The Uganda National U-18 Girls’ Basketball team head coach, Ali Mavita has expressed optimism ahead of the FIBA Afrobasketball finals set for Mozambique.
The Junior Gazelles tactician expressed the buoyancy as the team set off for Mozambique, albeit, a day later after the games had started.
“We had the same team in Cairo so this is not a new stage for them,” said Mavita to the media.
“We are looking forward to getting a good tournament and go as far as possible, and our target is a podium place.”
“Being that this team has been together for a while, it makes our work easier as coaches in terms of bonding. They are a great group of girls.”
That said, the team has prior to departure, been hit by financial constraints that hindered thorough preparations, and FUBA Vice President Hudson Ssegamwenge could not hide his frustrations.
“We received funds from National Council of Sports but it was not enough and by the time we got it, most of the flights were booked,” Ssegamwenge said as quoted by Sportsnation.
“But of course I have to thank them, alongside the Federation (FUBA) for enabling this to be a success. We have actually requested the organisers to push our opening game.”
At the games, each of the top two teams will qualify for the 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup in Madrid, Spain.
Teams in Women Category – Madagascar (Host), Egypt (Defending Champions), Mali, Guinea, Uganda, Angola, Tanzania, Algeria
PLAYERS TRAVELING
Darlene Tashobya
Adongpiny Immaculate
Sylvia Nantongo
Zoe Atek
Shilla Lamunu
Diana Letaru
Sharifah Nalwadda
Mariam Namukwaya
Christine Namyalo
Priscillar Nambogo.
Nantale Sarah
Coaches – Ali Mavita and Rogers Serunyingo
