In a bid to have the national women’s basketball team, the Gazelles, qualify for the AfroBasket qualifiers, the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) has hired Spanish coach Alberto Antuña to lead the side.

Antuña was unveiled during a press conference that was held at Hotel Africana on Monday morning.

“I really appreciate the opportunity to be here in Uganda to coach the national team to the AfroBasket qualifiers. For me, it’s an exciting chance to come to Africa for the first time in life and to coach in Africa. I am so proud," he said.

“I have been in women's basketball for a long time and I have gathered a lot of information about the Gazelles, and I believe we are going to put up a good performance in the Zone 5 Qualifiers,” Antuña said.

FUBA president Nasser Sserunjogi expressed confidence that the Spaniard will get the job done with his vast experience.

“We believe that with the experience he has, he will handle the team well. He is a young coach and we are confident that even our local coaches will learn a lot from him,” stated Sserunjogi.

“This is a big event for our women’s basketball since we have not been at this stage for eight years now due to lack of funds to participate,” he added.

Antuña will be assisted by coaches Nick Natuhereza, Mavita Ali, Henry Malinga and Rogers Sserunyigo.

He has previously coached in the German Pro League on top of serving as an assistant coach at the Montenegro national team.

28 players have been summoned to start a 10-day non-residential training at Lugogo Arena immediately, however, the team will be trimmed to 15 players who will enter residential training until the tournament.

Players summoned are Evelyn Nakiyinji (JKL), Flavia Oketcho (JKL), Shakira Nanvubya (UCU), Fildauce Namuleme (KIU), Angella Namirimu (KCCA), Brenda Ekone (JKL), Shillah Lamunu (Magi Stormers), Ritah Imanishimwe (JKL), Moreen Amoding (JT Lady Jaguars), Perus Nyamwenge (KIU), Shadia Mbwali (Nkumba), Agatha Kamwanda (UCU), Diana Letaru (Magic Stormers), Azida Nabayunga (UCU), Zaina Lokwameri (JT Jaguars), Margaret Bagala (KU Ladies), Mary Amaniyo (KIU), Leticia Awor (KCCA), Faridah Kadondi (KU), Hope Akello (JKL), Sharon Kirabo (KIU), Sylivia Nantongo (St. Mary’s Kitende), Winfred Akello (Miracle), Sarah Ageno (JT Jaguars), Bridget Aber (UCU), Becky Longom (KCCA), Sarah Namale (Nabisunsa) and Rebecca Anyu (KCCA).

The FIBA Zone V Afro Basketball 2023 qualifiers will take place from February 14-19 at Lugogo Arena.