Uganda takes on Tunisia in Afrobasket Championships tonight
Aug 19, 2015
A new sound will echo through African basketball as the Uganda Silverbacks roar against Tunisia in a must-see battle on the opening day of the 2015 Afrobasket Championship today in Tunis.
By Charles Mutebi
Afrobasket Championship
Wednesday: Tunis, SS9, 11pm
Uganda v Tunisia
National League
Wednesday, YMCA
Women:
Gladiators v Stormers
Men: Rhinos v Sharing
A new sound will echo through African basketball as the Uganda Silverbacks roar against Tunisia in a must-see battle on the opening day of the 2015 Afrobasket Championship today in Tunis.
The Ugandan men are making their debut at Africa’s top international competition and, to hear the analysts tell it, a thrashing awaits Mandy Juruni’s side. Not only are they facing the hosts, Tunisia are among the favourites for the 16-team tournament thanks to an experienced squad built around 7-foot-1 centre Salah Merji, who has just signed a three year-deal with the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks.
Baptism of fire doesn’t even come close to what is expected for the Silverbacks. Volcanic eruption sounds more apt.
But no matter the final score, the Silverbacks will leave the Palais des Sports El Menzah winners. By virtue of facing Tunisia, a new barrier will be broken. This is the first taste of candy that will leave a permanent craving in the mouth of Ugandan basketball.
“This is what we have waited for for a long time,” said Stephen Omony, captain of the Silverbacks. “We have nothing to lose But we will compete. I think we have a chance to upset one or two teams. Right now we are in the top 15, we have ranking by virtual of our qualification.”
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