Your Weekly Dose of FIBA Africa Zone 7 News: Read the latest basketball developments from the Indian Ocean, spotlighting one of Africa's top young prospects, Mathias M'Madi, from Madagascar and the Runball event, where teams from South Africa, Botswana, and Mauritius vie for a spot in the Pristina 3x3 Challenger.
Last Updated on
July 11, 2024
Jonathan Oriant
Staff Writer
Nineteen-year-old Mathias M'Madi, who led Madagascar's U18 national team to a second-place finish at the 2022 FIBA U18 AfroBasket, has been on trial at Gran Canaria, a club in Spain's top-tier Liga Endesa (ACB). The Malagasy talent has reportedly caught the attention of Gran Canaria, one of the premier teams in the ACB and a formidable presence on the European stage, underscored by their EuroCup championship triumph in the 2022-2023 season.
Currently playing for the Seward County Community College Saints in the American Junior College (JUCO) system, Mathias M'Madi has had the opportunity to meet with the Gran Canaria coaching staff and demonstrate his considerable talent. Reports indicate that several clubs are interested in the Malagasy player, who remains eligible for the 2025 or 2026 NBA drafts.
With basketball at a standstill in Mauritius following the resignation of its president, an interim committee has been established to manage current affairs and organize the upcoming elections for the Mauritius Basketball Federation (FMBB). This committee comprises three club representatives, indicating a positive basketball movement on the island. However, it remains to be seen who will succeed Hedley Han as the head of the FMBB.
The RunBall, an event that unites basketball enthusiasts across Réunion and several special international invitees, received a significant upgrade for its 2024 edition. While the tournament previously lacked major stakes, the men's winners earned a ticket to the 2024 Pristina Challenger, a prestigious FIBA 3x3 tournament.
Madagascar's women's team, representing the Land of Makis, clinched the top spot on the 3x3 podium. The Malagasy women's team, comprising Rondro Raherimanana, Sydonie Andriamihjanirina, Hajanirina Harisoa, and Christiane Jaofera, delivered an impeccable performance. They triumphed over South Africa (22-11), Kréopolitaines (21-8), and Réunion (22-9) before defeating the Kréopolitaines team of Florine Basque, Lauriane François, Mélody Gamarus, and Edelweiss Ramjaun with a score of 21-12 in the final.
In the men's tournament, the Olympic-bound French team, featuring Lucas Dussoulier, Lahaou Konaté, Léopold Cavalière, and Timothé Vergiat, secured the sole ticket to the Kosovan capital. In a thrilling final, they came from behind to beat the Madagascar team, consisting of Livio Ratianarivo, Alpha Solondrainy, Elly Randriamampionona, and Fiary Rakotonirina, with a final score of 21-17.
