The Uganda Silverbacks are set to begin their 2027 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers campaign with a challenging opener against Angola on Thursday, February 26th, at 9pm Uganda time at Borg El Arab Arena in Alexandria, Egypt.
Drawn in Group D alongside Angola, Mali, and Egypt, Uganda faces a tough challenge as they look to secure one of the top three spots to advance to the second round.
Acting head coach Mande Juruni, stepping in after Goran Lojo withdrew due to illness, expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparations.
“The team has been here for four days before I came in, we had a plan with the coaches who were here and am happy with the preparations so far. The most important thing is not just the training we have done here but I think 98% of players are actively playing in different leagues this also helps a lot,” he said.
He noted the value of recent team gatherings and the impact of key players.
“We have been together a couple of months ago and this too has helped being together not long ago. Every time you have a player whose impactful like Nike Dejur Sibande it real helps a lot,” Juruni stated.
However, he pointed lack of creativity especially from the guards as a key problem encountered in the AfroBasket. However, he expressed confidence in him being in the team to solve most of their earlier problems.
“We have a good group of young boys and experienced players. With a mixture of that I believe we will be ok. We have to respect Angola as they are the African champs. We have to be physically and mentally ready for a battle,” Juruni added.
Uganda’s last meeting with Angola in February 2023 saw the Silverbacks fall 82-49 in Luanda during the FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers.
The two sides have met three times in the last decade, with Angola winning all encounters, including an 84-62 victory in August 2022 and a 94-89 win at the 2017 FIBA AfroBasket.
After their opener, Uganda will face Mali on Saturday, February 28, at 9pm Uganda time, before concluding the group phase against hosts Egypt. .
