By Samson Mulumba
The Federation of Uganda Basketball Association (FUBA), have launched Federation of International Basketball Association Afrobasket Zone V U18 Preliminaries campaign at Fairway Hotel.
The launch was conducted by Hudson Ssegamwenge FUBA Vice President in charge of Administration. Addressing sports reporters, the he said that the major target to the coach is to ensure qualification achievement and nothing else and the they know that very well.
“ We are working hard as organizing committee to ensure that we feature at the continental tournament in Jonesburg.’’ Mr. Ssegamwenge said.
The tournament that will feature both men and women U18 will be hosted at Lugogo indoor facility next month from 9th-14th and 5 countries including the host Uganda have confirmed their participation. Save Somalia that will send only the men’s team, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and the host all will send both men and women teams.
Mr. Ssegamwenge also said that other countries like Sudan, Ethiopia and Eritrea are expected to feature but are yet to confirm their participation.
The commissioner for Women at the Federation’s Executive Committee Racheal Ainemasko Atuhaire said that the tournament will help expose talents and give the lads a platform to show case, putting the team together so as to shape for the future.
Coach John Omondi said he has been preparing the lads since December 2023 and they are in a better shape to qualify for the FIBA U18 Tournament slated for August 2024 in Jonesburg South Africa.
“We are good to go. We have been preparing for this FIBA qualifying tournament since December last year after UCC and I am confident we will qualify for South Africa.’’ Omondi said.
Omondi sounded optimistic and confident given the fact that Uganda was given right to host this year’s qualification tournament that will be hosted at Lugogo Indoor Arena.
“Our idea is to carry on some of the players from the U16 that performed well last year into this U18 set up as we build on with the future in mind.” Head Coach Junior Silverbacks, Andrew Tendo revealed.
