Five things that will define Uganda

What you need to know:

Back in June, the basketball fraternity here was seething in anger following the postponement of the Fiba Africa Zone V Nations Championships. The Fiba-Africa secretariat gave no clear reason for the change and three months looked distant but, well, time has flown and the tournament starts tomorrow. Can Uganda add to the 2005 title writes SCOREs ISMAIL DHAKABA KIGONGO.

Preparations
This is one of few occasions when preparations for a tournament of this stature have been meticulous.
A national committee was formed and their eyes have been on the prize for almost two years.

Since the last event in Dar-es Salaam, the team has played in Zanzibar’s Mapinduzi Cup and a catalogue of friendlies.

Mombasa lessons
Not often does Uganda fill its quota for the Fiba Africa Zone V Basketball Club Championship. In Mombasa this year, Uganda did as men’s side City Oilers and Tiger Head Power made the journey.

Similarly, rivals KCCA Leopards and UCU Lady Canons also competed there.

Playing at that level can only leave the players in good stead as they faced many of the players they will face this week bar Egypt.

Absentees
The men’s side is without centre Brandon Ssebirumbi, who couldn’t travel. While his absence will be felt, the women’s team has a bigger task.
Two MVPs, Maureen Amoding and Peace Proscovia, are absent though the latter might just return from Botswana in time for the latter stages of the tournament.

Favourites & prize
Egypt, Somalia, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya will be favourites in that order. The addition of foreign-based players and home advantage can swing this in favour of Uganda.
However, knowing how big the prize is, every team will give it a go. The two finalists will qualify for the Afrobasket and next year’s All Africa Games in Congo Brazaville.
The All Africa Games roll the wheels for qualification for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. Who wouldn’t want a shot at that?

Coaches’ call
Coaches Mandy Juruni (men) and Timothy Odeke (women) have had to make some huge calls. Juruni chose Samuel Kalwanyi and Andrew Opio, who were not in the picture three months ago.

Odeke has Lynn Nalunkuma in the side, after her return from India but the discussion will be dominated by the players unavailable to him.