The Uganda Women’s National Basketball Team, also known as the Gazelles, is set to face off against some of the toughest teams in the region, including hosts and reigning champions Egypt, as well as Kenya, South Sudan, and Burundi, in the 2025 FIBA Zone V Women’s Afrobasket Qualifiers.
The qualifiers will take place at the prestigious Hassan Mostafa Arena in Cairo from February 3rd to 8th, 2025, and the top team will secure a spot in the final tournament in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
As the team gears up for this challenging tournament, both team captain Jane Asinde and head coach Nick Natuhereza have shared their thoughts on the team’s readiness and what lies ahead.
Jane Asinde’s Optimism for the Future
Team captain Jane Asinde expressed her confidence in the Gazelles, particularly highlighting the impact of the younger players in the squad.
“The girls really impacted us, they are confident and have shown no signs of fear,” Asinde noted after the team’s final training session before departing for Cairo.
She emphasized that the newcomers’ boldness and fearless approach have been an important asset for the team’s dynamic.
Asinde went on to outline the team’s primary objective for the upcoming qualifiers:
“Going into Egypt, our number one goal is to qualify.”
This determination reflects a team that is focused and hungry to make their mark on the international stage.
With the experience of veterans like Asinde and the added energy of the young players, the Gazelles appear poised to take on the challenge.
Nick Natuhereza’s Cautious Optimism
While Asinde was full of praise for the squad’s preparation, head coach Nick Natuhereza struck a more cautious note, acknowledging the progress the team has made but underscoring that there is still work to be done.
“We have improved in terms of offense, and our conditioning is better. There is progress, but I cannot say that we are ready, so we shall use the next number of days to get ready,” Natuhereza remarked.
The coach’s comments reflect a strong sense of responsibility and realism, showing that the team is not resting on their laurels.
The work put in during the final days leading up to the tournament will be critical for fine-tuning the Gazelles’ performance, especially given the formidable competition they will face in Cairo.
Gazelles will face a tough challenge in Egypt, where the reigning champions will no doubt be keen to defend their title.
With other strong regional teams like Kenya, South Sudan, and Burundi in the mix, the competition promises to be intense.
However, the blend of youthful energy and seasoned leadership in the Gazelles squad could provide the perfect formula for success.
The FIBA Zone V Women’s Afrobasket Qualifiers present an important opportunity for Uganda’s women’s basketball team to showcase their talent and push for a spot in the prestigious Afrobasket tournament in Côte d’Ivoire.
The road to qualification will be tough, but with a determined team and a clear goal in mind, the Gazelles are ready to face whatever challenges come their way in Cairo.
As the countdown to February 3rd begins, all eyes will be on the Gazelles as they aim to make their mark in the 2025 FIBA Zone V Women’s Afrobasket Qualifiers.
