| The preselected during the Alley Oop, sixth edition, at the Mahamasina sports palace. |
Twenty-one days before the start of the 3×3 Africa Cup at home, the Malagasy players are entering the home stretch of preparation. The goal is to shine at home.
The Malagasy Basketball Federation is hard at work with the aim of successfully hosting the 3×3 Africa Cup, which will be played from November 29 to December 2 at the Mahamasina Sports Palace. After the great demonstration and the test matches played by the preselected members of the two Ankoay national teams during the Alley Oop, the lights are green. The performances of the players last weekend suggest good results for the African Cup at home.
Exactly 21 days before the 3×3 Africa Cup at home, eleven African countries in the women’s category (Uganda, Benin, Kenya, Egypt, South Africa, Morocco, Madagascar, Central African Republic, Comoros, Rwanda, Liberia) and twelve countries in the men’s men (the same as for women, plus Mauritania and Seychelles) have registered to participate in the Africa Cup in Madagascar.
“Compared to the list of countries engaged and published by FIBA, there is no change yet in the participating countries. Seeing these armadas of countries, Madagascar must achieve good results at home. For some time now, those shortlisted have been working hard to be ready on the big day. The Alley Oop event which just concluded last weekend was well-timed, as it was an opportunity to analyze the performances of our players,” confides Solofohery Angelot Razafiarivony, national technical director of the Malagasy Basketball Federation.
After the Alley Oop, the preselected participants benefited from a rest period, and training will resume today in the small hall of the Mahamasina sports palace.
Psychological support
“We will start a discussion with the players. We will take them in turn to explain to them what the FMBB expects from them, a kind of psychological and moral support. Compared to other countries, the host country has a slight lead thanks to its supporters lining up behind it. But above all, the two Ankoay national teams must find their best form to compete against other countries,” continues Solofohery Angelot Razafiarivony.
In the latest ranking of countries in 3×3 basketball in Africa, Algeria is number 1 in Africa, Madagascar number 2, Benin number 3 and Egypt number 4 among men. In the women’s category, reigning champions Kenya are in first place, followed by Madagascar and Egypt in third.
“This ranking is only on paper, but on the ground, anything can happen. Malagasy players need the support of the public (prayer, presence at each match) and of all Malagasy people. For those who will be selected, let them give the best of themselves, and for those who will not be selected, this explains why they must redouble their efforts to provide a more,” insists the DTN.
Donné Raherinjatovo
