Interview with Bruno Cingala-Mata, now in Turkey: « I learned to transform frustration into positive energy »

After a solid first half of the season in ELITE 2 with Alliance Sport Alsace, Bruno Cingala-Mata chose to turn the page at the winter break to try a new challenge in Turkey. At 32, the French big man looks back on this career turning point, his quick adaptation to a new environment, and the evolution of his perspective on performance, between personal demands and maturity gained over the years.

A departure carefully considered despite good statistics

An experienced big man in the French championship, Bruno Cingala-Mata was averaging 11.7 points and 9.2 rebounds after six games at ASA. But behind the statistical line, Cingala-Mata mainly felt the urgency to stay active. « I worked a lot on my game this summer, with the idea of performing and generating interest. When you don’t play for a certain period of time, it’s never good, » he explains. With his representatives, the possibility of a mid-season departure had been factored in very early: « We told ourselves there would probably be movement. I hadn’t signed yet, but I already had some interest. »

PLAYER PROFILE

Bruno Cingala-Mata

Bruno CINGALA-MATA

Position(s): Center

Height: 205 cm

Age: 32 years (03/19/1993)

Nationality:

Stats 2025-2026 / ELITE 2

PTS

11.7

#46

REB

9.2

#2

AST

1.2

#140

An express arrival in Turkey

When the Turkish opportunity materialized, with a contract offer from Haremspor Istanbul, everything happened very quickly for the Guadeloupean. « We finalized the decision on Christmas Day, and two days later, I was on a plane, » he smiles. An express arrival in a country he was discovering, with its cultural contrasts and a very distinctive environment. « The city is huge, even bigger than Paris (…) many things are being rebuilt following the earthquake they experienced, » he notes, before mentioning a more unexpected detail: the cold, ultimately comparable to what he left in France.

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Adapting quickly, on and off the court

Accustomed to changing clubs throughout his career, Cingala-Mata wasn’t disoriented for long. « I’ve already been with quite a few clubs, so I’ve developed a real ability to adapt. Clubs know that when they call on me, even without a team at that moment, they have a player who’s ready, physically and basketball-wise. » On site, he was also able to count on the help of compatriots already established: « I contacted Brice Dessert (Anadolu Efes player, editor’s note) and Ismaël Kamagaté (Besiktas), they helped me a lot and still help me. »

The first steps in the locker room set the tone. « The first day, they tested me a bit, » he recounts. At practice, the whistle blows were rare, giving way to hard and physical play. A context that didn’t destabilize him: « I’m used to playing on playgrounds in the summer, so physical play isn’t a problem. » After this initiation, the integration happened naturally. « The Turks mostly stick together, but they’re very welcoming. Honestly, good people. »

Off the court, adaptation requires other adjustments. Two days in a hotel, then an apartment, with the club very present in the first days. The language barrier, however, presents itself as a daily challenge. « The majority of Turks don’t speak English. It’s even worse than the French! » he jokes, before concluding realistically: « Fortunately we have smartphones and Google Translate. »

Experience as a driver of progress

On the sporting side, perspective remains key. « I don’t want to speak without substance, » warns the former Cholet training center prospect. With only one game played against a top-of-the-table team, he prefers to wait before drawing conclusions about the championship. Same logic at practice: « Here, it’s one practice per day, often midday. » A rhythm that disturbs him slightly, as someone who likes to multiply sessions, but compensated by a notable advantage: « The gym is open 24/7. You can come whenever you want. »

This fresh start is also part of a personal evolution. With experience, discipline has strengthened. « I’ve developed real expertise on certain aspects of performance: sleep, lifestyle hygiene… Before, I used to drink, today not at all. » In group life, his perspective has also changed. « I’m a fierce competitor, so it’s not always easy, but I learned to transform frustration into positive energy. »

The Roanne episode, between clarity and perspective

Asked about the off-court episode experienced at Roanne, notably marked by the leak of his salary, Cingala-Mata shows clarity and peace of mind. « About the salaries being leaked, it didn’t bother me. I even received a lot of positive feedback from close ones. » What affected him more, however, relates to the internal perception: « It was difficult to feel that my status wasn’t valued by the club, when on the court, I was assuming it. » A period that mainly taught him to make choices. « With experience, I learned that you shouldn’t fight unnecessarily, » indicates the one who had to go abroad to Denmark then drop to Nationale 2, with the ambitious Tours club admittedly, to truly launch his professional career.

Clear ambitions for the future

Now fully focused on his new project, the French big man moves forward with clear objectives. « Personally, to have my best statistical season, » he states, convinced that the Turkish second division represents « a league with strong potential. » Collectively, the ambition remains measured but real: « Make the playoffs, and then anything can happen. » Without excessive projection, Bruno Cingala-Mata lives in the present moment, faithful to a code of conduct he forged over time.