Friendly tournament: U16 national team in training

The process of setting up the youth national teams, which began last year under the supervision of the National Technical Directorate, will face its first real-life assessments in a few weeks. From 1 to 10 April 2023, the men's U16 national team will take part in a tournament in Mali, having received an invitation from the Malian Basketball Federation (FMBB). To honour the request made by FMBB president Jean Claude Sidibé during his visit to Abidjan, Pierre Célestin Gbotto (ROBC head coach) and Eloi N'Gardinga (assistant coach at Azur) are preparing the selected Eléphanteaux.

Federation visit

Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays have been set as get-together days for the U16 squad, who are sharpening their set plays under the guidance of coaches with proven experience. On Wednesday 15 March 2023, the Eléphanteaux received a surprise visit from the FIBB president. Mahama Coulibaly's aim was to encourage the youngsters and show the FIBB's support for the technical staff working to nurture Ivorian basketball's talent pool. It should be noted that the women's national teams (U13 and U16) are also involved in these training camps. Koné Seydou (CSA Treichville) and Ba Sidi (FBA) were working with the women's U16 squad at the Palais des Sports before the boys took to the court. Beyond the upcoming competitions, the purpose of these camps is to instil a national-team culture in young talents called on to wear and defend the colours of Côte d'Ivoire.

Sanh Séverin (with SERCOM FIBB)