As the 2025 African vice-champions, the Makis rugby sevens team is approaching the 2026 Africa Men’s Sevens Series with high ambitions, targeting a podium finish in Mauritius.
The Madagascar national rugby sevens team departed yesterday afternoon for Mauritius, where the Africa Men’s Sevens will take place on October 3rd and 4th. The competition will be held at the SPARC sports complex in Cascavelle, bringing together the best African nations in the discipline. For the Makis, the goal is clear: finish in the top 3 and continue their rise on the continental stage.
“Madagascar must aim for the top three, as the stake is to qualify for the Olympic qualifying tournament for the 2028 Los Angeles Games,” said Antsoniandro Randrianorosoa, National Technical Director (DTN) of Malagasy Rugby. This ambition reflects the team’s desire to reach a new milestone following their remarkable 2025 campaign.
Compared to the team that secured the title of African vice-champion last year, the core remains virtually unchanged. However, some adjustments were made as certain players could not join the selection for various reasons. Nevertheless, the staff can count on several experienced elements, such as Jean-Yves Randriamalala, Yvon Randriamalisoa, Rado Randrianalisoa, and Jean-Marc Raolinirina.
Head coach Mboazafy Noe Rakotoarivelo, better known as Coach Razily, is also betting on youth. “We opted for new blood because we must also think about the future. Players from the U18 Makis have joined the senior national team, bringing added value, particularly through their power, such as Fabien Rakotoniaina, Sambason Rakotonirina, and Parson Rakotondrabe,” the DTN explained.
The Makis will compete in Pool B alongside Kenya, Namibia, and Reunion. It is a tough group for the Malagasy selection, which nonetheless has serious arguments to secure qualification for the next round. They will then have to face teams from Pool A, composed of South Africa, Burkina Faso, host nation Mauritius, and Egypt.
Performances in recent years allow the Makis to approach this new campaign with confidence. In 2025, Madagascar achieved the best result in its history in the Africa Men’s Cup by reaching the final. The Makis only lost to South Africa, while finishing ahead of nations like Zimbabwe and Kenya to secure a historic silver medal.
Facing benchmark opponents like South Africa and Kenya, Madagascar will need to rely on its experience as well as the contribution of its young players. A new podium appearance would allow the Makis to confirm their progress and fuel their ambition to join the Seven Series and the Olympic qualifying tournament, an important step in the international development of Malagasy rugby sevens.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-02 05:56:01 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/rugby-vii-africa-mens-sevens-series-les.html