The Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) has officially launched the FIBA Afrobasket Zone V U18 Preliminaries. The tournament will take place at the Lugogo Indoor Arena from June 9th to June 14th, featuring the Junior Silverbacks and Junior Gazelles as they compete for a coveted ticket to South Africa.
“The goal for both our teams is to qualify for the main event in South Africa with only one ticket available that is for only the winner of this Zone V Preliminaries,” stated FUBA Vice President Hudson Ssegamwenge during the press conference.
Ssegamwenge also emphasized the extensive preparations underway, stating, “Aside from preparations that have been ongoing already, the teams will start residential camping a week before the tip-off of the tournament as we gear up to the FIBA Afrobasket Zone V U18.”
The head coach of the Junior Gazelles, John Omondi, expressed confidence in his team’s readiness. “As the head coach of the Junior Gazelles, we are prepared and with the pool of our local players, we are ready to compete come June,” Omondi said.
Similarly, Andrew Tendo, head coach of the Junior Silverbacks, highlighted the strategic inclusion of younger talent in the team. “Our idea is to carry on some of the players from the U16 that performed well last year into this U18 setup as we build on with the future in mind,” Tendo explained.
FUBA CEO Marcus Kwikiriza underscored the federation’s commitment to achieving success in the tournament.
“As the federation and hosts of the FIBA Afrobasket Zone V U18 Preliminaries, our team’s performances are what we are counting on, and we have done all necessary preparations possible to achieve this glory and head to South Africa,” Kwikiriza stated.
The FIBA Afrobasket Zone V U18 Preliminaries will be a significant event for Ugandan basketball, showcasing the talents of young athletes and determining which team will advance to the main event in South Africa.
