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Natuhereza returns as Uganda Gazelles head coach

UCU Canons head coach Nicholas Natuhereza (L). PHOTO/JOHN BATANUDDE 

What you need to know:

Having coached the team between 2017 and 2023, Natuhereza was replaced by Alberto Antuna, who went on to guide the side to a seventh-place finish at Afrobasket in 2023.

Nicholas Natuhereza will have a second stint as Uganda Gazelles head coach following the departure of Goran Lojo.

Having coached the team between 2017 and 2023, Natuhereza was replaced by Alberto Antuna, who went on to guide the side to a seventh-place finish at Afrobasket in 2023.

Natuhereza now returns as head coach, with Lojo leaving the role to take on the role of Great Britain head coach.

In a press statement released on Monday, Fuba announced the changes made to the technical team.

“Nick Natuhereza will be the head coach for the Gazelles at the upcoming Fiba Zone V Qualifiers in Cairo, Egypt,” Fuba President Nasser Sserunjogi said.

“While Goran Lojo was initially set to lead the team, he opted for another opportunity and we wish all the best,” Sserunjogi added.

Lojo, who took up the head coach role in November 2023, leaves the team without managing any competitive game.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina national held a camp with the team in Germany in July last year but that has turned out to be his last activity as Gazelles head coach.

“We trust that Nick’s knowledge and experience will guide the team to success.”

Skipper Jean Asinde (L) and Janon Otto. PHOTO/COURTESY 

Natuhereza will be assisted by KIU Titans head coach while City Oilers’ assistant coach Ben Komakech will serve as the team’s Video Analyst.

Natuhereza ready

The UCU Canons tactician has coached national teams for over ten years, ranging from the Junior Silverbacks to the 3X3 sides.

He also serves as Uganda's technical director.

“I accept the challenge. It’s always an honour to be in this position as head coach,” Natuhereza said after the appointment.

“Hopefully, we can do some good things and qualify for Afrobasket,” he added.

The appointment comes at a time when the Uganda Gazelles are turning their focus to the Fiba Zone V Afrobasket Qualifiers slated for February in Cairo, Egypt.

Having finished second in the last qualifiers, the Gazelles will be looking to book a direct ticket to the continental showpiece.

Hosts Egypt, Rwanda and Kenya are the three countries that have often challenged the Gazelles during the qualifiers.

The team is expected to kick off preparations for the qualifiers on Tuesday.

Uganda Gazelles coaching staff

Head coach: Nicholas Natuhereza

Assistant coach: Julius Lutwama

Video Analyst: Ben Komakech