Uganda’s national women’s basketball team, the Gazelles, begin their journey to the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket with a crucial opening match against Kenya in the Zone V Women’s AfroBasket Qualifiers.
The game, set to kick off today at 4:30 pm EAT, will be played at the Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall in Egypt.
With the bitter memory of their 2023 qualifiers loss to Kenya still fresh, the Gazelles will be determined to set the tone for a stronger campaign.
In the last qualifiers held in Kampala in 2023, Uganda fell 53-61 to Kenya in the opening game at Lugogo’s MTN Arena, a result they will be eager to overturn.
This time, head coach Nicholas Natuhereza has emphasized the team’s readiness, highlighting their ability to adapt to the new environment despite the cooler conditions in Egypt.
“We have been adjusting well to the new environment.” Coach Nick explained.
Despite the cold weather conditions in Egypt, the coach notes that the squad has benefited from reduced travel time between accommodation and training facilities, allowing them ample rest ahead of their opening game.
Leading the charge for the Gazelles will be captain Jane Asinde, who plies her trade in China, supported by key additions such as guard Paige Robinson, who previously trained with the team in Germany.
The experienced duo of Jamila Nansikombi and Claire Lamunu will add depth, while Melissa Akullo’s presence bolsters the team’s inside play.
Despite the absence of 2023 top scorer Janon Otto due to injury, the Gazelles remain confident in their ability to challenge for the title.
Agatha Kamwada, one of the team’s key players, reiterated their collective commitment, affirming their readiness to compete.
“So far, we are on the same page. We can’t wait to get started. We are ready to ball and make our nation proud,” she noted.
After facing Kenya, Uganda will take on hosts and defending zone champions Egypt tomorrow before battling South Sudan and Burundi on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.
The top teams from these encounters will be in contention for a spot at the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Uganda last qualified for the AfroBasket through a wildcard entry in 2023 after finishing as runners-up to Egypt in the qualifiers held in Kampala.
This year, they seek a more assured qualification, with six remaining slots for the continental showpiece still available.
So far, Ivory Coast (hosts), Nigeria (defending champions), Senegal (runners-up), Rwanda and Mali (semi-finalists), and Cameroon (Zone IV winners) have already secured their spots.
The Zone V qualifiers will run until Saturday, February 8, with Uganda eyeing a direct ticket to the finals.
