Silverbacks to make most of Invitational
Keep The Flag Afloat. NCS’ Katende (C) handing over the national flag to Silverbacks captain Omony yesterday. PHOTO By ISMAIL KEZAALA
What you need to know:
- The team was flagged off on Tuesday morning by NCS assistant General Secretary David Katende Ssemakula.
- With all summoned players expected to feature at the tournament, the Silverbacks will also have George Galanapolous who is also the assistant coach at Texas Legends.
KAMPALA. The national basketball team - Silverbacks prior to the first leg of the first round qualifiers in Mali held a 10-day training camp in the West African country.
Despite the relatively early preparations, aided by the Shs1b kitty from government, the team was still not able to have some of the summoned players Stanley Ocitti and Brandon Sebirumbi in time for the camp.
Ahead of the second leg due at the end of this month in Nigeria, the Mohamed Santur-led national team committee have organised what appear to be even better preparations.
The Silverbacks depart early tomorrow morning having registered for the International Istanbul Tournament due June 15-21 at Adalet Turan Sport Convention Center in the Turkish capital.
Uganda are placed in Group B with Cameroon, Iran and Bahrain while 11-time record African champions Angola, Jordan, Iraq and Kuwait are in Group A.
“It is very important for us as a team to play this tournament in Istanbul because it will give us a clearer picture on where we are as a team and also help us to make the necessary adjustments before we head to Lagos,” captain Stephen Omony noted.
With all summoned players expected to feature at the tournament, the Silverbacks will also have George Galanapolous who is also the assistant coach at Texas Legends.
The Texan was the Silverbacks head coach at the AfroBasket tournament last year alongside Mandy Juruni and Omar Barajab.
The team was flagged off on Tuesday morning by NCS assistant General Secretary David Katende Ssemakula.
The Silverbacks sit second in their World Cup qualifying Pool behind Nigeria and ahead of Mali and Rwanda with the top three nations progressing to the next phase.
