Team Profile: The Uganda Men's team is embarking on an ambitious mission to secure their fourth consecutive qualification for the prestigious 2025 Men's Afrobasket tournament. Building on its recent successes and steady progress, the team is determined to maintain its momentum and solidify its status as a formidable force.
Last Updated on
February 18, 2024
The Ugandan senior men's national basketball team, also known as the Silverbacks, has embarked on a quest to qualify for the 2025 FIBA Men’s AfroBasket. Under the leadership of new head coach Mandy Juruni, the Silverbacks are determined to secure their fourth consecutive qualification. Despite having only four days of preparation, the team is gearing up for the challenge ahead, with their sights set on the qualification phase beginning on February 23rd in Monastir, Tunisia.
As Mandy Juruni takes on his new role, he faces the responsibility of leading a roster of 13 players, including NBA veteran and Portland Trail Blazers forward star Ishmael Wainwright, along with Adam Seiko, who recently played for the PS Karlsruhe Lions in Germany's Pro A division. Uganda's upcoming matches will see them go head-to-head against Cape Verde and Nigeria, with the possibility of facing Libya or Morocco should these teams progress from the preliminaries.
Uganda Roster : Ish Wainwright, Bbale Fayed, Titus Odeke, James Okello, Tony Drileba, Ivan Muhwezi, Edgar Munaba, Stanley Mugerwa, Robinson Opong, Emmanuel Womala, Brandon Ssebirumbi, Joel Kayiira and AdamSeiko.
Head coach Mandy Juruni explains the need for continuity in experience due to a roster with a good mix of experienced players at this level and some newbies.
“We were looking to field a strong squad that includes players that have experience at this level while also ensuring continuity, with some new blood, which we have achieved.Chemistry is key in this campaign and with just four days of training before action begins, we are focusing on getting the basics right, mainly creativity as that will propel us to victory”
Recognising the high stakes, Mandy Juruni acknowledges the challenging task ahead on the coaching bench, mainly due to the exceptional shooting abilities of the opposing teams. He has made their objective for this competition abundantly clear.
‘’We have faced these teams before and are aware of what to expect. African basketball is physical and quick so we have to be ready for that. These teams shoot the ball well so we have to have defensive coverage. Our target is to win as many games as we can and compete hard throughout."
[Photo Credit: FIBA]
.jpg)
.jpg)
