Razanamahenina – The Madagascar men’s basketball secret weapon
Madagascar basketball team’s secret weapon
JOHANNESBURG, April 23 (ANA) – France-born Kiady Mijoro Razanamahenina has been hailed as a secret weapon for Madagascar as they attempt to qualify for the next AfroBasket (African Basketball Championship) after missing out on this year’s edition.
The Malagasy player was endorsed by the Malagasy Basketball Federation for the first time this year since 2014.
When Razanamahenina got the opportunity to represent the country of his parents for the first time, he was only 15. He debuted at the 2013 Africa Under-16 Championship for men, in Madagascar.
A year later, he represented Madagascar again, this time for the Africa Under-18 African Championship held in Antananarivo.
The Malagasy finished just off the podium at the 2013 event, then they claimed a fifth-place finish in 2014.
However, the point guard was already adding fame to his name when he averaged 8,2 and 12.3 points per game, respectively, during his two stints.
Now aged 24, he has been called in by the national team’s technical staff in a bid to conquer one of the tickets to the next AfroBasket.
Madagascar, however, couldn’t get past Group A of the qualifiers, finishing well behind Tunisia, DR Congo, and Central African Republic (CAR).
Razanamahenina told FIBA.basketball: “We went to Monastir knowing it would be difficult, but we were more than determined to qualify for the final round.”
He clearly was the man of the moment in Monastir, where he averaged 21 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1 assist per game, doing a bit of everything to help his side conquer one such important victory.
But his efforts came to nothing, as Madagascar had to bow down to reigning AfroBasket champions Tunisia, DR Congo, and CAR.
“We’re frustrated about it. We could have made it. But one must admit one’s opponent is stronger. It’s not about the skills. I’m convinced that this team had what it takes to make it. But our size didn’t match our opponents’ and we know the result of this.”
But, far from being discouraged, he wants to believe in better tomorrows for the Ankoay, the nickname the Malagasy players gave themselves before flying to Monastir. “We have the talent, the guts, and everything it takes to get there.”
And he himself made a show of his skills, when he netted 29 points against CAR, with a buzzer-beater that made some of the technical staff of the CAF squad shake their heads in awe.
“After the game, I watched the coaches’ reaction. It made me smile, but I felt proud of it at the same time. We earned some respect along the way,” he noted.
The point guard, who plies his trade in France for N1 side GET Vosges, believes that the future is bright for the Islanders. With what they displayed, the Ankoay can have a go at the next FIBA AfroCan (African Basketball Continental Championship).
“As long as the Malagasy Federation believes in what they are doing and give the players the facilities to progress I don’t see why we couldn’t make it.”
And on his side, he wants to play a major role for the national squad.
“I have a special bond with Madagascar. I mean, my parents were born there. Then, I played for them in 2013 and 2014. And before the qualifiers started, I met with Elly Randriamampionona, who was on the squad with me during those years. It’s something special, reconnecting with the other players.”
When he started playing basketball at the age of 13, he didn’t know he’d be going places with a country he’s been representing. But now, he wants to do more than just play.
“I’m proud to represent Madagascar, proud of my roots. And I want to make the people there proud of their national squad.” – African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Michael Sherman
