Madagascar aiming for a podium spot at next FIBA U16 African Championship

ANTANANARIVO (Madagascar) - Madagascar feel they have an unfinished business with the FIBA U16 African Championship, and so, they are aiming big this time around.

Four years since their last appearance in the competition, the Malagasy hope to be awarded hosting rights for the next tournament.

Their target, they say, is to climb up the ranks and make it to the podium.

The last time Madagascar featured in a FIBA Africa youth event, it was back in 2017, when Mauritius hosted the U16 Championship, where the islanders finished fifth, after beating Rwanda in the Classification Game.

Back then, the Malagasy recorded four wins in eight games, with one significant victory over Algeria, who would go on to finish third behind runners-up Egypt and eventual champions Mali.

At the time, the Malagasy youngsters suffered from a lack of experience and international exposure.

 
Speaking to FIBA.basketball, Solofohery Angelot Razafiarivony, Madagascar's technical director, recalls the road to the Fifth-Place.

"We had some tough games, but we also celebrated some nice victories. They were not enough to rank higher than fifth, though," he notes.

The official is even adamant that his players could have made it to the podium, had they had a better shot at it. "We could have brought a medal home, but so many things were out of control."

The coach is now convinced that the time has come to turn some tables. So much so that they want to host the FIBA U16 African Championship this year.

"This time, we're aiming for a spot on the podium. We have the players and staff for it and we hope to meet our goals," says coach Razafiarivony.

He says this is why the best Malagasy young players will be called for a camp as from next month, for team building and training activities: "We want to start building the momentum as early as possible. Madagascar has got talent, but this talent needs to be properly channeled and fuelled by the idea of entering a high-level competition."

First of all, the Malagasy Federation will be seeking approval from the Government in order to host the U16 event. "Bringing home this tournament means so much. This will give the young players the energy to give the best of themselves in search for a podium."

One of Madagascar famous players Elly Randriamampionoa has featured at both FIBA U16 and U18 African Championships

Back in 2013, the islanders hosted the tournament, and were once again called to welcome the U18 tournament in 2014. The first time, they finished fourth, behind champions Angola, Egypt and Tunisia, while they ended up fifth in 2014.

These experiences in the tournament have seen a generation of players emerge.

And these are the same players that are regularly called for the senior national squad. Elly Randriamampionona and Kiady Mahery Rabarijoelina count among those players.

More recently, Sitraka Raharimanantoanina, who was part of the class of 2017, became the poster boy of this generation when he was called in for the FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers. 

In 2017, Sitraka Raharimanantoanina averaged team-highs 14.3 points and 8.6 rebounds per game

"Some of the players from the actual senior squad have started their international career in 2013 and 2014. So, we're hoping to reap maximum benefits from hosting the next U16 tournament," adds the technical director.

FIBA