Under the guidance of head coach Tojo Rasamoelina, supported by three assistants, the young players pre-selected to become Ankoay (the national team) are stepping up the pace with intensive training sessions at the Ankoay Gymnasium in Ankorondrano.
They are training with a single ambition: to secure one of the twelve spots on the roster that will represent Madagascar during the AfroBasket U18 qualifiers, ahead of the final tournament scheduled for August in Côte d’Ivoire.
The training camp began with thirty-one players. Over the weeks, technical and physical evaluations have gradually reduced the squad. The competition remains open, and every training session serves as a true test for those vying for a spot in the final selection.
The National Technical Director of the Malagasy Basketball Federation (FMBB), Solofohery Angelot Razafiarivony, is closely monitoring the group’s progress, with support from the partner “More than Basketball,” which is covering the needs of the camp.
However, this preparation is marked by organizational uncertainty. The withdrawal of Botswana, initially designated to host the Zone 5/6 qualifiers, has disrupted the schedule. With only a few weeks left before the competition, qualified teams are still waiting to find out the host country and the official match dates.
Be ready at any moment
“As we speak, we still do not know which country will host this qualifying phase or the exact date of the competition. To avoid unpleasant surprises, we have intensified our representatives’ preparation. The goal is to be ready at any moment,” explains NTD Solofohery Angelot Razafiarivony.
According to him, this generation has serious credentials. “With the current roster, we have four or five players over 1.90m, several gold medalists from last year’s CJSOI Games, and other players capable of adding value to the team. The level will be very high during this qualifying phase. Our players must have all the assets to compete with potential opponents,” he emphasizes.
On the court, the sessions leave no room for improvisation. Tactical patterns, offensive and defensive systems, movement, positioning, game reading, ball handling, decision-making, and shot selection are meticulously worked on under the watchful eye of the technical staff.
The mission looks daunting. Angola, a four-time youth African champion, will start as the favorite. Mozambique, a former continental runner-up, also possesses a solid training academy, while Zimbabwe shares the same ambitions as Madagascar.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-01 05:43:03 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/basketball-afrobasket-u18-les.html