Tough Egyptian path for Afrobasket qualification

Jan 25, 2017

Uganda broke its Afrobasket duck in spectacular fashion in 2014

FIBA Zone V Afrobasket Qualifiers

Host: Cairo, Egypt (Mar 12-18)

With Egypt now the confirmed host for the 2017 FIBA Zone V Afrobasket Qualifiers, the focus for Mohammed Santur and the Team Uganda Management Committee (TUMC) is swiftly shifting to pulling off a successful expedition away from home comforts. 

Home advantage was a crucial ingredient in Uganda's duo qualification in the last Qualifiers and that realisation means the Gazelles and Silverbacks will prepare with an expectation of a tougher campaign ahead. 

"We are preparing like it's going to be a full house (and it's going to be hard to make it)," TUMC chairman Mohammed Santur told New Vision Sport

"I think it's likely that only three countries will take part in these qualifiers (because they are being held in Egypt) but we can't take anything for granted. We are going to organise like everyone is coming." 

Uganda broke its Afrobasket duck in spectacular fashion in 2014, as both the women and men booked their tickets in front of ecstatic fans.

While both teams finished near the bottom than the top in the subsequent Afrobasket Championships, the experience left a lasting impression and basketball governing body FUBA are eager to return to the continental showpiece. 

Moreover, all 16 Afrobasket finalists will be graded into a top division that will subsequently simplify their future qualification campaigns. 

Two qualification tickets are available at the Zone V qualifiers in both categories and hosts Egypt will fancy their chances of grabbing a berth for both their teams.   

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