The preparation of the Ankoay senior men’s 5×5 basketball team continues at the Ankoay Gymnasium in Ankorondrano under the guidance of the new head coach, Mickaël Pivaud. Each session allows the French tactician to refine his roster and strengthen the chemistry of a group composed of both local and expatriate players.
On Monday, the pre-selected players began their afternoon session at 3:30 PM. The first part was led by Coach Pôty before Mickaël Pivaud took over for crucial tactical work. The busy afternoon program included repeating game patterns, implementing offensive and defensive systems, and shooting drills.
The highlight of the day was the test match played in the evening against COSPN, the 2025 Madagascar champion. On the court, the Ankoay delivered a convincing performance. More aggressive, more disciplined, and significantly more efficient in executing the systems practiced in training, they quickly gained the upper hand over their opponents. The match turned into a one-sided affair, concluding with a wide victory for the pre-selected squad, 92-47.
Building team cohesion
Of the ten expatriates called up, only Sitraka Raharimanantoanina was unable to travel to Antananarivo due to a club change. However, he will join the group directly in Dakar before the start of the third window of the World Cup qualifiers.
In this first test match, the technical staff observed the emergence of interesting patterns of play. The chemistry between Donovan and Kiady was highlighted on several occasions. The latter confirmed his long-range accuracy, while Elly Randriamampionona contributed significantly to the offensive rhythm.
For Mickaël Pivaud, the content of the match remains more important than the result. “Everything is not perfect yet, but everyone held their role well. We still have time to rectify the small details. What the players showed today aligns with what I expect from them,” the coach said after the meeting.
Fan Martin Fitia Nantenaina, who was present in the stands, was particularly optimistic. “It is great to see the excellent performance of the players who play in the United States, such as Lova, Donovan, and Michael, not forgetting M’Madi Mathias and other expatriates like Kiady and Elly. Even Jerry showed a more mature side. They have reached another level, and their presence will be a significant asset in Dakar,” he noted.
Session by session, the Ankoay are well on their way to finding their cruising speed. This is a positive sign for a team that nurtures great ambitions on the African stage.
By Donné Raherinjatovo
Captured & Published at: 2026-06-24 07:00:03 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/06/basketball-5×5-les-ankoay-montent-en.html