Éric Elena , brother of the Monegasque record-breaking world-rally co-driver , Daniel , realized his great dream . In November 2009 he gave life to Monaco Basket Association ( MBA ), aimed at promoting the practice of this paramount sport both at amateur and professional level . His perseverance and huge commitment allowed him to give space to women ’ s basketball thanks to the support of a skilled professional , Olga Tarasenko , former Russian international player and renowned coach , who allowed the Team to reach an excellent ranking , the Nationale 2 in the French semi-professional league . Soon after a further stage , Nationale 1 , was conquered and together with the most recent achievements it gave MBA girls access to the 2022 Trophée Coupe de France final , for the second time since the club foundation . Given this chance , Monaco Basket Association did not disappoint . They put on a magnificent show in the final of the Coupe de France Trophy , dominating Le Poinçonnet from start to finish ( 69-50 ) to claim a second victory in the competition . MBA definitely ranks as the second-best Monaco team in the striped orange-ball game .

HelloMonaco had the nice opportunity to interview Éric Elena and find out more about his sports project .

HelloMonaco : Mr . Elena , can you tell us how your club was born ?

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Éric Elena : Monaco Basket Association took its first steps in the framework of AS Monaco

Basket amateur sector , according to an agreed partnership with different visions however . At a certain point it was no longer feasible to stay inside the paramount club , and I said to myself : what about creating a new club with a team of my own ? I therefore proposed the project to the Monegasque Government who said yes after about a fortnight . On the 29th November 2005 MBA was born and I am still grateful for this . The club grew rapidly including men ’ s and women ’ s training . Since Sergei Dyadechko became president of AS Monaco Basket , I have been focusing on Girls conceiving a semi-professional Team . Success was quickly visible and it is steadily rising . In 2017 , we were Champions of France in Bercy . It was a great achievement considering that we started with few facilities . Now we have an official “ seat ” and we usually play at the Annonciade Gymnasium . The space is not huge but well equipped and I am very happy about it .

Éric Elena , President of Monaco Basket Association ( MBA )

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