Following the passing of Michel Kira, known as ‘Maître’ Kira, his former teammate Augustin Baovola recalls the talent and game intelligence of a player who left a mark on an entire generation.
At his home in Antanambao, over 15 kilometers from Antananarivo on the road to Talatanivolonondry, Augustin Baovola, whose real name is Augustin Andriamiharinosy, remembers a golden era of Malagasy football, when he played alongside Maître Kira.
For Baovola, his teammate and best friend, Kira’s main quality was his game intelligence. “Kira had a great vision of the game and knew how to read his teammates’ movements on the pitch,” he recounts. The midfielder was capable of delivering 20 to 30-meter passes, playing short, combining in one-twos, and adapting to the rhythm imposed by the opponent.
Three matches played with Kira remain particularly etched in his memory: the loss against Malawi (1-2) in Blantyre in 1971, the return leg victory (4-2) at Mahamasina, the 3-3 draw against the French university selection in 1972 where he scored two goals from Kira’s assists, and the 4-1 victory against Hong Kong at Mahamasina.
Baovola describes Kira as a simple, discreet, and always smiling man off the pitch. He regrets that his friend could not play abroad despite opportunities, asserting that he had the same level as professional players. Finally, Baovola calls for better support for former internationals and emphasizes the need for a stronger national sports policy and youth development to nurture Madagascar’s talent.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-30 05:53:48 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/football-hommage-augustin-baovola.html