The Madagascar U18 girls’ and boys’ basketball championship kicks off this weekend in Toliara. For nine days, from September 12 to 20, the country’s top youth teams will compete for the two national titles. However, even before the opening whistle, one absence stands out: JCBA Analamanga, the reigning boys’ champion.
Having won the previous edition, JCBA will not be present to defend its title. The club has withdrawn, leaving the men’s throne vacant. This situation opens the door for a fierce battle among contenders such as AKBB, AST, MB2ALL, ASCUT, and EBF. While Analamanga representatives are usually considered favorites, this time, no team can automatically assume the champion’s mantle.
For the champion club, the decision is primarily due to the need to protect its young players after an exceptionally long season. Tsiry Cololombe Rasamoelina, a representative of JCBA, explained: “We chose not to participate in the U18 National Summit in Toliara because the sports season was already too long. Children need at least two months of vacation a year to rest sufficiently. This rest period is crucial for their recovery and growth, especially for young athletes still in their developmental years.”
In the girls’ category, the situation is different. Pintade Amoron’i Mania, the defending champion, will be present to try and retain its crown. They will face stiff competition from several formidable teams, including ASSM Analamanga, MB2ALL Analamanga, and Jap Mada Alaotra Mangoro.
The host city is also ready to play its part. Toliara is fielding seven teams in this national competition: three in the girls’ category (USJFM, ASE, and BCT) and four in the boys’ category (ASE, USJFM, BCTT, and Play4Mada). This strong local representation is expected to add excitement to the national tournament.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-12 06:23:48 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/basketball-5×5-jcba-abandonne-son-titre.html