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Kampala, (UG):- Uganda’s Junior Gazelles (Girls) and Junior Silverbacks (Boys) secured their spots at the 2024 FIBA U18 Africa Championships, set to take place in August in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The teams’ impressive performances at the FIBA Zone V U18 Championship in Kampala earned them a triumphant victory, with the Junior Gazelles dominating Rwanda 82-52 and the Junior Silverbacks clinching a narrow 69-66 win.
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mama Janet Kataha Museveni, took to Twitter to express her congratulations and admiration for the teams’ achievement.
“I sincerely congratulate the Junior Gazelles and Junior Silverbacks on winning the Zone V Championships and subsequently making it to the FIBA U18 Championships in South Africa,” Mama Janet posted.
“I applaud the teams and their coaches for their commitment to the game and patriotic spirit.”
The Junior Gazelles’ victory was a testament to their dominance, leading from the start and showcasing their skill and teamwork. Resty Nanangwe led the team with a game-high 21 points, supported by Shiprah Kiranda’s double-double.
The boys’ final was a nail-biter, with Tejan Joel Rugette stepping up in the clutch moments to secure a hard-fought victory. He finished with 15 points, five assists, and six rebounds, earning the MVP honors.
The teams’ qualification marks a significant milestone for Ugandan basketball, with the Junior Gazelles making their fifth appearance and the Junior Silverbacks making their third appearance at the FIBA U18 African Championships.
The FIBA U18 Africa Championships will bring together the best young basketball talent from across the continent, and Uganda’s teams are eager to make their mark. With their impressive performance at the Zone V Championships, they have shown that they have what it takes to compete at the highest level.
The Junior Gazelles and Junior Silverbacks have made a name for themselves in Ugandan basketball, and their success will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of young athletes to follow in their footsteps.