Fourth in League 2, just five points behind the leader Lyon, the women’s team of Cavigal Nice Basket 06 are well-positioned to enter the final four teams capable of gaining promotion to League 1. This is indeed their ambition for the end of the season. Interview with CNB06 general manager Claude Pallanca.
Claude Pallanca, how do you assess the performance of your first team since the beginning of the season?
After a difficult start and four losses in our first six games, our team has remarkably recovered by winning seven out of the last nine games played, offering an exhilarating basketball experience for the spectators. Our defense is rightly praised for its impermeability by all observers, and it’s worth noting that we possess the best offense in the championship at the mid-season point. This leads us to believe that we are well-established in the competition and that the rest of the season could bring us great satisfactions; although we know perfectly well that nothing is ever guaranteed.
Precisely, speaking of great satisfactions, what is your end-of-season objective at this stage of the competition?
The whispered goal at the start of the season remains the same, which is to reach the final four. The season is still very long with 15 matches to play, spanning four months of competition. Today, Lyon and Roche-Vendรฉe have taken a strong lead but we will host them in Nice during the return matches. The Reims team is within rifle range, but we will have to travel there as well as to Limoges, who are lurking. Let’s not forget the other opponents, who are of high quality and have a sharp appetite. Additionally, there are many unknowns (success of recruitment, team cohesion, …) especially in the particularly challenging context of the Women’s League 2 championship with travels all around France… All this for a non-professional division!
Have there been any positive points that caught your attention?
Undoubtedly, firstly, the way the team reacted after its sluggish start. The group knew how to remain united, and the return of Jeanne Senghor (who missed the first four games due to participation in the World Championships with Senegal) was beneficial. Finally, the players and staff found the right balance through solid defense combined with a fast, spectacular, and efficient game.
And conversely, are there any aspects to work on for the future?
There are always areas to work on. Teams know each other, observe each other. It’s always a matter of surprising the opponent. Additionally, coaches’ objectives are always geared towards constant validation of acquired skills and, if possible, an evolution towards even more effective solutions.
For you, which was the most remarkable or at least the most significant game of this start of the championship?
I would mention several. For away games, the victory at Rennes with an eloquent score of 62 to 38 could be highlighted. As for home games, we can emphasize two truly significant victories: against Limoges (74-51) and against Reims (87-71).
More broadly, how did this first part of the season go for the club as a whole? Have you noticed any evolution compared to last season?
Being in a fusion situation, it’s difficult to compare with last season. But today we have 465 members, including 140 in Mini Basketball, which represents a decent number, expected to grow further in the coming weeks. In terms of budget, the finance manager, Henri Biancardini, informs us that it aligns with expectations. Regarding attendance, we feel we can count on a larger core of loyal supporters compared to last season, given the show offered, and word of mouth is drawing more and more people to the Leyrit hall on Saturday nights. If we average the regular attendance, we must be close to 400 spectators. This number could increase in the coming weeks, especially if our team continues its momentum from the end of 2010.
