After the opening of the Basketball sports season, on April 22, 2022 at the Palais des Sports Salamtou Maga, we extended our microphone to Diya Ciss, Deputy Secretary General of the Malian Basketball Federation. Moved, he humbly commented on the slight delay in the start of the championship, the objective of the Federation this season, the youth training policy and the participation of national teams in continental and world games. He invited everyone to the sacred union around young people to enable them to achieve their goals.
The Republican: Hello, can you introduce yourself to our readers?
Diya Ciss: My name is Diya Ciss, Deputy Secretary General of the Malian Basketball Federation. The 2021-22 basketball sports season opened on Friday, April 22, 2022.
Didn’t she take a little delay?
We can say that we are a little late in the launch. If not, before, has found what is already important. But the delay is not due to the Malian Basketball Federation. Given the cost of the championship, it is through the sponsors that we organize our competitions, including the championship. And our official sponsor is Orange Mali. This year, Orange Mali had problems with consumers. Through this, we also fell behind. But the delay can be made up if we continue the way we have done the programming. If God pleases, we will play all the matches noted until term.
How do you think this season will go?
It will take place like the previous ones. Although we’re late, we’re not going to make any changes in it. The championship, the Mali interleague cup, will all be played, please God.
Under what sign do you place this season from the ball to the basket 2021-2022?
Well, this season is different from many seasons, given the current context of the country itself. When you see the image of sport today with us, it gives the very image of the country. In this case, what we can ask people is to come and join us so that we can do the whole program in accordance with the standards. Because basketball makes people happy. If we manage to proceed with the championship as agreed, it will spend a lot of time with people. Because coming to the field to see the matches has made you forget a lot of things. As a result, the Federation alone cannot organize. She is there as a commissionaire. It is together that we can meet the challenge. This is what I ask everyone to come and accompany us for the smooth running of the championship and the other competitions.
What are the objectives set by the Federation this year?
Our objectives remain the same. It is always to raise the level of Malian basketball. Our basket is at the top in Africa, even in the world, thanks to the national championship. If the championship has the level, it allows us to have young people who will designate us on the continental level and outside the same contains. It is also a question of doing everything possible to maintain the training of young people in order to enable them to achieve their objectives.
What about, my Deputy Secretary General, the training of young people at the base?
Our basic training policy continues marvelously. We started for them. We did not wait for the start of the championship to start basic training. Our national coaches are committed to training with the teams without the contract having left at the level of the Minister of Sports.
On the continental, even global level, will Malian basketball be present this year?
Yes, the Malian basket will be present on the African and global level this year. In July, we have to go out for the U17 boys. And the same month of July, we have to go out for the U17 girls too. Both are World Cups. For the boys it’s in Spain, and for the girls it’s in Hungary. We started preparations at their levels a long time ago. Even those who play on the outside, we have sent out invitations so that we can pick them up early so that they can take part in the final stages.
Would these participations be able to achieve the desired level without financial support worthy of the name?
For support, it is the Minister of Sports who is very much in demand for the national teams. Because it is he who takes care of the ticket offices, the hotel. Sponsors are also solicited. For example Orange Mali accompanies us for international releases. As a result, it is on the two partners that we can count a lot to accompany us and to allow us to have steps when approaching the said competitions, for example going two weeks in advance to do blocked steps with the children whose talents we do not doubt. . And if we have everything we wanted, I think we can go very far like in previous competitions.
Are there any big rewards for the reigning champions (women and men) this year?
Yes, yes, every year we try to improve the rewards. As I said, Orange, the official sponsor, gives its share for the rewards, and we ourselves add our share to complete each year. This year, we did not set the rate first, but like every year, I promise you that the necessary will be done to raise the levels of the envelopes of the champions. Now, as for the trophies that come from outside, although the State gives bonuses, Orange also gives its share for each special bonus won.
What is in the contract. Your final word?
What I can add is that the middle of basketball is not easy at all. On a enough problems. But the problem is ourselves. I think we have to leave personal issues aside to deal with sport, especially the basket which can give a lot of other things to Mali as it has already done. What I have as a call is to invite everyone to come and fight together for this sport, just for children. Because when you see the basket in Africa, Mali has more talented children who have the chance to monetize their talents elsewhere through our championship. Even this year, the little one who has just gone to the NBA comes from this championship. She is a pure Malian product, she started here. We have many children like Sika in Spain, the United States, Canada. Children should be encouraged because most of them come from very poor families. It is through basketball that they can achieve their goals. By Hadama B. FOFANA Children should be encouraged because most of them come from very poor families. It is through basketball that they can achieve their goals. By Hadama B. FOFANA Children should be encouraged because most of them come from very poor families. It is through basketball that they can achieve their goals.
By Hadama B. FOFANA
Source: The Republican
