The Madagascar rugby team, also known as the Makis, has qualified for the final Olympic qualifying tournament after securing a second-place finish at the Africa Men's Sevens Series 2026 in Mauritius. The team returned to Madagascar and was welcomed at Ivato International Airport, where they expressed satisfaction with their performance. Although they fell short of winning the title, their silver medal earned them a spot in the last qualifying tournament for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
The team's coach, Mboazafy Noé Rakotoarivelo, also known as Razily, stated that the primary objective had been achieved with their qualification for the final Olympic tournament. He acknowledged that the team had aimed for the title but emphasized the importance of being content with the result. Razily also mentioned that the team felt the refereeing had been unfavorable in the final match against Kenya.
Razily remains optimistic about the team's chances of achieving their Olympic dream, but stresses the need for more substantial preparation to compete in the final qualifying tournament. He believes that the team's athletes require a more extensive and tailored preparation, which will be two to three times more intense than their previous training. The coach emphasized that there is no time to waste and that the team will continue to work towards their goal.
Marcel Rakotomalala, President of Malagasy Rugby, has appealed to the authorities for greater support for the team. He highlighted that since 2024, the team has participated in the African tournament and subsequently played in the World Cup, yet they have received no support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Rakotomalala urged the authorities to back the Makis, as the team's success reflects positively on Madagascar.
The Makis will not have time to rest on their laurels, as their next objective is to prepare for the final Olympic qualifying tournament. The team's goal is to secure a historic qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. With the right preparation and support, the team is confident that they can achieve their dream and make Madagascar proud.
The team's recent performance has generated excitement and anticipation among fans and supporters. The Makis' qualification for the final Olympic tournament has raised hopes that they can make a strong impression and secure a spot at the Olympics. The team's journey will be closely watched, and their progress will be eagerly followed by rugby enthusiasts in Madagascar and beyond.
As the team prepares for the final qualifying tournament, they will need to focus on fine-tuning their skills and strategy. With the right mindset and preparation, the Makis are determined to make the most of their opportunity and achieve their goal of Olympic qualification. The team's success will not only reflect on their performance but also on the support they receive from the authorities and the rugby community.
Key points
- The Makis have qualified for the final Olympic qualifying tournament.
- The team needs more substantial preparation to compete in the final tournament.
- The President of Malagasy Rugby has appealed for greater support from the authorities.
