Namuwongo Blazers coach Luis Lopez Hernandez faces the task of blending experienced campaigners with five additions before the Road to BAL qualifiers.
The Ugandan champions have strengthened their squad, but limited preparation time leaves the Spanish coach working urgently to establish cohesion.
Speaking after Thursday’s training at Hoima City Arena, Lopez welcomed his players’ commitment while acknowledging the work still required.
“I like the team, the people and the players, they play hard, and I think we can do well,” he said.
“We are not yet in shape because we have had few practices, we are trying to build our offence and defence.”
New signings strengthen Blazers
The recruitment includes point guard John Jordan and Senegalese forward Makhtar Gueye, adding options as Lopez shapes his team.
Nigerian forward Peter Olisemeka, American shooting guard Richaud Pack and Ugandan guard Edrine Ekau complete the five additions for this campaign.
Their arrival gives Lopez more options across the court, although integrating those players remains central to his concerns about preparation.
Jordan brings previous BAL experience, offering another experienced presence alongside the established players already familiar with continental basketball.
Ekau, meanwhile, joins after earning the National Basketball League’s regular-season Most Valuable Player award, adding a strong domestic performer.
The recruitment strengthens individual quality, but Lopez’s comments underline the challenge of developing collective understanding before the tournament begins.
“Some of them have only practised twice, and we have five more days,” he said, outlining the limited preparation available.
“We are going to try to do our best in these practices,” he added ahead of Wednesday’s opening action.
Experienced core offers a foundation
Among the established players, Jimmy Enabu, Tonny Drileba and James Okello provide experience from previous BAL appearances with City Oilers.
Their familiarity with continental competition could prove valuable as the Blazers attempt to settle new combinations within a short period.
The club has also retained Congolese forward Fataki Nyembo, whose contribution earned him the Most Valuable Player award during the league finals.
That combination gives Lopez an experienced foundation, with the newcomers competing for roles in a squad targeting progress beyond domestic success.
For the established players, helping teammates settle could be as important as their individual contributions once the qualifying games begin.
Lopez is encouraged by the attitude he has encountered, repeatedly highlighting the players’ willingness to work during their preparations.
“I am happy because the players have a good attitude, that is the most important thing,” the Spanish coach said.
“They are practising very well, working very hard and playing hard. We are trying to build a team together.”
Hoima hosts qualification test
The Road to BAL East Division Group D tournament runs at Hoima City Arena from October 21 to October 25.
Namuwongo will face Burundi’s Urunani, South Sudan’s Patriots Basketball Club, Madagascar’s COSPN and Ushundzi Basket of Comoros in the group.
The top two teams advance to the East Division Elite 16, scheduled for November 17–22 in Nairobi, Kenya.
Lopez hopes progression will also provide additional time to develop the squad and strengthen the understanding being established in Hoima.
“As a coach, I would like to have more practices, but we are going to do our best in this situation.”
He also praised the arena’s playing surface, baskets and stands, welcoming the facilities available for the team’s home qualifying campaign.