When Uganda’s Magic Stormers arrived in Nairobi for the 2025 FIBA Women’s Basketball League Africa Zone 5 Qualifiers, one question hung in the air, Were they ready?
The results spoke loudly, four games, four losses, and a campaign that ended almost before it began.
A campaign that began off-kilter
Coached by John Omondi, the Stormers’ tournament started in chaos. Their opening fixture never tipped off, Burundi’s Gladiators were handed a 20–0 walkover after the Ugandan side failed to show up due to a uniform mix-up.
It was a costly and embarrassing mistake. In tournaments of this magnitude, showing up is the simplest form of readiness, and missing a game over uniforms signaled deeper cracks.
Their second game against Tanzania’s Foxes Divas offered a flicker of hope. Christine Namyalo dropped 18 points in a spirited effort, but turnovers and fatigue doomed them to a 68–55 defeat.
What followed was brutal. Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) outclassed the Stormers 94–41, exposing a wide gap in experience, tactics, and intensity.
The campaign ended with a 70–50 loss to Rwanda’s APR, sealing a winless outing for Uganda’s representatives.
What went wrong?
1. Logistical failures
The opening walkover summed it up. No team can thrive with such disorganization. Uniform and travel issues are basics that must be handled long before tip-off.
2. Short bench, Short chances
Despite additions like Shiphra Kiranda, Slyvia Nakituuka, Zoe Atek, Christine Namyalo, Hope Akello, Ruth Letaru, and Angella Zaina Lokwameri, the Stormers reportedly fielded just eight active players.
With only 4 (Namyalo, Lokwameri, Nakituuka and Atek) out of the 7 appearing, there was such limited rotation, fatigue quickly set in and options dried up.
3. A wide competitiveness gap
Against KPA, the difference in pace, precision, and teamwork was glaring. The Stormers struggled to keep up, especially in first halves where deficits grew beyond recovery.
4. Inconsistency and Poor adjustments
Even in promising stretches like winning the second quarter 16–14 against Foxes Divas, the Stormers couldn’t sustain momentum.
Third-quarter collapses were common, showing tactical inconsistency and poor in-game adjustments.
So, Were they ready?
No, not completely. The Stormers came with heart but lacked the preparation and structure needed at this level.
Readiness in elite basketball demands more than desire, it requires planning, discipline, and depth.
Still, this experience wasn’t wasted. Facing strong regional sides exposed their weaknesses and offered valuable lessons.
Every fall can become a foundation for growth, if the lessons are taken seriously.
The road ahead
If the Stormers want to bounce back, the path is Long but clear
- Win the Championship
With this being decided from the board room, with JKL Lady Dolphins and UCU Lady Canons pulling the coin fell on the Stormers not JT Lady Jaguars who were the first runners up since FUBA had to decide before the Playoffs Championship end.
However next time, they may need to qualify after winning the Championship
- Get the basics right
No more logistical mistakes for example they have to carry more than one Uniform.
- Build Depth
A 10–12 player rotation is essential.
- Prepare harder
Play high-intensity friendlies before major tournaments.
- Tighten tactics
Reduce turnovers and stay composed in third quarters, something seen frequently in their cut short campaign.
- Analyze and adapt
Use scouting and video review to improve decision-making, something done on the elite stages like the teams which advance to the WBLA stage.
Final word
The Magic Stormers went to face their Zone 5 Qualifiers debut in Nairobi with hope but left with hard truths. Readiness isn’t about showing up, it’s about being prepared in every detail.
The talent and spirit are there, what’s missing is consistency, something you can attribute to the players age – a team well known as the breeding place for most of the elite ballers in Women’s basketball like Jane Asinde and many more.
The challenge now is to turn painful lessons into progress. Because readiness, as the Stormers learned, isn’t claimed, it’s proven on the court and with Youngsters Angela Auma and company, they will have to get better in the upcoming season.
