BASKETBALL’S DILEMMA
SIBF President Cyril Rachman and vice president Augustine Basia highlighted this during Day 2 of the MASI/PACMAS Sports Journalist workshop yesterday.
Basia said the road to the 2023 Pacific Games will be tough as SIBF national teams’ qualification depends on next year’s Melanesia Cup tournament in Suva, which New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and Fiji are also part of.
“Unlike other sports, in order for basketball to qualify for the 2023 games, it depends on a qualification round tournament or zone formats.
“So, we have the Polynesian and the Melanesian one. It was first introduced in 2017 where we went and competed in the first-ever Melanesian Cup tournament. Unfortunately, both teams did not qualify for the 2019 Pacific Games in Samoa.
“Luckily the men’s national team were given the wild card entry by FIBA Oceania to compete at the 2019 Pacific Games. So, for the 2023 Pacific Games, it will be the same. The qualification round tournament will be held in Suva next year.
“Only the top three teams from the Melanesian Cup will gain qualification for the 2023 Pacific Games. If we lose, then we will only facilitate and forced to be spectators when the games arrive,” he adds.
SIBF President Cyril Rachman also highlighted the lack of playing venues, which other sports federations are also currently facing as another obstacle.
“As a federation, we were very unfortunate to have the only available and suitable venue at the Multipurpose Hall now used as a covid-19 hospital by the government.
“If they use that venue then maybe they can allow other venues for us and the other NFs to use because we cannot force the government to give that facility back for us to use,” Rachman said.
Despite the qualification road being tough, the SIBF’s leaders remain confident that the national teams will be ready for next year’s Melanesia Cup in order to compete at the 2023 Pacific Games.
Basia said with the new eligibility criteria FIBA has adopted, their federation is hopeful and will be weighing this option in the build-up towards gaining qualification for the 2023 Pacific Games.
“Right now, the federation is looking at our potential young basketball players overseas who are willing to come and play for our country.
“This is one option SIBF is looking at and is working on sorting out their eligibility criteria which the players need. To do this will not easy. If the government and responsible bodies can help us with that, it will definitely help our campaign.
“If we have that assistance now from the government and other bodies with this, it’ll be great because SIBF is counting on and this will help boost the national teams’ and also our home-based player's performance.
“Apart from that, we are very much looking forward to the completion of the high-performance center where we hope to improve and develop our home-based players while also looking at the other options available,” Basia adds.
By Taromane Martin, Island Sun Sports (May 28, 2021)
Last Modified on 02/06/2021 21:02
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.