Your Weekly Does of FIBA Africa Zone 7 News: 3x3 basketball gaining traction, Madagascar has embarked on an ambitious project dubbed “From the streets… to Gold” in an attempt to shed new light on this new format, while Comoros are to send a four-women squad to Lyon, France, where they will go head-to-head against teams such as France and Senegal. Meanwhile, China-based Seychelles coach Steven Servina has levelled up in his career…
Last Updated on
January 17, 2024
Jonathan Oriant
Staff Writer
A Comorian team, made up of overseas nationals and led by coach Karim Osman, is preparing to compete in the "La Plagne Aura 3x3", an international tournament in Lyon, France, on January 20 and 21. Currently preparing in France, the Comoros team will regroup before leaving for Lyon.
The "La Plagne Aura 3x3" tournament is aimed at preparing the teams for the next Olympic Games. The Comoros players see it as an opportunity to gather experience and strengthen their team spirit. They will be taking on seasoned teams such as Senegal and France, ahead of their upcoming appearance at the All-Africa Games next March in Accra, Ghana.
Comorian 3x3 basketball is making a comeback on the international stage after its last appearance in March 2023. Represented by the Mahouchiza sisters and the Bourhane sisters, the Comorian team has been taking part in this international competition since the 2019 Indian Ocean Island Games in Mauritius.
This first participation by the Comoros in "La Plagne aura3x3" is the result of an invitation from the French federation, under an agreement signed in 2022. Djinti Ahamada, who chairs the Comorian Basketball Federation, stresses that this invitation provides an opportunity to expand administrative and technical relations between the two federations.
In Madagascar, the basketball landscape is undergoing a transformative shift as the "From the Streets to Gold" project takes center stage. At the helm of this initiative are the newly appointed regional coordinators, carefully selected from the nation's 21 leagues. These coordinators bear the crucial responsibility of not just overseeing but invigorating basketball activities within their respective territories.
Their mission is clear: to generate enthusiasm by organizing impactful events, efficiently manage competitions through FIBA software, and introduce3x3 programs in schools.
Having successfully completed their online training, these coordinators are gearing up for the pinnacle of the project – the third phase. The qualification tournament, where U23 girls' teams will compete for the chance to participate in a specialized camp in Antananarivo from February 16 to 18, marks a significant milestone.
Beyond the courts, the "From the Streets to Gold" project represents a collective commitment to harnessing the untapped potential of 3x3basketball for community development and youth empowerment. As torchbearers of this transformative journey, the coordinators embody Madagascar's vision for3x3 basketball as more than just a sport – a cultural and educational cornerstone fostering teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
Renowned Seychellois basketballer Steven Servina has added another feather to his cap by successfully acquiring a USA Basketball Gold Coach license. This accomplishment comes following his completion of a course in November last year, underscoring his commitment to enhancing his coaching skills.
Born and raised in the Anse Boileau district, Servina, currently engaged with NBA Jr. in China, also holds the position of player/head coach for Breakers Basketball Club. In an interview with local media, , the 42-year-oldreflected on the challenging journey that led to this achievement, attributing his success to a combination of his experience as a player and a coach.
The comprehensive course covered various aspects, from managing a club and dealing with supporters to understanding refereeing and staffing. Importantly, it emphasized the development of leadership skills beyond the realm of a traditional basketball coach.
Embarking on his coaching career around 15 years ago, Servina has worked with players spanning different age groups, from juniors to seniors. He is also eager to contribute to the development of youth basketball in Seychelles by organizing basketball jamborees to reignite interest in the sport among the younger generation.
That's all for this week's Zone 7 review. Catch us next week, as we go looking for exciting news.
