Uganda’s National Men basketball team, the Silverbacks, will be hoping to seal a place in the next round when the second window of the First round of FIBA World Cup Qualifiers tip off in Kigali.

The team, however, lost all their three friendlies in Cairo against Rwanda (45-84) Egypt (58-89) and Jordan (66-78).

“These games have been great for our preparation and showing us where we need to improve,” said Silverbacks coach George Galanopoulos.

“The players have been working hard and more committed that ever and getting better, we are looking forward to getting to full strength.

“We are going to continue to watch videos, practising and preparing for our first game.”

Part of the Silverbacks team has arrived in Kigali from Cairo on Monday morning and they had a light session at Kigali Arena.

The other seven will be arriving in Kigali on Wednesday from Cairo. Team Manager Albert Ahabwe commented that the team arrived in batches because of “different timelines.”

Adam Seiko will be joining the team before Friday’s opening game with Mali.

shooting guard Robinson Opong, commenting on the loss against Egypt, stated: “It was very necessary, it helped us highlight our weaknesses.”

“We still need to fine-tune our defensive principles, also we are also trying to be a little bit more efficient defensively and come Friday, no doubt we will be ready and I am looking forward to the games.”

Uganda is third in a four-team group, and will seek to finish among the top three to progress to the Second Round of Qualifiers.

Uganda’s Fixture
Friday July 1: Mali
Saturday, July 2: Cape Verde
Sunday, July 3: Nigeria