Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Silverbacks have named their squad for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers, with a blend of experienced local stars and foreign-based talent targeting a historic first World Cup appearance.
Uganda has been drawn in Group D alongside Mali, Angola and Egypt. All group-stage games will be played at Borg Al Arab Sports Hall in Alexandria, Egypt.
Sixteen African nations are competing for five qualification slots to the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Doha, Qatar.
Qualification Format
The qualifiers will be played across five windows. In the first round, teams will contest six games over three windows scheduled for November 2025, February 2026 and July 2026. The top three teams in each group will advance to the second round, carrying forward their results.
The second round will take place in August 2026 and February 2027. The top two teams in each group, along with the best third-placed side overall, will secure tickets to Doha.
Sibande Headlines Squad
American-born guard Sibande Nike Dejur headlines the squad, filling the naturalised player slot previously occupied by Ishmail Wainright, Brandon Davies and Jackson Moni.
Sibande currently plays for Niners Chemnitz in Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga and EuroCup competitions. His European experience, scoring ability and composure in the backcourt are expected to bolster Uganda’s offensive depth.
Locally based players include Fayed Baale, Joel Kayiira, Titus Lual Odeke, Peter Obleng and Edgar Munaaba — all established figures in the domestic league.
Eleven players have been confirmed, with the final roster spot expected to be announced before departure for a training camp in Alexandria later this week.
Silverbacks Roster
- Fayed Baale
- Joel Kayiira
- Titus Lual Odeke
- Deng Geu
- Jonathan Komagum
- Peter Obleng
- Robinson Opong Odoch
- Joel Rugette Tejan
- Sibande Nike Dejur
- Edgar Munaaba
- Naseef Lubowa
Technical Team
- Head Coach: Goran Lojo
- 1st Assistant Coach: Mandy Juruni
- 2nd Assistant/Video Analyst: Armin Secerovic
- 3rd Assistant Coach: Andrew Tendo
New head coach Goran Lojo takes charge of the Silverbacks for the qualifiers, supported by a familiar technical bench.
Uganda will be seeking consistency against continental heavyweights as they push for a breakthrough qualification to the global stage.
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