Having previously featured for the Junior Silverbacks, RezLife’s Edrine Ekau who has had a wonderful regular season earned his place in Uganda’s squad for the upcoming FIBA Africa World Cup Qualifiers as the Silverbacks intensify preparations for a crucial assignment in Angola.
The Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) on Tuesday unveiled a 12-man roster that will represent the country during the third qualification window scheduled for July 2-5 in Luanda.
Ekau is among three point guards selected by head coach Mandy Juruni, alongside Nike Sibande Dejur Jr and Fayed Baale. The trio will be tasked with leading Uganda’s backcourt against some of the continent’s strongest basketball nations.
His inclusion shows the faith the technical team has in his ability to provide leadership, composure and depth as the Silverbacks chase positive results on the road.
To prepare for the qualifiers, Uganda will hold a residential training camp in Kigali, Rwanda, from June 20 to June 30. The camp will allow Juruni and his staff to sharpen tactics, improve fitness levels and build team chemistry before the squad travels directly to Angola.
The squad blends speed, experience and size. Robinson Odoch Opong, Marvin Musiime-Kamali and Blessed Phillip Mbogo provide options on the perimeter, while Peter Obleng, Deng Geu John and Emmanuel Womala offer versatility on the wings.
In the paint, Jonathan Komagum, Titus Lual Odeke and Joel Paul Kayiira will be relied upon to match the physical demands expected in Angola.
With Ekau among the key figures in the backcourt, the Silverbacks will head to Luanda hoping to strengthen their World Cup qualification ambitions.
Silverbacks Squad
Point Guards: Nike Sibande Dejur Jr, Fayed Baale, Edrine Ekau
Shooting Guards: Marvin Musiime-Kamali, Robinson Odoch Opong, Blessed Phillip Mbogo
Small Forwards: Peter Obleng, Deng Geu John, Emmanuel Womala
Forwards/Centres: Jonathan Komagum, Titus Lual Odeke, Joel Paul Kayiira
