Sydonie Marie Erica, centerpiece of Ankoay 3×3, believes gold for Madagascar
Captain of the Ankoay national ladies team, Sydonie Marie Erica Andriamihajanirina is ready to win back gold, at least in one of the three editions planned in Madagascar.
Sydonie Marie Erica Andriamihajanirina, your father, Marie Eric Randrianarisoa, is a coach of the national rugby team in Madagascar. Why did you choose basketball? Do you have a favorite player, an idol?
Nice question. I played rugby in the junior category, but from the age of 13, I turned to basketball, because my classmates all played it. Once I got into it, I got a taste for it and it’s easier to practice than rugby. I no longer had time for rugby, especially as I devoted myself more to basketball. Then, by joining my club, MB2All, I felt fulfilled, and here I am again. Finally, there is also the fact that I love A’ja Wilson, left-handed like me, and Candace Parker both at Las Vegas Aces.
During your years of practice, what are your best memories?
I started playing basketball at 13 and I’m currently 28. So I’ve been playing for around fifteen years. Many memories have marked my life, such as the numerous Madagascar championship titles of our club, MB2All. The title of African vice-champion in 3×3 also marks you throughout your life and I think the best are yet to come.
The Ankoay girls in 3×3 were silver medalists in 2022. This year, you won bronze. What do you think you missed this year?
The Egyptians have carved out the 2023 Africa Cup for them. The men were successful, the ladies were not. This is not an excuse on my part, but getting the ball into the hoop used was very difficult, see the case of Livio and Elly, our two fireworks players. In my opinion, our weak point was mental as soon as we fell behind. Managing the last two minutes was very difficult. In addition, the level of all participants was very high. The absence of China (Rondro Emeranchine) handicapped us a little. Even if she had been there, there wasn’t much she could have done.
Madagascar is expected to host the 3×3 Africa Cup for the next three years, after Egypt. What is the challenge and what needs to be improved for the Ankoay?
Win at least gold in one of these three editions. Size also matters in basketball, so you have to prepare for it now. Madagascar has tall players (+1.80 m), but they must make basketball their priority.
How do you combine basketball with your family life and work? What will your life be after basketball and what advice for young people?
It’s a question of organization. My husband also plays basketball so we understand each other. However, my child suffers from my absence when the team leaves Madagascar, fortunately my parents are there. My life after basketball, we’ll see. As long as my body allows me, I will remain a player. And see some advice for young people: when you are better, many opportunities open up to you so give your best on the field.
Donné Raherinjatovo
2023-12-12 02:50:41
#BASKETBALL #SYDONIE #ANDRIAMIHAJANIRINA #mind #failed
