Gazelles’ dinner a no-show as short notice invitations dampen celebratory affair

The Uganda Gazelles finished seventh at Afrobasket under Alberto Antuna /COURTESY PICTURE

BASKETBALL Gazelles’ dinner a no-show as short notice invitations dampen celebratory affair

Ian Asabo 19:01 - 02.10.2023

The Federation of Ugandan Basketball Associations (FUBA) organized a celebratory dinner in honour of the Gazelles' impressive performance at the Women's AfroBasket Championship in Rwanda, where the team achieved a seventh-place finish.

The dinner was scheduled for Saturday September 30th, 2023 at the Fairway Boutique Hotel, however, the event turned out to be a no-show as only a few dignitaries and journalists attended the occasion.

FUBA president Nasser Sserunjogi was only present for a while before he also vanished as journalist and the few remaining guests enjoyed the sumptuous meals and chilly drinks available.

When questioned about the absence of the Gazelles, the team manager, Vicky Ntale, attributed the no-show to the last-minute distribution of invitations and the team's preoccupation with preparations for the upcoming semi-final fixtures.

"The federations handed out invitations on short notice, and the ladies also had preparations for the upcoming playoff fixtures that were to happen the next day," Ntale disclosed to Pulse Sports.

The former Gazelles’ captain also mentioned that there are tentative plans for a re-scheduled dinner.

"I am being told that there are plans in the works to have another one organized shortly, so we just have to await confirmation on when that will be.”

It was a fun filled tournament for the Gazelles as defeated record African champions, Senegal as well

In addition to celebrating the Gazelles' achievements, the dinner was intended to outline plans for the team's next campaign on the continental stage, slated for 2025, with the host country yet to be announced.

The last-minute invitations and the overlapping of the event with the team’s professional commitments resulted in a diminished attendance, overshadowing the spirit of celebration and recognition that the Gazelles rightly deserved for their commendable performance in the championship.

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