The Uganda Gazelles have named a 15-man squad ahead of the FIBA Zone V Qualifiers with both fanfare and debate. While the team headlines the likes of Jane Asinde, Hope Akello, and Shakira Nanvubya, the absence of some seasoned stars has got fans questioning some of the choices.

However, the most surprising exclusions have to be those of Ritah Imanishimwe, Flavia Oketcho, and Brenda Ekone, who were part of the core that helped Uganda put up a great display in the 2023 FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers. Their leadership and experience were key in directing the team, hence making their absence the biggest talking point.

This would then be topped with the non-inclusion of the energetic small forward Jannon Otto, Uganda’s highest point-scorer in the 2023 FIBA AfroBasket tournament. During the qualifier phase of action, dominant displays by Otto didn’t only underscore how good she was but ultimately secured a slot within the squad; now she does not form any part of this particular team-a result very few fans anticipated.

With these notable exclusions, all eyes now turn to the selected players and how they fared in the qualifiers. While new talents and emerging stars get their chance to step up, there will be pressure on the Gazelles to show that the revised squad can compete at the highest level.

The onus will fall on many to see how Uganda performs in the tournament, with fresh faces in the squad, and how they will fit in where some veterans are noticeably absent. For now, fans stay keyed up to see how this new-look team will fare in the stringent competition ahead.