UGANDA : Selectors delay naming final squad

Uganda v Select (8pm)
Women
Select v Uganda (6pm)

The political crisis in Egypt which may lead to the postponement of the Fiba Africa Zone V Nations Championship has forced Ugandan selectors to delay naming of the final squad.

Initially, Team Uganda was to be unveiled after last night’s training but management granted a stay of execution until the actual dates for the event in Rwanda are confirmed following Egypt’s request for rescheduling. If postponed, it will be the second time following an earlier decision to move the tournament from February 1-6 to 7-12. Speculation is rife that a three-day extension is set to be granted by organisers. This allows local coaches to further test their plans.

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“In the event that it’s delayed again, we can only take it in good faith and use the time to prepare sufficiently,” men’s coach Gad Eteu said.

One-man decision

On the team composition, he was non-committal on how far he and his assistant Timothy Odeke have gone. “If it was a one-man decision, even you can name a team within minutes. The selectors’ panel will sit tomorrow (tonight) and see where to go,” Eteu added. Following last Friday’s 78-67 victory over a Select side, he innocuously hinted on what the team would look like. “From the current team of 14, we might drop one big man and a guard,” he said.

Robert Mubiru and Brian Ssentogo are primed to edge out Edwin Kateregga for the position of centre. The Enabu brothers – Emmanuel and Ivan – are likely to fight for the other guard’s slot.

Meanwhile, women’s coach Mandy Juruni appointed Frances Nabulobi as captain with Vicky Nassolo taking the deputy’s mantle.

Nabulobi, a three-time national league top scorer, could have been selected for her unrivalled discipline, experience and shooting.