FIBA 3X3 Africa Cup: Much Excitement As Basketball Tourney Launched

October 10, 2019
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There is great anticipation as the 2019 FIBA 3X3 Africa Cup was launched on Thursday, October 10.

The tourney, launched during a briefing at Uganda Olympic Committee offices in Lugogo, is slated for November 7-10, 2019 at Hockey ground just adjacent to the Indoor Arena in Lugogo.

This is the first of the three annual editions that will be hosted in Uganda.

The groups. This will the third edition after previous two were held in Togo.

The tourney is expected to attract about 192 players with 12 teams of open category (men and women) and 12 teams of U-18 (men and women) from all over Africa.

“We are hosting this three times,” started FUBA President Nasser Sserunjogi. “This is a very big opportunity for us a country and we can’t wait to get going.”

“We target to organize a successful event. This is going to be very exciting as we plan to bring more fun to the game. The entrance is going to be free to everyone and may artistes and top DJs are going to be around.”

Uganda team at a recent Africa Cup in Togo

L-R: Zainah Lokwameri, Sarah Ageno, Rita Imanishimwe and Jamila Zama Nansikombi

Cote d’Ivoire (Men) and Mali (Women) are the defending champions after winning the second edition held in Togo.

Beside the host and defending champions other participants include Burundi, Kenya, Djibouti, Madagascar, Nigeria, Cape Verde, Togo, Niger, Benin, Botswana, Egypt and Mauritius.

FIBA’s Alexis Rambur also speaking in the press conference, commended Uganda’s support:

“We thank FUBA for their maximum corporation. They have been very supportive and it’s a great mark of confidence. We have been here for some few days and everything has been very positive – The local organising committee is very organised.

“We have decided to have it here for the next three years and we hope we can improve this fast growing brand in Uganda. You are all very aware that this 3X3 Basketball is a new sport in Olympics and the rankings after this November will matter a lot.”

FIBA’s Sineux Guillaume, Coach Nicholas Natuhereza, 3X3 coordinator in Uganda Hamza Nyambogo and FUBA spokesperson Arnold Katabi attended the launch.

Note:

Under FIBA’s 3-on-3 rules, each game consists of one 10-minute period. The team leading after completion of regular playing time, or the first team to score 21 points, is declared the winner. If the game ends in a tie, the first team to score two points in overtime earns the victory. Shots made outside the arc are awarded two points, shots made inside the arc are awarded one point and each made free throw is worth one point. Additionally, a 12-second shot clock is utilized.