Athletes and technical management members of the Central African Basketball Federation (Fédération centrafricaine de basket-ball) have expressed strong concerns regarding the administration of the Martin Ngoko National Basketball Center (Centre national de basket-ball Martin Ngoko) in Bangui. They specifically deplore the management practices of the National Office for Sports Infrastructure Management (Onasport) at the facility, asserting that these practices are detrimental to their athletic development and preparation. The basketball community asserts that these management issues are hindering their preparations for upcoming events, claiming they are prevented from practicing their discipline normally due to the current operational environment.
Access Denied to Athletes
Athletes assert that current management practices at the Martin Ngoko National Basketball Center frequently restrict their access to the facility, making consistent training schedules difficult to maintain. This alleged denial of regular access is a primary point of contention, as it directly impacts their ability to prepare adequately for both national and international competitions. The basketball community, including players and coaching staff, emphasizes that uninterrupted access to appropriate training venues is fundamental for the development of talent and team cohesion. They claim to be prevented from practicing their discipline normally, which has led to significant frustration among the players and technical staff who rely on the center for their daily routines.
Federation's Operational Challenges
Athletes, coaches, and leaders of the Central African Basketball Federation voiced their discontent on July 21 in Bangui, chanting demands for improved management of the sports complex. This public demonstration showed the severity of the issues faced by the federation and its members. Anicet Patrick Milabet Gonofé, the Federation's president, stated that he is compelled to use his personal vehicle as a workspace due to the absence of a suitable office. This situation notes broader operational challenges for the federation, extending beyond just facility access to fundamental administrative needs. The lack of proper infrastructure for the federation's leadership further complicates their efforts to manage and support national basketball programs effectively. Further showing these difficulties, the article notes a recent trip to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, a country not typically recognized for its basketball prominence, suggesting the team may be seeking alternative training or development opportunities outside their national facilities due to the prevailing issues at home. This unusual travel destination points to the dire need for reliable and accessible facilities within the Central African Republic.
Calls for Government Intervention
The basketball community claims the Martin Ngoko National Basketball Center's hall is regularly rented out by Onasport to private individuals. This practice, they assert, often occurs to the detriment of national competitions and scheduled training sessions for athletes. The alleged prioritization of private rentals over official federation activities has fueled frustration among players and officials, who view the center as a critical national asset for sports development. Concerns are mounting that this management approach is directly hindering the development and preparation of Central African basketball talent for upcoming events. The consistent unavailability of the primary facility for its intended purpose has become a central point of contention in the ongoing dispute over the center's administration. The federation and its members are appealing for government intervention to ensure that the national sports infrastructure serves its primary purpose of supporting national athletes and teams.
Official Response and Disagreement
The management issues at the Martin Ngoko National Basketball Center are reportedly affecting the preparation of the national women's team for the U18 Afrobasket tournament. This direct impact on a national team's readiness for a major international competition has added significant weight to the concerns raised by the Central African Basketball Federation regarding the facility's administration. Onasport, the entity responsible for the center's operation, maintains that its management practices are in accordance with national legislation. The organization bases its operational framework on law N°08.023, enacted on December 16, 2008, which delineates its mandate for sports infrastructure management. This legal basis, Onasport argues, justifies its operational decisions, including the rental of facilities. However, the basketball community contends that while the law may grant Onasport authority, its application should not impede the fundamental mission of developing national sports talent and providing necessary resources for athletes. The ongoing disagreement notes a conflict between administrative interpretation of legal mandates and the practical needs of the national sports community.
