As the Uganda Silverbacks prepare for a high-stakes showdown against continental giants Angola, coach Mandy Juruni believes the arrival of Nike Sibande makes the squad better.
In the lead up to the highly anticipated encounter, Juruni’s focus has shifted from mere participation to clinical execution, bolstered by a roaster is both match fit and tactically evolved.
The most significant buzz surrounding the Uganda camp is the inclusion of naturalised guard Nike Sibande. For Juruni, Sibande represents a solution to the primary hurdle that stalled the Silverbacks during their last AfroBasket campaign.
“I am glad to work with a player who is impactful as Nike Sibande,” Juruni said.
“The game has changed alot because we rely so much on the creativity of the player. He gives us everything because he is a team player who can score by himself, but he can also find the open man,” he added.
Juruni was candid about the team’s past struggles, noting that the inability to create shots under pressure often proved fatal. “One of the challenges we had in AfroBasket was the lack of that creativity from the guard. I believe having him in the team improves us a lot.”
Unlike previous windows, where rustiness was a concern, the Silverbacks arrive in Egypt with engines already warm. With nearly the entire squad currently active in professional leagues.
“The most important thing is that 98% of the players are playing in different leagues, and that helps a lot,” Juruni noted.
“The team was here four days before I arrived, and I am happy with what we have been doing to prepare. We were together a couple of weeks ago, and that continuity helps.”
The sharpness is expected to be vital against an Angolan side known for its relentless effort and high-intensity defensive rotations.
The Silverbacks’ rotation tonight will feature a calculated blend of veteran stability and the raw athleticism of Uganda’s rising stars.
Juruni acknowledges that while the names on the Angolan jersey are storied, his team is no longer intimidated by the matchup.
“We have a mixture of young boys and some experience, so I believe we can put up a good challenge,” Juruni explained.
“We have to be mentally ready because we have faced these sides before. We know them, and now we need to compete.”