Edition 2023 of the National Pétanque Championship : And two for Prestige Pétanque Club de Kpondéhoun

Editing 2023 of the national pétanque championship took place from 12 at 14 January 2024 at the Djadjo International Pétanque Training Center. Au finish, it was Prestige Pétanque Club de Cotonou which was crowned in front of Pétanque Club de la Zone des Ambassades.

For a crackling ball party, it's still one. Indeed, a few months after the brilliant organization of the Pétanque World Cup in Cotonou by the Beninese Pétanque Federation, the opportunity was good for 48 best clubs from the departmental championships to meet for the final phase. And there was no shortage of spectacle. For a second time in its history, Prestige pétanque Club de Kpondéhoun wins the title of champion.

But it was not an easy task. And final, facing the formation of PC-Zam by Steve Vigan, Gontrand Mehinto and Emmanuel Ayanfodoun replaced in the eighth lead by Abraham Sagbo, Prestige club of Adeniyi Moustaïne, Vivian Zinvidjo and Fagbohoun Roland fought hard to win the grail. Yet they ran behind the score during the first ends in order to catch up and control the match (13-10). “We are very happy with our success. This was the objective set and here we are on the roof of Benin”, said Vital Bodjrenou, Prestige substitute captain.

The PC-ZAM club triplet nourished the ambitions of a new title. A result experienced as a disappointment by the Akpakpa triplet. “We had the opportunity several times to fold the match but due to a lack of bad choices and concentration, we almost. However, we will continue the work to come back stronger”, said PCZAM captain Steve Vigan.

For the national coach, Thierry Babagbéto, this championship has demonstrated that there is real work being done within the clubs. Better, he is satisfied with the level of play because he says “The three Prestige players all underwent preparation for the last world championship. Their coronation is proof of the seriousness demanded by the National Technical Directorate when detecting the best”.

Seduced by the level of play, the president of the Beninese Pétanque Federation is more than proud of the bowlers. “Once again we are satisfied with the management of our clubs by the club presidents. Because without their legendary contribution, we can't have this beautiful show", said Garba Yaya while thanking the sports boss, Benoît Dato who without his support this championship cannot be held. “We had financial difficulties following the World Cup but the Minister of Sports was able to provide us with the necessary support so that we could meet the challenge.. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Head of State who allowed us to experience the most magnificent final phase of the World Cup in our discipline last September in our country.. It's because he knows that this discipline can reveal more about Benin.".

otherwise, during launch, the Director of Elite Sport, Bonaventure Coffi Codjia, after having welcomed all the efforts of the Beninese Pétanque Federation for the promotion of the discipline, invited all those involved to continue the work. “To further address this important challenge, it is important for each of you to continue to work a little more every day for the development of this sport which today makes us proud, to all of us », he hinted.

Note that Pétanque Club de Sodjatimè took third place ahead of Etoile de Titirou de Parakou (13-08).

Damien TOLOMISSI