The national men's basketball team, the Silverbacks have faced challenges as they prepare for the Afrobasket Qualifiers slated for November 27th-29th in Egypt.
The withdrawal of David Deng from the squad at the start of training has been followed by uncertainty about the training camp in Egypt with National Council of Sports yet to provide the funds.
Now, Samuel Kalwanyi has informed the national team committee that he cannot be part of the first round of the qualifiers.
The Silverbacks center cites commitment at work that cannot allow him all that time away with the team.
“I couldn’t be let to travel and stay away from my job for that long.” Kalwanyi told Kawowo Sports this week.
The Silverbacks are expected to converge in Alexandria for a two-week camp before the tournament and the former City Oilers big man was one of the players expected to show face.
Kalwanyi's withdrawal will now see seven locally based players selected for the camp and the tournament.
ahead of the tournament at which they will face Cape Verde, Egypt and Morocco.
UCU Canons’ Titus Lual and City Oilers' Tonny Drileba will be the only two players with no Afrobasket experience on the team selected.
They will join Jimmy Enabu, Ben Komakech, Joseph Ikong, James Okello and Stanley Mugerwa on the team.
These will all team up with Emmanuel Mugenga, Ishmail Wainwright, Robinson Opong, Eric Rwahwire and Deng Geu to represent Uganda.
Head coach George Gallanapolous is also expected to link up with the team in Egypt.
Uganda is drawn in group E with Egypt, Morocco and Cape Verde and must avoid last spot after two rounds of qualifiers to make the finals.
Silverbacks Final Squad:
Ben Komakech, Tony Drileba, Jimmy Abraham Enabu, Joseph Ikong Anyuru, James Okello, Stanley Mugerwa, Titus Lual Odeke, Emmanuel Mugenga, Ishmail Wainwright, Robinson Opong, Eric Rwahire, Deng Geu.
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The writer is a Freelance Sports Reporter based in Kampala, Uganda. Follow him on Twitter (@Emanzi20), Facebook (Ndyamuhaki J. Emanzi) and Instagram (@emanzi20).
The writer is a Freelance Sports Reporter based in Kampala, Uganda. Follow him on Twitter (@Emanzi20), Facebook (Ndyamuhaki J. Emanzi) and Instagram (@emanzi20).