16 October, 2019
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22/12/2019
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GNBC flair sparks life into Basketball Africa League Qualifiers

KIGALI (Rwanda) - African club basketball has for many years been dominated by the same familiar faces, however, the new Basketball Africa League Qualifiers have given birth to a new and exciting side all the way from the Indian Ocean. 

Madagascar champions GNBC have done everything within their means to display the true spirit of sportsmanship in the way that they play but most importantly everyone that has watched them has been left awed by their skill set and flawless style of basketball. 

With a 6-2 win ratio in the BAL qualification phase since October, GNBC have earned their place in the Division East Final against hosts Patriots on Sunday at the Kigali Arena. 

“THIS TOURNAMENT HAS GIVEN A CHANCE TO OUR PLAYERS TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES AND TO SHOW THEIR SKILLS. WE ARE SMALL IN SIZE COMPARED TO ALL THE OTHER TEAMS SO WE HAVE TO PLAY A VERY FAST GAME AND THIS HAS HELPED US A LOT. ”- Raharidera

Constant Fabrice, who is averaging 17.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists in this competition, plays with so much conviction that he celebrates every small victory within the game and he does that with an eye on his teammates. 

He hi-fives them, winks and taps their backs whenever he can and also throws in a word of encouragement if a teammate is blocked or beaten to the hoop. He is a true leader. For him, winning is the end game but playing good basketball with sportsmanship at the heart of their game is what is most important. 

"Basketball has changed our lives in Madagascar and playing in this tournament has given our people back home a lot of joy. They have been watching the games and they have shown us that they are with us on this journey. The BAL qualification will change Madagascar basketball for good. We are very proud of this achievement," Lova Navalona Raharidera, GNBC head coach told FIBA.basketball. 

 

Because of their style of play, they have won over the Rwandan fans even when they played against Patriots in their last Group A game. Their other opponents and participating teams have joined the party - such is the effect of their excellence in this competition.

Raharidera told FIBA.basketball that, "We honestly would like to thank the fans who have been supporting us and giving us all the courage when we are down and also when we are leading. It warms our hearts when we see something like that. It is sportsmanship."

"This tournament has given a chance to our players to express themselves and to show their skills. We are small in size compared to all the other teams so we have to play a very fast game and this has us a lot."

Mandimbison has been brilliant for GNBC

GNBC are carrying the Madagascar flag but also emphasizing that there is beautiful basketball across the pond and that the islands in the Indian Ocean have a say at the big stage. When they face the hosts Patriots in the Final on Sunday, it will be a fine display of basketball between the two best sides at this competition. 

FIBA