Uganda granted wild card for FIBA U18 Women's African Championship 2018

ABIDJAN (FIBA U18 Women's African Championship 2018) - FIBA Africa granted a wild card to Uganda for the FIBA U18 Women's African Championship set to be held in Maputo, Mozambique from August 10-19. 

The East African nation, who finished second at the regional Zone 5 Meet last month in the Tanzanian capital of Dar es Salaam behind arch-rivals Rwanda, will be making their third appearance at the continental showpiece. 

Uganda finished in eighth place at the 2016 edition in Cairo, Egypt and will be looking to make amends when they head to Mozambique a month from now. 

"IT IS EVERYONE'S DREAM TO PLAY AT SUCH A STAGE AND WE SHALL MAKE THE BEST OUT OF THIS OPPORTUNITY THAT UGANDA HAS BEEN GRANTED."

                                                                                                     Ali

 "Opportunities like this are always important for the growth of girls basketball in Uganda to go one step higher. We have to make sure they utilise such chances," acknowledged Mavita Ali, Uganda's head coach.

"It is everyone's dream to play at such a stage and we shall make the best out of this opportunity that Uganda has been granted because we aim to be consistent on the continent and learn at every turn."

In 2008, Uganda made their debut appearance at the FIBA U18 Women's African Championship in Tunisia where they finished in 11th place. 

That stage was a breeding ground for the young girls like point guards Angela Namirimu and Halima Nabasumba who are part of the current Uganda senior women's national team - the Gazelles.

Uganda will join Egypt, Angola, Tunisia, Algeria, Cape Verde, reigning champions Mali, hosts Mozambique and Rwanda who have already secured their places for the continental showpiece. Four more slots are up for grabs. 

The two finalists will qualify for the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup due next year. 

FIBA