The city of Kampala is buzzing with excitement as it gears up to host the FIBA Africa Zone Five U18 Championship from June 9-14 at the Lugogo Indoor Arena.
The tournament promises to be a thrilling event, featuring the best young basketball talent from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the host nation, Uganda.
The home team, the Uganda Junior Gazelles, have already embarked on an intense preparation regimen under the watchful eyes of their experienced coaching duo, Head Coach John Omondi and Assistant Coach Andrew Tendo.
The training sessions, which started as non-residential camps, have now progressed to a full residential camp since June 2. The coaches are working tirelessly to ensure that the team is in top form for the competition.
John Omondi, a seasoned coach who also handles three other teams—Stormers Women Basketball Club, Ndejje Angeles, and Buddo Senior Secondary School—brings a wealth of experience and tactical knowledge to the table.
His assistant, Andrew Tendo, is the Senior National Men’s Team (The Silverbacks) assistant tactician and also coaches the top Uganda men’s side, City Oilers Basketball Club.
Together, Omondi and Tendo are focused on leading the Junior Gazelles to victory and securing the region’s sole ticket to the 2024 FIBA U18 African Championship in Pretoria, South Africa.
The preparation for this crucial event has been meticulous and comprehensive. “We have been in preparations since last year with periodic non-residential camps, into this year in getting the team ready,” a source from Kampala told FIBA.Basketball.
The 15 players selected for the residential camp are being put through rigorous training sessions, with the final roster expected to be unveiled just a few days before the tournament begins.
Kampala’s role as the host city is significant, marking the second time in two years that it will play host to this prestigious regional junior show. This event is not just about competition but also about unearthing future basketball stars.
The question on everyone’s mind is whether another standout player like Sylvia Nantongo will emerge. Nantongo was the star of the last tournament, earning the top scorer and Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors and leading her team to victory.
In the previous championship, Uganda topped the qualifiers with 9 points. Despite a loss to Rwanda, they still managed to claim the Zone 5 crown, securing their place in the final round.
The Junior Gazelles are now aiming to make a significant impact in their fourth appearance at the FIBA U18 Women African Championship, with their sights set firmly on a podium finish.
The tournament in Kampala is not just about the Junior Gazelles. It is also a celebration of basketball in the region and an opportunity for fans to rally behind their teams.
The Ugandan fans are known for their passionate support, and their energy will undoubtedly be a crucial factor in motivating the Junior Gazelles to perform at their best.
The stakes are high. The winner of the Zone Five U18 Championship will earn a spot in the 2024 FIBA U18 African Championships in Pretoria. From there, the best teams will proceed to the 2025 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cups.
Already headed for the continental championship are strong teams like Mali, Egypt, Angola, Madagascar, and hosts South Africa. The Junior Gazelles are determined to join this elite group and make Uganda proud on the international stage.
The journey to the World Cup is long and challenging, but with the tactical acumen of Omondi and Tendo, combined with the players’ dedication and the fans’ unwavering support, the Uganda Junior Gazelles are poised to give their all.
Their preparations have been thorough, and their spirit is high. As the tournament kicks off, all eyes will be on Kampala, hoping to witness the emergence of future basketball stars and the triumphant march of the Junior Gazelles towards their World Cup dream.
With everything in place and the team ready, Kampala is set to host an unforgettable FIBA Africa Zone Five U18 Championship.
The Junior Gazelles, driven by their ambition and backed by their fervent supporters, are prepared to showcase their prowess and strive for another continental outing. The excitement is palpable, and the stage is set for a week of high-octane basketball action in the heart of Uganda.
Photo: FIBA
