FIBA Africa has bolstered its leadership structure with the appointment of Madagascar’s Jean Michel as Vice President, whilst simultaneously announcing stringent measures to combat age fraud in youth competitions.
Michel, who currently serves as a member of the FIBA Central Board and heads the FIBA Africa Development Commission, steps into the vice-presidential role as the organisation grapples with significant challenges in youth basketball development.
The announcement comes as FIBA Africa prepares for the BAL Elite 16 East Division tournament, scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 28 November to 3 December 2024. However, attention has been sharply focused on the pressing issue of age manipulation in youth competitions.
In response to what it describes as a “deadly, damaging and prevalent practice,” FIBA Africa has announced the formation of a dedicated task force to address the widespread problem of over-age players participating in U-16 and U-18 competitions. The task force will be equipped with significant powers to enforce compliance and punish violations, metaphorically described as wielding a “sledge hammer” against offenders.
The integrity of age-grade competitions has become a critical concern for the organisation, with the new initiative aimed at preserving fair play and authentic youth development pathways in African basketball.
In a parallel development, Retired Colonel Samuel Ahmedu, President of FIBA Africa Zone 3, revealed that the recent FIBA Africa Central Board Meeting had approved training programmes for National Federation Secretary Generals. “Training for Secretary Generals of National Federations was proposed and approved during the FIBA Africa Central Board Meeting and that National Federations should ensure more organization and participation in 3×3 activities,” Ahmedu stated.
The emphasis on 3×3 basketball development represents a strategic push to expand the sport’s footprint across the continent, with national federations being urged to increase both organisational capacity and participation in this growing format.
These developments signal FIBA Africa’s comprehensive approach to addressing both administrative excellence and competitive integrity, as the organisation works to strengthen basketball’s foundations across the continent. The appointment of Michel and the creation of the age fraud task force represent significant steps in this direction, demonstrating the body’s commitment to robust governance and fair play in African basketball.
The new measures are expected to take effect immediately, with the task force’s detailed framework and enforcement mechanisms to be announced in the coming weeks.
