MAHE – Training and development has taken a major take-off as the Seychelles Basket Federation (SBF) met with their target of interesting young people to the sport.

Last Saturday  was a special one for some 44 youngsters, aged 9 to 12, as SBF officials and Cascade District Administration went into a collaboration to bring basketball to grassroot level.

Menu of the day was basic basketball drills and shoots, all in a fun, practical way. In fact, it was the SBF’s wish to launch a training and development program for future impact.

"It’s a nice start for us. We, had to begin somewhere", says Adrian Pillay, Secretary General of the sport’s governing body in the archipelago.

"It is the only way to have a pool of players for the next generation. But we lay emphasis on the fun part, with the children enjoying themselves," he added.

The Basketball Fun Day, as it was called, was on either side a success, as it has helped officials and coaches witness new talents.

The country’s limited population does not allow a wide margin for recruiting new players. But Seychelles still is determined to make the most of what they have.

"Our population is not that large. So having a pool of young talents helps a lot,"Pillay pointed out.

This program, is, in fact part of a larger picture with Seychelles aiming at the African scene. With an ageing squad and new African dreams to fulfill, creating a new pool of players has become the must-do for SBF.

"Having new players means we could go for U16 and U18 tournaments in Africa. And giving the youngsters some goals to achieve will definitely motivate them stay in the game", Pillay concluded.

FIBA