Uganda continue to seek continental presence

KAMPALA (FIBA Africa U18 Championship 2016) – Debutants Uganda finished ninth following a 70-66 win over Gabon in the classification game at the just concluded FIBA Africa U18 Championship in Kigali, Rwanda.

With two wins from six games, the Junior Silverbacks put up a fight in the midst of unfamiliar territory most notably after they were placed in the group of death – Group B.

Facing eventual champions Angola,as well as Egypt and Tunisia on their premier threw Uganda straight into the deep end but better to gain exposure the first time out to understand the stakes of playing at a continental tournament that attracts the best sides.

“I think we did well given who we were up against, the competition and limited preparations we had before the tournament,” explains Uganda head coach Nick Natuhereza.

Uganda defeated Kenya in the Zone 5 qualifiers but their journey was marred by poor preparations virtually less than a week’s training in the capital of Kampala.

From the pan and into the fire, Uganda opened their account in Kigali against fellow newcomers and neighbours Democratic Republic of Congo but despite a spirited performance, they fell 79-61.

On to eventual finalists, Uganda minimized damage against Egypt losing 87-48 but Angola was too strong an opponent falling short 105-59.

However, an inner search for solace saw the Junior Silverbacks pick up their first win against minnows Benin 83-57 much to their delight to produce a renewed fight for their remaining fixtures.

Complacency and the lack of experience in the last quarter were to blame for Uganda’s fourth loss at the tournament to Tunisia 89-73 but they still had to fight for a good placing in the classification games.

A rather hard-fought win over Gabon set the precedent for a return to this tournament with the target of making it to the inner circle perhaps a quarterfinal finish.

We are going to mobilize resources, identify talent at a much earlier stage, groom and expose them through training and competitions. Basically invest in the youth because they are the future.-Natuhereza

Natuhereza says, “Being able to get that last win for ninth considering that we had lost a tough one to Tunisia and that we managed to bounce back was huge.”

The 32-year old, who has been coaching for seven years in the topflight division in Uganda, is rather thrilled by the opportunity to lead out Uganda on her debut and he admits that he has taken several lessons from the experience.

Ugandan coach Nick Natuhereza at FIBA Africa U18 championship 2016 in Kigali,Rwanda

“To be the first to bring Uganda to this level was special and an honour. I learnt a lot and I look forward to many more experiences like this,” admits Natuhereza but that is not all as he looks to lay a firm foundation for another return to this level. 

“We are going to mobilize resources, identify talent at a much earlier stage, groom and expose them through training and competitions. Basically invest in the youth because they are the future.”

Uganda will be looking to groom more players like captain Mathew Samuel Ochieng, a leader on and off the court, also a symbol of the future of basketball in the Pearl of Africa.

Natuhereza does not hide his admiration for Ochieng, “He was great and I wish he had more help. He definitely is one for the future and this experience and exposure will help him grow. I am sure it is not the last we have seen him at continental level.”

Playing along the legendary forward in Henry Malinga at his club side KIU Titans, Ochieng has an opportunity to learn from the best.

"It is fun playing with Henry. He was my first coach in high school at Kibuli Secondary School so this means a lot to me. I want to be like him and represent Uganda at AfroBasket. That is my dream right now," reveals Ochieng. 

For him to achieve this, more effort has to be put into collecting resources through an intentional plan by Government and the private sector if Uganda is to maintain prowess in the Zone 5 region.

Grace Kwizera, a member of the Uganda national team management committee is optimistic at the future and says some sponsors have shown commitment to this cause already. 

FIBA