Uganda’s Basketball governing body (FUBA) has appointed Spanish tactician Alberto Antuna as new head coach for the country’s senior women’s team, Gazelles.

The development was confirmed on Monday in a press briefing at Africana Hotel in Kampala.

The Spanish left German outfit Montenegro to replace Nick Natuhereza who will become his assistant together with homegrown coaches Mavita Ali and Henry Malinga.

Antuna’s first assignment is to prepare the women’s team for the FIBA Zone V Afrobasket 2023 Qualifiers that Uganda will host from February 14-19 in Kampala.

"It’s my first time in Uganda and Africa as a whole and I’m really excited to be here. I’m looking forward to practicing with the girls in order to get a very competitive team. We hope to make the country proud at the Afrobasket Qualifiers and qualify for the finals,” Antuna said.

FUBA President Nasser Sserunjogi announced a 23-player provisional squad that started a 10-day non-residential training camp on Monday at the MTN Arena in Lugogo, Kampala before the final squad is selected to represent the country at the Afrobasket 2023 qualifiers.

The Gazelles will be seeking to make their third appearance on the continent after debuting in 1997 and 2015 edition in Cameroon. They bounce back into contention for the tournament having missed out on the previous edition due to lack of funds.

Rwanda will join hosts Uganda, Egypt, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Somalia who all confirmed their participation for the qualifiers looking to book a ticket to the Women’s AfroBasket 2023 finals that will take place from July 26 to August 6 in Kigali, Rwanda.