The Federation of Uganda Basketball Association has appointed Spanish basketball coach Alberto Antuna as the new head coach for Uganda’s female basketball side, the Gazelles.
Antuna replaces Nick Natuhereza, who has been in charge of the side since 2017 and also helped the UCU Lady Cardinals to the 2022 National Basketball League title.
Natureheza will be part of Antuna’s backroom staff, serving as an assistant coach, while Mavita Ali and Henry Malinga are part of the technical team.
“I am thrilled to start a new chapter in my career in Uganda and look forward to working with the coaches and the Gazelles program,” he told NBS Sport.
I am ready to get to know the city, the club, the fans and the culture and I want to contribute to the further development of basketball in Uganda,” Antuna added.
He is a young coach, and we want to build a program for our national team,” FUBA president Nasser Sserunjogi said of the 32-year-old during his unveiling.
“This is a long-term project, and he is here to help us build a program for the youth. We feel the time is right for us to move in this direction, and we shall have a better future for our Gazelles,” he added.
Antuna’s appointment is a welcome boost for the Gazelles, who have not had a competitive game in two years, after they were forced to pull out of the Afrobasket qualifiers in June 2021.
The Spaniard hails from Murcia, and despite his young age, he brings a lot of experience to Uganda on the Elbe.
He has previously worked as an assistant in the Spanish second division, helping teams like Palencia and Alicante to the ACB (Spanish highest league) promotion.
Internationally, Antuna was head coach of the Montenegrin women’s national team in the 2021/2022 season.
In August 2022, he was appointed assistant coach by German second-division side Dresden Titans, where he continues to serve.
Antuna’s immediate task will be to guide Uganda at the Zone Five Qualifiers as the side seeks a ticket to the Afrobasket.
The provisional squad for Zone Five in Lugogo due February 14-19, has been summoned and will immediately start preparations at Lugogo.
The Gazelles Provisional Squad:
Evelyne Nakiyingi (JKL Lady Dolphins), Winfred Akello (Miracle), Flavia Oketcho (JKL Lady Dolphins), Sarah Ageno (JT Lady Jaguars), Shakira Nanvubya (UCU Lady Canons), Bridget Aber (UCU Lady Canons), Fildauce Namuleme (KIU Rangers), Becky Longom (KCAA Leopards), Angella Namirimu (KCCA Leopards), Sarah Namale (Nabisunsa Girls), Brenda Ekone (JKL Lady Dolphins), Rebecca Anyu (KCCA Leopards), Shila Lamunu (Magic Stormers), Rita Imanishimwe (JKL Lady Dolphins), Amoding Moreen (JT Lady Jaguars), Perus Nyamwenge (KIU Rangers), Shadia Mbwali (Nkumba Lady Marines), Agatha Kamwada ( UCU Lady Canons), Diana Letaru (Magic Stormers), Azida Nabayunga (UCU Lady Canons), Zaina Lokwameri (JT Lady Jaguars), Margaret Bagaala (KU Ladies), Mary Amaniyo (KIU Rangers), Leticia Awor (KCCA Leopards), Faridah Kandondi (KU Ladies), Hope Akello (JKL), Sharon Kirabo (KIU Rangers), Sylvia Nantongo (SMASK)
