Juruni hails friendlies as perfect test for Silverbacks' World Cup qualifier campaign

Silverbacks Friendly Fixtures

Wednesday
Uganda v Rwanda

Thursday
Uganda v South Sudan

Saturday
Uganda v Rwanda

Silverbacks head coach Mandy Juruni believes Uganda's three international friendly matches will provide the perfect platform to prepare his team for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers.

The national men's basketball team has entered a 10-day training camp ahead of the next qualification window, with matches against Rwanda and South Sudan lined up to test the squad.

Juruni expressed satisfaction with the opening days of camp and the players' response to the preparations.

"I am happy that we've brought the team early as we prepare for the second window. We are all excited to be here. I am looking forward to these 10 days. Day one has been good," Juruni said.

The Silverbacks began camp with a morning weight-training session before moving to the court for tactical drills as the technical team started implementing its plans.

Juruni noted that previous meetings against their opponents have given the coaching staff valuable insight ahead of the qualifiers.

"There are things that we know from having played the opponents months back. So with that in mind, it really gives a plan on how we should prepare for these games," he said.

Uganda will face Rwanda on Wednesday and Saturday, while South Sudan awaits on Thursday in what Juruni expects to be highly competitive encounters.

The coach believes the friendlies will allow the team to improve tactical execution, build chemistry, and assess player combinations before the qualifiers.

"These games are very important for us. They give us an opportunity to evaluate ourselves, improve our systems, and prepare the players mentally and physically for the challenges ahead," Juruni said.

The Silverbacks currently have nine players in camp, with captain Robinson Opong expected to join the squad soon. Two more foreign-based players are also due later in the week.

Uganda sits bottom of Group D after losses to Mali, Angola, and Egypt in the first qualifying window earlier this year.

"We know the situation we are in, but we also know what we need to do. The focus now is on improving every day, competing hard, and giving ourselves the best chance to get positive results in the qualifiers," he said.

The Silverbacks hope to build confidence from the friendlies as they continue their quest for a place at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 in Doha, Qatar.

Sixteen nations are competing for five places at the tournament, with the top three teams from each group progressing to the second round. All first-round results are carried forward, making every remaining game crucial in the race for qualification.