Uganda eye Semi-Finals on debut at the FIBA Africa U18 Women's Championship

KAMPALA (2016 FIBA Africa U18 Women’s Championship) – Uganda’s U18 Women's team will be looking to make it to the last four when they make their first appearance at the upcoming FIBA Africa U18 Women's Championship which will take place from 26 August – 4 September in Cairo, Egypt.

As Zone 5 champions, the Junior Gazelles are keen to make an impression at the continental tournament that has attracted the top 12 teams on the African continent.

Uganda head coach Nelson Onyuta told FIBA.com that, "Our target is to make it to the Semi-Finals in Cairo, Egypt. It is our first time to compete at this level but we want to go as far as possible. Maybe the finals too. Who knows?"

Onyuta, who has been involved in grooming young girls for almost two decades now at Nabisunsa Girls Secondary School in the Ugandan capital city Kampala, says this is a lifetime opportunity to lead the Junior Gazelles to the big stage.

Uganda has sent both the men and women's senior teams as well as the U18 men's team to continental competitions in the last one year, a feat that replicates the rise of basketball in the ‘‘Pearl of Africa’’.

The Junior Gazelles however face the same challenge like the other three sides - poor preparations are likely to sabotage their anticipated last four finish.

Three dependable players that go to St Mary's Kitende Secondary School may not be available for the Cairo trip owing to commitments at the East Africa Secondary School Games in Eldoret, Kenya which are coinciding with the continental showpiece.

Onyuta will be hoping the trio of Everlyne Nakiyingi, Nadia Nagginda and Hope Akello will make it to Cairo as their presence will definitely add to their cause.

This year’s 12-team event will serve as qualifiers for the 2017 FIBA U19 Women’s World Championship.

The winners and the Runners-up will book the ticket for the event which will take place in the Italian city of Turin.

FIBA