Mauritius sets up ambitious basketball development project

PHOENIX – Mauritius takes a huge leap forward in the training and development fields, as the local ministry of Youth and Sports staged, some weeks ago, the opening of the first of nine basketball schools.

The initiative aims to teach youngsters from the grassroots the basics of the game.

According to organizers, their disappointing FIBA U16 African Championship campaign as hosts in July triggered the need to invest in basketball at this level. 

The locals, although prepared, were no match for teams like Mozambique, Rwanda, let alone Mali, who emerged as the winners of the tournament.

"We need to learn from our mistakes,", stated minister Stephane Toussaint, who watched with awe as Mali clinched their first continental title against Egypt.

Months later, the idea made its way into the heads of the MYS’ high officials, who readily approved the ambitious project.

"Mauritius needs to get going if we want to compete at a respectable level in the future," according to the Minister.

The tiny village of Bambous, on the west coast, was the first region to see the launching of the “Ecoles de Basket”, as they are being called.

This structure has been followed by several others – a total of six, with some more in the process of recruiting players.

This project has the support of the Mauritius Basketball Federation (MBBF) President Hedley Han Mui, who welcomes the idea.

“We have seen the gap between us and reigning African countries. This is something we needed to do if we ever want to level up”, Han Mui, told FIBA.basketball

As a symbol of this new start, former and actual national team senior players have been named in charge the different sections.

Croatian coach Ivan Smijanic, who is due to arrive in Mauritius in the coming weeks, will be the one to give a further insight into the programme.

As far as age is concerned, the ministry has not yet set any rule. But coaches will have to develop and implement a programme for grassroots level.

"They [the basketball stakeholders] know the specificities and realities of their game. We will let them get along and decide when to implement anything new," Toussaint explained.

Once detected, the players will be directed towards regional training centers, and the best ones will be called to build the new elite of youth basketball.

FIBA