The Lugogo Indoor Arena is about to be pulsing with youthful energy as Uganda prepares to host the FIBA Afrobasket Zone 5 U18 Qualifiers, tipping off on June 9th and running through to the 14th. Ten nations – Uganda, Somalia, Burundi, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and South Sudan – will send their brightest young stars to battle for regional supremacy and a coveted ticket to the continental stage.
Uganda boasts a strong history in this tournament. Back in 2022, when they hosted the qualifiers, the Junior Gazelles (U18 Girls’ National Team) emerged victorious, securing their place at the African Championships in Madagascar. Their journey resulted in a remarkable 5th place finish, a testament to their talent. The Junior Silverbacks (U18 Boys’ National Team) also, captured a well-deserved 3rd place finish in the same tournament.
This year, anticipation is intense as the Ugandan teams prepare to defend their home court. Women’s National Team Coach John Omondi oozes confidence in his carefully selected squad, praising their exceptional strength and speed. He acknowledges the potential challenge posed by teams with greater height, but emphasizes the team’s strategic approach and determination to overcome any obstacle. The team is currently undergoing rigorous training, ensuring they are at peak performance when they take the court.
For Husna Abubakr, a young player selected to represent Uganda, this is a dream come true. “Representing my country has always been my aspiration,” she enthused, “and I’m committed to giving it my all to achieve the desired outcome.” Her infectious enthusiasm reflects the team’s overall dedication to qualifying for the Africa Championships.
The stakes are high in this tournament. The top two teams from both the boys’ and girls’ categories will not only be crowned Zone 5 champions but will also secure their spots at the prestigious FIBA U18 African Championships in South Africa this August. The ultimate prize? A chance to compete at the U19 World Cup, a dream for any young basketball player.
