Magic Stormers have finalized a seven-player signing spree as they prepare to represent Uganda at the FIBA Women’s Basketball League Africa Zone 5 Qualifiers, set for November 9 to 15 at Nyayo Gymnasium in Nairobi.
The Rubaga-based club, fresh from their first-ever semifinal appearance in the National Basketball League, will travel to Kenya on Saturday determined to make a strong regional statement.
Headlining the new arrivals is four-time consecutive NBL Most Valuable Player Hope Akello, who joins from reigning champions JKL Lady Dolphins. Akello’s signing adds both pedigree and leadership to a squad already on the rise.
She is joined by JKL teammates Ruth Letaru and Angela Zaina Lokwameri, both bringing experience from the championship-winning camp.
The Stormers have also secured versatile forward Sylvia Nakazibwe and young prospect Zoe Atek from UCU Lady Canons, teenage forward Shiprah Kiranda from Kibuli SS, and Christine Namyalo from UPDF Lady Tomahawks.
Assistant coach Emmanuel Gashugi told NBS Sport’s The Rebound that the signings are meant to ensure the Stormers do more than simply compete.
“We are building a team capable of performing at the highest level,” he said. “We believe this group can represent Uganda with pride.”
The players are registered solely for the continental competition and will return to their parent clubs afterward.
Magic Stormers earned the right to represent Uganda after finalists JT Lady Jaguars, champions JKL Lady Dolphins, and UCU Lady Canons failed to take part.
The team’s domestic rise has been marked by steady growth, including an NBL semi-final appearance after stunning KCCA Leopards in the quarter finals.
In Nairobi, the Stormers will face top regional clubs including Kenya Ports Authority and Zetech Sparks from Kenya, REG and APR from Rwanda, Gladiators and Hippos from Burundi, and Fox Divers from Tanzania.
The qualifiers will determine which teams advance to the main FIBA Women’s Basketball League Africa, whose reigning champions are Ferroviário de Maputo of Mozambique.
