Xavier Bonnafy (Limoges): « Can we be satisfied? No. But it was essential. »

President of Limoges CSP, Xavier Bonnafy shared with Le Populaire du Centre his relief after the official confirmation of maintaining their spot in Betclic ELITE. A measured relief, as the CSP’s leader is already looking toward the future, aiming to structure the club to reach higher goals starting next season.

Maintenance objective achieved, but without triumphalism

« It was both satisfying and a relief, » summarized Xavier Bonnafy after Paris’s victory against Le Portel, which secured CSP’s position. While the club finished 14th with the 14th highest payroll, « the ranking always reflects the season, » he emphasized. However, the initial objective – maintenance – was achieved. « Can we be satisfied? No. But it was essential. »

𝓞𝓫𝓳𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓯 𝓪𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓲𝓷𝓽 ✅
After a challenging season, the objective is achieved: Limoges CSP will play in Betclic for the 2025-26 season 💚

Thanks to all supporters for their support this season, see you Saturday at Beaublanc for the season’s finale… pic.twitter.com/1aZ8BCGSGJ

— Limoges CSP (@limogescsp) May 12, 2025

The Limoges president regretted several missed opportunities: « We have some regrets because we didn’t capitalize on some winnable matches like against Gravelines or Saturday in Dijon. » The play-in was within reach, but the priority remained survival in the elite division, an essential condition for establishing the club’s project.

A structuring project in preparation

Xavier Bonnafy confirmed that CSP’s project had already been presented to the club’s internal bodies. « Within two weeks, it will be presented to local authorities and then to the public. It’s an innovative, ambitious, and dynamic project. » The plan notably includes increasing financial resources to aim higher, with the objective of « reaching the playoffs, at minimum the play-in » starting next season.

The financial balance remains under control despite partnership difficulties. The main shareholder injected 530,000 euros in December to secure the accounts, Bonnafy specified.

Crawford Palmer and future staff in sight

Regarding Crawford Palmer, the president praised his work: « He managed to build a team with a very tight payroll starting mid-July. His mission was to maintain the club’s position and he succeeded while adapting to our budgetary constraints. » With a reinforced budget, the sports director can begin recruitment now.

As for the staff, Bonnafy emphasized the importance of choosing the coach: « The coach’s role is the most important because they have a direct influence on the game. Choosing the coach is the absolute priority. » Currently in position, Finnish coach Mikko Larkas is the frontrunner.

In any case, with or without him, CSP is now turning toward a decisive summer to reach a new level.

« We are in our rightful place » says @limogescsp‘s managing president Xavier Bonnafy after maintaining their spot in Betclic Elite #iciSport #basket
➡️ https://t.co/tl7Vg0UE8x pic.twitter.com/151Z0fhqAf

— ici Sport (@icisport_) May 12, 2025