Narrowly defeated in the final by GNBC (42-47), the Jeunes Espoirs d’Antsirabe (JEA) has confirmed its status as a significant club. Driven by passion, the club trains its players without paying any salaries.
Founded in 2005 by a student association from Akatso in Antananarivo, the JEA has gradually grown into a recognized club on the national stage. Spanning categories from U12 to U20, as well as N1B and N1A, the club celebrates its 21st anniversary this year, notably highlighted by a title as vice-champion of Madagascar in the women’s N1A league.
The club is “simple,” summarizes its coach, Anthony Andriamaholy. No player is salaried. Everyone plays out of passion, with the support of parents and staff to keep the structure running. Affiliated with the Vakinankaratra League, the club brings together players from Antsirabe, Fianarantsoa, and other regions, who primarily meet in Antananarivo.
“The club runs on fresh water and love,” the coach summarizes, referring to the JEA slogan. Training is the foundation of the project. In 2022, the U18 team won the Madagascar championship in Maevatanàna. In 2023, they finished as vice-champions in Ambositra. In 2024, the U20s secured the national title in Farafangana, while the U18s took third place in Toliara.
The 2025 season confirmed this progress. JEA won the Central zone in N1A and reached the national final four in N1B, finishing fourth in Moramanga. The youth categories also won several regional titles.
Against GNBC, the heavy favorite in Sunday’s women’s final, JEA made a strong impression. While many predicted a wide victory for the opponent, the Antsirabe team only lost 42-47.
“I am truly very happy because the girls worked hard and showed courage. The team went through many difficulties. Several key players left the team for various reasons, but the young ones were able to rise to the challenge and achieve a very beautiful journey despite everything,” confides Anthony Andriamaholy.
This progress, however, comes at a price. Across all categories, the club spent nearly 40 million ariary this season on travel, competitions, equipment, and operations. Its funding relies mainly on member contributions and various fundraising activities.
With no paid players, the club operates thanks to the commitment of leaders, parents, and the players themselves. The N1A team remains young: the youngest player is 18 and the oldest is 30. Behind the title of vice-champion of Madagascar lies another success: that of a club which, with limited means, continues to train and support its basketball players in their development. At JEA, passion is not just a slogan; it is the engine of the project.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-08 06:09:24 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/antsirabe-jea-construit-sa-reussite.html