LUGOGO – For the first time, Uganda’s Junior Woman National team, the Junior Gazelles are going to take part in the upcoming 2019 FIBA Women’s Africa Champions in Rwanda.
The tournament will be hosted by Rwanda from 26 July to 4 August and the top two teams will qualify for the 2020 FIBA Under-17 Women’s Basketball World Cup in Romania.
The team which is coached by Rogers Sserunyingo and Harriet Lubowa has been flagged off today (Thursday) and will depart for Kigali on Friday, July 26.
They have been training in a residential setting at the African Bible University in Lubowa since July 16.
The Junior Gazelles will face competition from the record five time reigning champions Mali, Egypt, Angola, South Africa, Tanzania, Mozambique and hosts Rwanda in a battle for the continental trophy.
While flagging off the team, FUBA president Nasser Sserunjogi revealed to the press that the sport is facing many challenges which of course include finances but he won’t sit back and wait.
“We have had challenges in finances but we can’t sit back and wait, we have to do everything in our means so that we can represent and fly the flag high,” said Sserunyigo.
He also called upon the government through National Council for Sports to give financial assistance.
“I call upon the government through NCS that this is neither a personal team nor the federations, it has to be funded by the government. “He added
Full Squad
Players – Esther Kwagala, Mary Najjuma, Shilla Aber Lamunu, Patience Nantume, Sharifah Nalwadda, Lydia Babirye, Sylvia Namuddu, Joyce Nyapendi, Regina Ajuma, Penitah Nabakooza, Michelle Aber Linda, Mary Moses Amanyo.
Coaches – Roger Sserunyigo and Harriet Lubowa
Head of Delegation – Hudson Ssegamwenge (General Secretary, FUBA)
