Ahead of a crucial quarterfinal clash against South Sudan at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, Gazelles head coach Nicholas Natuhereza is calling for composure and focus.
After edging Senegal in a tense group game, Uganda now faces a familiar foe in South Sudan, who shocked Egypt 75–65 in the knockout stage.
Natuhereza says the team is recovering well and ready physically and mentally.
“We’ve used the day off to regroup. Now, it’s about staying sharp and not letting emotions get the better of us,” he said.
The match echoes Uganda’s 2023 run, where they fell in the quarterfinals. But this time, they’ve already faced South Sudan in zonal qualifiers.
“There’s a bit of rivalry,” Natuhereza admitted. “We know each other well, which helps but it can also cloud focus. We have to stay calm.”
He pointed to ball security as a key factor.
“Turnovers nearly cost us against Senegal. If we take care of the ball, we give ourselves the best chance to win.”
With confidence in his squad and game plan, Natuhereza believes the Gazelles are ready.
“The players are excited. The mood is good. Now it’s about execution.”
A win would send Uganda to their first-ever AfroBasket semifinal, another step forward for the fast-rising Gazelles.
