Meet Cédric, the passionate coach leading our after-school basketball sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Originally from Benin and also a secondary school Geography teacher, he has loved the “orange ball” since childhood.
Through a playful, engaging approach, he shares not only basketball skills but also key values such as teamwork, respect and perseverance — because for him, basketball is a true “school of life”
1. Can you introduce yourself in a few words?
Hello, my name is Cédric, I’m 35 years old, originally from Benin. I hold a degree in Political Science and I’m a big fan of the orange ball 🙂
2. How did you discover basketball?
When I was about five or six years old, my older brother started playing basketball in a club and I used to follow him to training sessions. Unfortunately, there wasn’t an age group for me at the time, but I remember being eager to grow up so I could train and play like him. My mother is also a former professional basketball player from Benin, so we talked about basketball a lot at home.
3. What has your journey in basketball been like?
At first, I spent a lot of time doing introductory basketball, which focuses more on fun and discovery. Ten years ago, I decided to start coaching: the idea was to continue sharing and passing on my passion to younger players, while keeping the competitive and challenging aspects of the sport.
4. Do you have another professional activity besides coaching?
Yes, I’m a Geography teacher in upper secondary education in two schools in Anderlecht. I teach students in the equivalent of Years 10, 11 and 12. We focus a lot on topics such as globalisation, environmental protection, geopolitics and current affairs.
5. Which groups do you coach in the after-school programme?
On Tuesdays, I coach the older students (S4 to S7), and on Wednesdays I coach primary pupils and S1.
6. What do you most want to pass on to your students?
Above all, my passion for basketball and a love of sport in general.
7. What is your teaching method?
Learning through play. Whatever the age or level of the groups, everyone is more engaged, interested and stimulated through games. So when I introduce more technical aspects, I always try to include games so that everyone enjoys themselves and feels motivated to be there.
8. What values do you think basketball can teach?
For me, it is a bit like a “school of life”, and it conveys many values: discipline, concentration and rigour, of course, but also and above all respect for oneself and for others, tolerance, fair play, and learning how to win and lose. It’s a team sport, so it also means developing team spirit, helping one another, listening to others and accepting different opinions. There is also a good deal of reflection and self-assessment involved, because to learn and improve you need to think about what you do well or less well, and have the desire to push yourself further. And finally, some people — like me — discover teammates who actually become lifelong friends 🙂
10. If you had to describe basketball in three words?
It’s hard to choose just three… but I would say: passion, fun, sharing.
11. What message would you like to give to young players?
Never give up, even if you feel that many things are difficult to do or understand. You will improve over time. And remember that it is first and foremost a game, so enjoy it and have fun 🙂!
