FUBA has confirmed the provisional squad for the national women’s basketball team — the Gazelles — that will take part in Women’s AfroBasket in Kigali, Rwanda. 

The squad of 19, consists of 10 locally-based players, all competing in the top flight – the National Basketball League. 

The ten locally-based players are the same that represented Uganda at the Zone V championships in February this year. 

JKL Lady Dolphins take the lion’s share with six players – Evelyn Nakiyinji, Flavia Oketcho, Brenda Ekone, Rita Imanishimwe and Hope Akello. 

The foreign–based players are led by Janon Otto and Maria Najjuma who return to the squad after a gripping show in the Zone Vs. 

Shakira Nanvubya whose minutes have been limited due to injury this season, alongside UCU teammates Sheila Lamunu and Bridget Aber, have made the cut. 

Sharon Kirabo, Rose Amaniyo, Angella Namirimu and Kur Ajah have been ignored despite their good displays this season. 

Alberto Antuna will be the head coach of the team and he will be assisted by Nicholas Natuhereza and Mavita Ali. 

Juan Ferreira (video coordinator), Etyang Vincent (team doctor) and Ntale Vicky (team manager) are also part of the backroom staff.

The preparations ahead of the tourney start Sunday, July 2, with sessions at Lugogo and the Africa Bible University in Lubowa. 

The final team will then head to Kigali for a residential camp starting July 15. 

The Gazelles will make their third appearance on the continent after debuting in 1997 and at the 2015 edition held in Cameroon. 

Squad

Domestic: Evelyn Nakiyinji (JKL), Flavia Oketcho (JKL), Shakira Nanvubya (UCU), Brenda Ekone (JKL), Sheila Lamunu (UCU), Rita Imanishimwe (JKL), Leticia Awor (JKL), Hope Akello (JKL), Bridget Aber (UCU), Sarah Ageno (JT)

Foreign: Victoria Mukisa (Simpson College), Lydia Babirye (Victoria Christian High), Jamila Nansikombi (Troy University), Priscilla Abby (Grayson College), Jannon Otto (Eastern M, Australia), Jane Aside (UTEP), Mellisa Akullo (Vanguard), Claire Lamunu, Maria Najjuma.