Sports
Silverbacks build confidence with Rwanda win ahead of Angola test
Silverbacks head coach Mandy Juruni after Saturday's game said he was pleased with the progress made by his players, although he stressed that more work remains before the competitive fixtures begin.
The Silverbacks will continue training in Kigali until Monday before travelling to Luanda on Tuesday. (Courtesy photo / FUBA)
By: Chrispus Baluku, Journalist @New Vision
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Uganda’s Silverbacks have taken encouragement from their 68–65 victory over Rwanda in their second international friendly in Kigali as they step up preparations for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers in Luanda, Angola.
The win came three days after Uganda had lost the first friendly 89–83 to the same opponents, a match in which a poor second quarter allowed Rwanda to build an 18-point half-time lead.
The friendly matches formed part of Uganda’s build-up to the second window of the qualifiers, with the team set to continue sharpening its form ahead of a demanding schedule in Angola.
Silverbacks head coach Mandy Juruni after Saturday's game said he was pleased with the progress made by his players, although he stressed that more work remains before the competitive fixtures begin.
"I believe that we can get better and improve as a team. I am happy that I have seen a lot of progress and I am happy with the work we are doing. We still have a lot of work to do," Juruni said.
He noted that the team must improve its concentration, cut down on errors and increase its physical intensity.
"We need to improve our focus. We still need to work on the things we are struggling with and improve our physicality."
Juruni also praised the fighting spirit shown by his squad during the friendly matches.
"It was good to see the boys compete. There were so many good things that we did in the game. Obviously, there are some mistakes that we made, but as a whole, we learnt many lessons again."
"I believe that we can get better and improve as a team. I am happy that I have seen a lot of progress and I am happy with the work we are doing. We still have a lot of work to do," Juruni said.
He noted that the team must improve its concentration, cut down on errors and increase its physical intensity.
"We need to improve our focus. We still need to work on the things we are struggling with and improve our physicality."
Juruni also praised the fighting spirit shown by his squad during the friendly matches.
"It was good to see the boys compete. There were so many good things that we did in the game. Obviously, there are some mistakes that we made, but as a whole, we learnt many lessons again."
Uganda’s planned friendly against South Sudan was cancelled after the visitors failed to assemble a full squad.
The Silverbacks will continue training in Kigali until Monday before travelling to Luanda on Tuesday.
Uganda heads into the qualifiers still searching for its first win after losing all three matches in the opening window in Alexandria, Egypt. The Silverbacks fell 90–68 to Angola, 84–73 to Mali and 91–52 to Egypt to finish bottom of Group D.
Recent history also favours their opponents. Uganda has lost four previous meetings against both Angola and Mali, and seven against Egypt.
Uganda opens the second qualifying window against hosts Angola on Thursday before facing Mali on Saturday and Egypt on Sunday.
Angola will be aiming to recover from a narrow defeat to Mali in the first window and will rely on home advantage as they seek to strengthen their qualification push.
Mali have been boosted by the return of influential centre Aliou Diarra, who missed the opening window, while Egypt will be looking to recover from an inconsistent campaign in Alexandria despite winning two of their home games.
Sixteen African nations are competing for five places at the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Doha, Qatar. The top three teams in each group will advance to the second round, with all first-round results carried forward, making every fixture crucial.
Squad: Nike Sibande Dejur Jr, Fayed Baale, Edrine Ekau, Marvin Musiime-Kamali, Robinson Odoch Opong (captain), Blessed Phillip Mbogo, Peter Obleng, Deng Geu, Emmanuel Womala, Jonathan Komagum, Titus Lual Odeke, Joel Paul Kayiira.
The Silverbacks will continue training in Kigali until Monday before travelling to Luanda on Tuesday.
Uganda heads into the qualifiers still searching for its first win after losing all three matches in the opening window in Alexandria, Egypt. The Silverbacks fell 90–68 to Angola, 84–73 to Mali and 91–52 to Egypt to finish bottom of Group D.
Recent history also favours their opponents. Uganda has lost four previous meetings against both Angola and Mali, and seven against Egypt.
Uganda opens the second qualifying window against hosts Angola on Thursday before facing Mali on Saturday and Egypt on Sunday.
Angola will be aiming to recover from a narrow defeat to Mali in the first window and will rely on home advantage as they seek to strengthen their qualification push.
Mali have been boosted by the return of influential centre Aliou Diarra, who missed the opening window, while Egypt will be looking to recover from an inconsistent campaign in Alexandria despite winning two of their home games.
Sixteen African nations are competing for five places at the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Doha, Qatar. The top three teams in each group will advance to the second round, with all first-round results carried forward, making every fixture crucial.
Squad: Nike Sibande Dejur Jr, Fayed Baale, Edrine Ekau, Marvin Musiime-Kamali, Robinson Odoch Opong (captain), Blessed Phillip Mbogo, Peter Obleng, Deng Geu, Emmanuel Womala, Jonathan Komagum, Titus Lual Odeke, Joel Paul Kayiira.