Can COSPN follow in GNBC's footsteps?
The alchemy existing between the players, especially those who claimed the FIBA 3x3 African title and who finished third at the Shanghai Masters in China only a month ago, will be vital for COSPN.
ANTANANARIVO (Madagascar) – Madagascar’s Club Omnisport de Police Nationale (COSPN) head to Johannesburg with a 2-0 streak from the Road to BAL Group D they hosted back in October.
In their bags, they carry the hopes of becoming the second team from the Indian Ocean island to make it to the Finals after GNBC.
COSPN are not new to the Road to BAL. After competing in the 2019 FIBA-run Africa Basketball League (ABL), where they missed the Second Round by inches, they reached the Elite 16 in 2022 where they faced City Oilers, Ferroviario da Beira and Matero Magic. COSPN left Johannesburg with a 0-3 mark.
Emmanuel Ummeadi
Now the 'Policemen' are back and more determined than ever before to make it through to the next stage.
But before reaching the Holy Grail, COSPN still have some hurdles to overcome. The likes of Ferroviario da Beira from Mozambique, Uganda’s City Oilers and Zimbabwe’s JBC are set to put the Malagasy champions to their toughest test of the season.
To reach their target, coach Julien Chaignot will count on the core of his team, which includes seasoned players such as FIBA Africa 3x3 champions Livio Ratianarivo, Arnol Solondrainy. Sylvestre Barkata and Ricky Razakaria might come handy for GOSPN as well.
COSPN left no stone unturned in their quest for the Final Stage, calling in GNBC's sharpshooter Elly Randriamampionona, who has just been awarded the MVP trophy at the Malagasy national Championship.
Randriamampionona, who was part of the GNBC squad back in 2019, will bring his experience and his skills to COSPN.
Elly Randriamampionona
The head coach will rely on the alchemy already existing between the players, especially those who claimed the FIBA 3x3 African title and who finished third at the Shanghai Masters in China only a month ago.
Coach Chaignot also made sure that Bishop Coulter, who averaged 21 points per game, is ready to go. Emmanuel Ummeadi, Emmanuel Ummeadi, and new addition Mike Adwunmi are also expected to help the team achieve success.
COSPN's head coach, Julien Chaignot (right)
For the upcoming trip to South Africa, COSPN will once again face Ferroviario da Beira and City Oilers. They will also clash with newcomers JBC, who won't be coming to Johannesburg as tourists.
Do COSPN have the skills and the firepower to reach their aim in Johannesburg?
Looking at the roster, it seems that they do. But they should not forget that they will face teams that are as hungry for success as they are.
FIBA