The Uganda Silverbacks open their 2025 FIBA Afrobasket campaign on Tuesday August 12 at 2 pm EAT against continental giants Senegal at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Luanda.
It’s a tough start in a Group D that also features five-time champions Egypt and a physically dominant Mali.
Head coach George Galanopoulos says the team is ready after an intense training camp in Johannesburg.
“We’ve done a great job,” he said. “The coaches have been clear about how we want to play. Now it’s about focusing on what we’ve learnt.”
New captain Robinson Opong Odoch, leading the team at a major tournament for the first time, shares that belief. “We want to win, and I’m very motivated,” he said.
“We know we can compete at a high level, put ourselves in a position to win, and represent Uganda well.”
The build-up wasn’t without setbacks. Former NBA forward Ishmail Wainright, a key figure in Uganda’s 2021 quarterfinal run, withdrew late, and Christopher Mubiru also missed out.
The Silverbacks will play with a 10-man squad, including debutants Jackson Moni, Naseef Lubowa, and 18-year-old prospect Joel Tejan Rugette.
Uganda’s 2021 run showed their potential — they stunned Nigeria in the Round of 16 before losing to Cape Verde. Senegal, meanwhile, reached the semifinals before falling to Ivory Coast.
With only the group winner advancing straight to the quarterfinals, and others facing a tough extra qualification round, Uganda can’t afford a slow start.
“We have to remain relentless,” Opong said. “We’re not bowing to anyone. We’ll use everything we have to win.”
