The Uganda U18 girls’ basketball team, the Junior Gazelles are all but ready to take on Rwanda in the Afrobasket Zone Five qualifiers.
They are taking on a side whose boys’ team beat Uganda’s Junior Silverbacks on Monday evening at the same venue, Lugogo Indoor Arena.
However, the girls are keen on putting up a better display than their male compatriots, at least according to forward, Darlene Tashobya.
“It’s an honour to play for your country, and I feel we are ready to compete to give our best and represent our country well,” Tashobya spoke to the media.
“They (Rwanda) are a good team, they know how to shoot and have good moments but we are good defensively, and we need to come out with much energy and play hard from the word go,” she added.
“It’s an advantage, you know the pressure of playing in front of people, and what it means to play under pressure.”
The biggest part of the U18 team comprises members who were also part of the team that played at the 2021 FIBA U16 Women’s African Championship where Uganda finished fourth in Cairo.
As the team continues gradual development, they will be looking forward to representing Uganda at the U18 tournament later this year in Madagascar.
JUNIOR GAZELLES SQUAD:
Priscillar Nambogo, Karungi Patience, Darlene Tashobya, Sharifah Nalwadda, Mariam Namukwaya, Adongpiny Immaculate, Sharon Lamwaka, Sylvia Nantongo, Christine Namyalo, Shilla Lamunu, Zoe Atek, Namale Sarah, Rose Asiruku
COACHES
Mavita Ali, Rogers Serunyingo and Jonathan Egau
Courtesy Photos
