madagascar’s Basketball Hopes Rise with New Talent for Afrobasket Qualifiers
madagascar’s national basketball team is gearing up for the final qualifying round of the Afrobasket Men 2025, bolstered by the addition of two promising expatriate players. Mathias M’Madi and Johan Randriamananjara, both plying their trade in Europe, are set to make their senior debuts for the Ankoay.
M’madi, a rising star who previously represented Madagascar at the U18 level, is making his senior team debut after being unavailable for the 2024 selection due to his commitments in the United States. Now based in Spain, he is free to contribute to Madagascar’s Afrobasket campaign.The young talent’s remarkable resume includes being named the top african player at the 2022 Afrobasket U18 tournament and the leading scorer at the 2023 U19 World Championship. Alongside fellow newcomer Johan Randriamananjara, M’Madi has been preselected by coaches jeannot Ravonimbola and Ndranto Rakotonanahary as one of the four key players for this crucial qualifying window, which will be hosted in Madagascar.
Randriamananjara, a point guard for Berck/Mer in France’s third division, has been on the Malagasy Basketball Federation’s shortlist since last year. He is finally eligible to join the national team after securing his passport and will compete for a spot on the final roster.
Along with M’Madi and Randriamananjara, the Malagasy Basketball Federation has also called upon four other expatriate players for this Group D qualifier: Rija Lahontan, Kiady Razanamahenina, Sitraka Raharimanantoanina, and jerry Pepin Rabibisoa.
While the local players commenced their training camp on Wednesday, the expatriates are expected to arrive just days before the matches. The qualifying games will take place from February 21st to 23rd, pitting Madagascar against formidable opponents Ivory Coast, Egypt, and the Central African Republic.
Currently sitting in third place in Group D, behind Ivory Coast and Egypt, Madagascar is aiming to secure one of the top three spots in the group to advance to the final phase of the tournament, scheduled for August in Angola.
Can Madagascar’s New Guard Deliver Afrobasket Glory? – An Exclusive Interview wiht Coach Guy Landry Razafindrakoto
Madagascar’s basketball hopes are soaring as the national team prepares for the crucial final qualifying round of the Afrobasket Men 2025. The addition of two promising expatriate talents, Mathias M’Madi and Johan Randriamananjara, has injected fresh energy and excitement into the squad. To delve deeper into the teamS prospects and the impact of these newcomers, we sat down with Coach Guy Landry Razafindrakoto, a veteran basketball luminary with an intimate understanding of Malagasy basketball.
Welcome, Coach razafindrakoto. The inclusion of Mathias M’Madi and Johan Randriamananjara has generated considerable buzz. What specifically excites you about their addition to the squad?
“The arrival of Mathias and Johan is a huge boost for our national team. Mathias, you know, dominated at the U18 Afrobasket and shone brightly at the U19 World Cup.He brings that youthful flair, that winning mentality, and a scoring prowess rarely seen. Johan, although playing in a lower division in France, is a steady point guard, a true floor general who can control the tempo and distribute the ball effectively. Together, they form a potent combination that can elevate our game significantly.”
Madagascar faces formidable opposition in Group D – Ivory Coast, Egypt, and the Central African Republic. how do you see these newcomers influencing the team’s dynamics and performance against these established basketball powerhouses?
“There’s no doubt about it, Group D is a tough draw. Ivory Coast and Egypt are perennial contenders, while the Central african Republic is a team on the rise. Our expatriate players’ experience in European leagues will be invaluable against these seasoned opponents. Mathias’s scoring punch can unlock defenses, and Johan’s calmness under pressure can definitely help us maintain composure in crunch moments. it’s about blending their talents with the existing local core and establishing a cohesive unit.”
The Afrobasket qualifying window is just several days away. With expatriates arriving late, how do you plan to integrate them seamlessly into the team’s system and build chemistry in such a short timeframe?
“It’s a challenge, no doubt. We started our training camp with the local players a while back,but we’ve been in constant communication with Mathias and Johan.We’ve sent them detailed game plans, emphasizing our offensive and defensive strategies. Upon their arrival, we’ll focus on individual skill-work, rapid tactical drills, and team bonding exercises to accelerate the integration process. We need to maximize every minute of available practice time to be fully prepared.”
looking ahead to Angola 2025, what are your expectations for this Madagascar squad? Is a top-three finish in the qualifying group and a berth in the main tournament a realistic goal?
“We’re not afraid to dream big. our primary target is to secure one of those top-three spots and qualify for Angola. Madagascar basketball has demonstrated its potential in recent youth competitions, and now, with the injection of experienced expatriates, we believe we have a shot at making a real impact. This team has the talent,the hunger,and the determination to surprise everyone. But we understand the immense challenge ahead. It will require dedication,discipline,and unwavering belief from every member of the team.”
Thank you for your time, Coach Razafindrakoto. Your passion for Madagascar basketball is truly inspiring. We wish you and your team all the best in the qualifiers!
We hope this interview has shed light on Madagascar’s prospects in the Afrobasket Qualifiers. What are your predictions? Can the “Ankoay” secure their place in Angola? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
