Uganda’s games in February FIBA AfroBasket 2021 Qualifiers window (second window) have been postponed due to Covid-19 cases in Uganda’s camp.
Uganda were in the mix for the qualifiers that tipped off on Thursday 18th till Sunday 21st February in Monastir, Tunisia. They were in Group E with Egypt, Morocco and Cape Verde.
According to FIBA press release, following the COVID-19 Protocol for FIBA Official National Team and Club Competitions and the advice of its Medical Commission, FIBA has decided to postpone the games of Uganda in the upcoming FIBA AfroBasket 2021 Qualifiers in Monastir, Tunisia, with the health and safety of players, coaches and officials being the primary consideration.
“The decision was taken after five members of the Uganda delegation tested positive to COVID-19 after arriving to Monastir, despite delegation members having provided earlier negative tests,” part of the press release read.
In this context, the health and safety of all participants within the bubble can no longer be guaranteed if the Uganda delegation remains within the competition.
Uganda local basketball governing body Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) also confirmed this development and is looking forward to what happens next.
“It is with great sadness that we announce that our games have been cancelled for this window because of COVID-19 cases in our camp. FIBA have made a decision in the last couple of minutes.”
“The management will be looking to get the available players back home and those still positive they will make arrangements to stay here safe until they test negative to be able to leave.”
The games Uganda – Egypt on February 18, Morocco – Uganda on February 20 and Cape Verde – Uganda on February 21 will not take place. The status of those games will be decided at a later stage.
FIBA will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and communicate any further updates regarding its competitions if necessary.
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The Monastir showpiece will be the final window of the qualifiers and Uganda needed to finish among the top three in their group inorder to book a slot in the championship (Afrobasket 2021) which will be held later this year in Kigali, Rwanda. Uganda needed just one win to qualify for the championship having finished second in the first window off two wins.
