Anyango: Youngster aiming for Afrobasket glory with Gazelles

Following her impressive performance last year in the FIBA Zone V U18 Women’s AfroBasket qualifiers, 17-year-old Maxine Anyango is among the 10 players currently training in Lugogo ahead of the Fiba Zone V Women’s Afrobasket qualifiers, which are set to tip off next month in Egypt.

Anyango made headlines as the MVP at the U18 Zone V Qualifiers and also represented Uganda at the Basketball Without Borders camp.

Her efforts were pivotal in helping Uganda secure a historic fourth-place finish in the finals of the Fiba U18 Women’s AfroBasket held in South Africa.

Rising star

At just 17, Anyango is among the final 12 players summoned by Uganda women’s national basketball team head coach Nick Natuhereza.

The gazelles are in the Cairo, Egypt for the Fiba Africa Zone Afrobasket qualifiers.

Anyango’s inclusion in the team comes on the back of her stellar performance at last year’s Fiba Zone V U18 Women’s AfroBasket qualifiers, which Uganda hosted at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium.

She was instrumental in Uganda’s success, contributing nine points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in the final against Rwanda, which Uganda won.

Her consistent performance extended to the U18 AfroBasket tournament in South Africa, where she posted averages of 10.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2 assists per game.

Bright future

Coach Natuhereza’s decision to include Anyango in the provisional squad was also influenced by her leadership and impact on the Junior Gazelles.

She joined fellow youngsters Zoe Atek and Sarah Namale, who were also vital in Uganda’s 2022 championship campaign.

 “It’s always good to have young players joining the team, learning from people who are a little bit more experienced, and gaining confidence,” said Jane Asinde, captain of the Gazelles, after the second training session. “I know they can play at any level, and it’s good to have them because they also push us to stay fit.”

Anyango expressed her excitement about the opportunity, calling it one of the biggest surprises of the year. 

“When they called me and said that I was on the national team, I even cried. I couldn’t believe that it was true, but yes, it was,” Anyango said with excitement evident on her face.

Despite being the youngest player on the team, she’s determined to prove herself and earn a spot on the final squad. 

“These guys are stronger than me, yes, it’s true, but I am better than some of them. I will just work hard and make sure that I make it to the final squad,” she explained.

In just five days of training, she’s already gained valuable experience from her senior teammates.

“It’s an honor to be here because I’ve learned a lot. My confidence has improved, and so has my energy. But I also show them what I can do, they push me, I push them too. It's a learning process,” Anyango noted.

Journey

Anyango’s basketball journey began in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown. At the time, she was in Primary Seven, preparing for her Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE). 

With schools closed, she joined a study group in Kamwokya, unaware that it was also a basketball team. Initially a netball player, Anyango had no knowledge of basketball until she started playing with the group.

“I didn’t even know that there’s a game called basketball,” Anyango recalled. “But one day they told me we’re going for training, and I just followed. When I reached, I followed the instructions and found out that I can actually play basketball. Since then, I’ve loved the sport, and the coaches also started giving me extra attention - maybe because they saw something special in me.” she said

In 2021, she attended trials at St. Noa Girls School Zzana, one of Uganda’s top basketball schools. She excelled, earning a bursary and joining the school’s team. Since then, she has never looked back, trading netball for basketball without regrets.

Now in Senior Three, Anyango skillfully balances her studies with her basketball career. 

“I always get people who are brighter than me in class to help and ask for what I miss when I’m away from basketball. It’s better to ask a fellow student because I learn even better that way than when it’s the teacher teaching,” Anyango explained.

Her first national team call-up came last year when she was selected for the Junior Gazelles, who competed at the FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket in South Africa. This senior team call-up is a dream come true for her.

Role models

Anyango looks up to players like Jane Asinde, captain of the Gazelles, and Hope Akello, last season’s Women’s National Basketball League MVP. Inspired by their journeys, Anyango dreams of playing professional basketball and is determined to work hard to achieve that goal.

“I would like to go to the United States because it’s the best country in the world that plays basketball,” she added.

Looking Ahead

As the Gazelles flew out to Cairo, Anyango was hoping to use the experience to hone her skills further.

The team is focused on securing a spot at the 2025 Fiba women’s Afrobasket, and Anyango’s story serves as a testament to the bright future of basketball in Uganda.

Fact file

Name: Maxine Anyango

School: St. Noa Girls School Zzana

Age: 17

Residence: Kamwokya

Sport: Basketball

Position: Forward

Individual Accolades: MVP at Fiba U18 Zone V Afrobasket Qualifiers