Yesterday, July 25, 2023, the Uganda Women’s National Basketball Team, the Gazelles, was flagged off for Kigali in preparation for the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2023 at the ONOMO hotel.
On June 16, 2023, the women arrived at the ONOMO Hotel to begin their training camp. Since then, they have been holding workouts at the MTN Arena Lugogo. On July 20, 2023, they played a select team from the National Basketball League in a practice game, winning 78-61.
The team also held its first practice session on yesterday, Tuesday night at the LDK Court in Kigali. The Gazelles hope to win the prized trophy this time around under the guidance of their Spanish head coach, Albert Antuna, anxious to atone for their narrow defeat in the 2021 competition.
“Our initial training session in Kigali is now finished. Everyone is fit and prepared for Friday’s competition. A few offensive and defensive situations were reviewed during the brief session. We’ll continue to work through Friday during the coming few days,” said head coach, Albert Antuna.
“This is the third time that Uganda is having the privilege of being in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket and this is the time that we have had the best preparation. We have had time together as a team, time to bond, and proper training. We call out to our fans, Kigali is only 8 hours so come and support the Gazelles,” Gazelles captain Flavia Oketcho.
With Mali and Senegal as opponents in Group C, the Ugandan team will enter the competition as underdogs but will be optimistic about pulling off a few surprises.
The 27th-ranked country in the world, Mali, is preparing for another exciting season in the continental tournament.
However, the Gazelles will not tolerate complacency and will strive to leave their imprint on the 2023 Afrobasket Women’s Championship. They are driven and hungry to triumph.
After successfully hosting the 2021 FIBA AfroBasket in the men’s category and three Basketball Africa League finals, preparations are in full swing as Kigali will welcome another international Basketball event, FIBA Women’s AfroBasket.
Final Gazelles Squad
Evelyn Nakiyingi
Flavia Oketcho (C)
Lydia Babirye
Brenda Ekon
Rita Imanishimwe
Priscilla Abby
Janon Otto
Hope Akello
Jane Asinde
Melissa Akullo
Claire Lamunu
Maria Najjuma
