ANTANANARIVO (Madagascar) - Hosting the event for the second time since 2014, Madagascar want to finish above fifth place.
Now the question would be: can they make it?
Madagascar has always presented a very competitive and talented roster when it comes to the FIBA Africa tournaments.
But they have some shortcomings, that the head coach Angelot Solofohery Razafiarivony, will have to tackle if he wants his troops to celebrate on August 14.
2022 U18 African Championship – Team Profile: Madagascar
A promising future lies ahead of the U18 men’s national team. Indeed, the young Malagasy squad are here to prove that the training and development programmes set up by the Malagasy Basketball Federation are working.
In short, Madagascar will reap what they have sowed over the past years.
Since Madagascar will once again welcome the FIBA U18 African Championship, one can expect them to surpass themselves in front of their home crowd, who has always shown tremendous support for its heroes.
One thing can, however, play against the local boys: their lack of experience.
Since the start of July, they have been in intensive training, with coach Angelot Solofohery Razafiarivony making them work out twice a day. Will that be enough?
Team: Madagascar
FIBA Ranking: N/A
Last participation at FIBA U18 African Championship: 2014 (5th place)
Best results at FIBA U18 African Championship: Fifth place (2014)
How they qualified for the 2022 FIBA U18 African Championship: Qualified as the host country
World: Madagascar never qualified for a FIBA World Cup.
History/Qualification: For the second time, Madagascar qualified for the FIBA U18 African Championship as the host.
Players to watch out for: M’Madi Mathias, who hails from Grand Chalon, France, and Davidad Raharinaivo, from New World Academic, in the USA, are the names to watch out for. Their experience could bring a lot to Madagascar’s roster.
Head coach: Angelot Solofohery Razafiarivony is an experienced coach who has spearheaded the men’s national team and overviewed the preparation of the current U18 Men’s team. He has led the Malagasy side to a gold medal at the Indian Ocean Island Games. But can he lead them to African gold?
Outlook: Madagascar will lack one thing ahead of the event: competitive games.
But players say that playing in front of their home crowd gives them wings. But will the public drive be enough to taste African gold? Not so sure, as they will still need to fight off much more experienced opponents and be much, much more skilful than their opponents.
