Uganda’s national senior Men (Silverbacks) and Women (Gazelles) teams will face Kenya national teams in friendly clashes on Saturday.
The games are lined up to prepare the sides ahead of the qualifiers of 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and the African Championships.
Uganda’s contingent will depart on Thursday 29, November to Nairobi ahead of the friendlies in Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi.
Stephen Omony (City Oilers) and Flavia ‘Flirsh’ Oketcho will captain the Silverbacks and Gazelles respectively.
Both teams are made up of ten players each. All are locally based – play in the National Basketball league.
The two teams (Silverbacks and Gazelles) have been training at Gems Cambridge school and MTN Arena in Lugogo.
Coach Nicholas Natuhereza and Ali Mavita will take charge of the Women team while Coach Mandy Juruni will help out the Silverbacks.
East Africa’s hottest cake Jamila Nansikombi who was recently named in the All stars team at the concluded 2018 FIBA Africa Women Champions cup will be the star to watch for the Women team.
Against Kenya, Uganda will face familiar faces like Desmond Blacio (Cobras, Australia), Brian Namake (JKL Dolphins, Uganda) and Philip Ameny (Betway Power).
Kenya will face Cameroon on Tuesday night, in one of the other friendly lined up for the team.
The Teams
Silverbacks:
Jimmy Enabu (City Oilers), Joseph Ikong (Betway Power), Mark Okidi Opiyo (Warriors), Syrus Kiviiri (Warriors), Ben Komakech (City Oilers), Stephen Omony (City Oilers), Geoffrey Soro (Betway Power), James Okello (City Oilers), Joseph Chuma (KIU Titans) and Stanley Mugerwa (Warriors).
The Gazelles
Flavia Oketcho (JKL), Sylvia Nakazibwe (KCCA), Rita Imanishimwe (JKL), Ekon Brenda (Nkumba), Judith Nansobya (KCCA), Jamila Nansikombi (JKL), Zainah Lokwameri (UCU), Sarah Ageno (UCU), Hope Akello (JKL) and Martha Soigi (KCCA).
