidelines of the five-team competition at the Filbert Bayi Schools in Kibaha, FIBA.basketball sought to know more of the Islanders' quest to elevate their country's basketball to level the best in the continent, even as they fail in their third attempt to advance after three defeats.
"Several factors at play have seen our basketball stagnate in the last four years. The then federation president Yana Malbrook resigned in 2019, creating a leadership vacuum. The situation was made worse by Covid-19 with 2020 and 2021 being quiet years. Action would return partially in 2022 but the same problems that have plaqued our basketball continue to prevail," coach Scholastique opened up.
The physical education teacher turned basketball guru has been part of Seychelles story for more than three decades. In a country where he admits basketball has taken a backstage, compared to other sports, he has sacrificed everything to nurture several generations through his Belair Academy, and now the Beau Vallon Academy.
"When we started in 1980's, this was the only private facility that could offer training for youth players aged 9 and 18 years and the situation has not changed much. We attract 70 to 80 players and that leaves many with nowhere to learn if interested," the tactician who has also worked as a referee offered.
Coach Scholastique believes his efforts are paying off as a Beau Vallon Heat is home to several of his academy graduates and while no other team has followed suit, he remains optimistic that the new leadership under president Norman da Silva will join him in changing the basketball landscape in Seychelles.
The country runs a top-tier and second division men's league featuring nine and 12 teams respectively. However, little is structured in terms of league activity with the tactician admitting his side is way above the rest locally, leaving them no challengers to help improve their game.
"For more than four years our team has qualified for continental competitions through tournaments that last two to three weeks. To qualify for the Road to BAL 2025, we played five tournaments and won all to book this slot. With such preparations, it is really difficult to play at the same level with other professionals who do this all year round," he continued.
Sadly, the women's league folded with the controversial exit of former president Malbrook and the status quo remains. Before then, only four teams took part. What's more, coach Scholastique's academy exclusively trains boys, a situation he partly blames on the country’s culture where, despite having a higher ratio of women to men, the former are not encouraged to join sports at a young age.
"The new leadership has plans to have a women's team participate in next year's Island Games slated for Seychelles, as a way to revive their basketball, but it is difficult to get players," he continued. "They are also looking to implement a program that will bring together teams from different districts to compete as a way of ensuring grassroots talents are tapped early.
Beau Vallon Heat skipper Timmy Adam, whose basketball journey started in primary school through high school, before joining the top tier league in 2014 echoed coach Scholastique's sentiments, calling for serious leadership to change the trajectory of basketball in the country.
"As a young basketballer we had school games every term where many players honed their skills but that has since died out. We also had programs that would involve star players from abroad but that folded as well. It is a shame to see all these talented youth waste away. There is a gap that needs addressing but the process is painfully slow and we might end up losing an entire generation," Adam, who has played for Heat since 2015, winning numerous accolades, opines.
While admitting his star did not shine until he was 27, majorly out of his own efforts to improve his game, Adams acknowledges that basketball in Africa is changing and players are hitting their best in their early 20's. "It is time Seychelles teams realised this and invested in the youth. At 37, I am almost exiting the stage but there are not many players lining up to take the mantle and it is not for lack of talent but structures to tap them."
He continued, "These young players need a lot of leadership and we are glad to be doing our part with the Beau Vallon Heat academy. More, however, is needed. For us to attract top talents in Seychelles, there has to be a structure to our game. It is difficult to attract professionals where there are no enough matches in a season. It is also hard to attract investors in to the sport. The ripple effect is our national team continues to suffer while our game stagnates"
However, the shooting guard believes the players have a part to play as well. "Most of us are casual in the way we approach the sport. We want instant results without putting in the work," he called out on his peers.
Infra-structurally, the duo admits more needs to be done as there is only one indoor arena, the Victoria Gymnasium. While the Beau Vallon Heat management is making plans to have their own indoor facility, coach Scholastique is optimistic that concerted efforst will be made by other stakeholders to have more facilities.
What's more, the tactician is challenging more Seychellois basketball enthusiasts to take up coaching and refereeing as the basketball ecosystem in the country needs a complete make over.
The duo, however, is optimistic Beau Vallon Heat's run in African basketball serves as a reminder of what's possible should all stakeholders come together to fight for the sport.
FIBA