Saturday November 23, at 8 p.m., the Ruthénois (Nationale 3) will welcome the Toulousains du Toac (Nationale 2) at the Ginette-Mazel gymnasium for the semi-finals of the Occitanie Cup.
A week after his masterstroke in overtime against his co-leader, Mont-de-Marsan (92-85 victory), Rodez has a new challenge this weekend. Saturday November 23, at 8 p.m. on the floor of the Ginette-Mazel gymnasium, the blood and gold, now alone at the top of their National 3 group, are pitted against a team from the upper division in the semi-finals of the Cup. ‘Occitanie. Matija Sagadin’s protégés are preparing to welcome the Toulouse du Toac, currently 5th in their N2 group.
“It’s going to be a clash of styles”
“It’s going to be a clash of styleswarns coach Rouergat. It’s an experienced N2 team that plays more in control, with less fast play than us. And also in terms of size: in the interior sector, they are very strong and tall, but also a little less mobile than we can be.”
A duel which promises to be tough and for which Rodez wants to take advantage of his good dynamics. Especially since a success would take them to Salies-du-Salat for the regional final, on December 14. And the winning team will qualify for the Coupe de France Trophy, which promises a first bonus point for the championship to the teams which win in the round of 16, after having passed through the 16th.
Chumiatcher absent for another “three or four months”
On the group side, all the Ruthenois will be available, except Pierre-Ismaël Chumiatcher. The latter, back in the infirmary for a few weeks, has just passed additional examinations and he will have to stay for a while longer. “three or four months” resting, says Matija Sagadin, because of “microlesions” to one knee and a premature recovery in the fall.
