One of the most beautiful pages in the history of the club, but perhaps also of French women’s basketball, is about to be written. This Friday at 3 p.m., the Entente sportif Basket de Villeneuve-d’Ascq-Lille Métropole will challenge USK Prague in the Final Four of the Women’s Euroleague. A first for a French club in ten years.
Never in its history has the ESBVA-LM reached this stage of the competition. A reward according to its president, Carmelo Scarna, for the work accomplished: “For several years, the club has been structuring itself, sportingly but also administratively. We ensure that the players are in a cocoon. I want them and my staff to only worry about basketball. To do this, we put things in place, such as the arrival of a physiotherapist and a full-time physical trainer. »
So, before playing the competition, impatience rises in the ranks. “It’s not every day that this happens,” says Bethy Mununga. As a player, what more could you ask for? » The 26-year-old Belgian winger arrived this season in Villeneuve-d’Ascq. From the outset, she felt integrated into the team: “The environment is really pleasant, I immediately knew that the girls were going to help me become a better version of myself. »
In the quarter-finals, the Northerners defeated the Hungarian club Miskolc. They are aware of it: in this Final Four, which will see Çukurova face Fenerbahçe in the other semi-final, they look like Tom Thumb. “We are going there with a lot of anger,” promises Bethy Mununga. And, above all, the desire to prove that if we are here, it is because we deserved it. »
“We want even more”
For the winger, the club’s status could even be an advantage: “This year, we are the surprise. The other three teams in the tournament are used to being there. So I think the pressure is not really on our side. But I know my team, they are very combative. We want even more. »
If it were to defeat Prague, ESBVA-LM would play the Euroleague final this Sunday, April 14. The Villeneuvoises, first in the regular season of the French Championship, are on the foundations of a historic season. “There’s Mont Blanc – it’s the championship – then there’s Everest. It’s the Euroleague”, illustrates Carmelo Scarna.
So, whatever happens, a successful season for the French club? “I’m a little down to earth, but we will also remember the titles,” tempers the president. But we must not underestimate the work accomplished. I prefer to experience these moments than to play playdowns with fear in my stomach! »
