Lopez Hernandez faces race against time at Blazers

Namuwongo Blazers coach Luis Lopez Hernandez is banking on team spirit and hard work to guide his side through the Road to the Basketball Africa League (BAL) qualifiers, despite limited preparation time.

The Blazers will host the East Division Group D qualifiers at Hoima City Arena from October 21 to 25, with the top two teams advancing to the Elite 16 in Nairobi, Kenya.

In an interview with CK Sports, the Spanish tactician admits his team is not yet in top shape but believes the players’ attitude gives them a chance to compete.

“I enjoy the team. I like the team. The players are playing hard. I think that we can do well,” Lopez Hernandez said.

With some players having trained together only twice, the coach is racing against time to build understanding in attack and defence before the tournament begins.

“We are not in shape because we have had a few practices, but we are trying to build the team, build our offence and our defence,” he said.

“We are going to try to do our best because we didn’t have a lot of practice together. Some of them have only practised twice, and now we have five more days.”

The squad brings together players who have been part of the club and new signings recruited to strengthen its challenge.

“I’m happy because the players have a good attitude. That is the most important thing. They are practising very well, very hard. They are playing hard and unselfishly,” Lopez Hernandez said.

“We are trying to build the team together. I’m happy because it’s not easy.”

The coach would have preferred more time to work with his players but hopes to make the most of the remaining sessions and secure qualification.

“I would like, as a coach, to have more practices, but we are going to try to do our best with this situation. Hopefully, we qualify, and we can practise more together,” he added.

Luis Lopez and Edwin Ekau

Namuwongo have strengthened their squad with four foreign players: American shooting guard Richaud Pack, Nigerian forward Peter Olisemeka, Senegalese forward Marthar Gueye and DRC’s Jonathan Jordan.

Rising Ugandan shooting guard Edrine Ekau is also part of the squad.

Lopez Hernandez will work alongside assistant coach Stephen Nyeko to blend the new arrivals with the club’s established players as the Blazers seek a place in the next round.

Their Group D opponents are Patriots Basketball Club of South Sudan, Urunani Basketball Club of Burundi and COSPN of Madagascar. Ushundzi Basket of Comoros has also been listed among the participants, although some regional updates have reported its withdrawal.

Playing at home gives Namuwongo an opportunity to make their mark, but they must finish among the top two to reach the Elite 16 in Nairobi.

Lopez Hernandez was equally impressed by Hoima City Arena, which will host the qualifiers.

“Wow, it’s incredible. It’s very good. I like the floor, the basket and the stands. It’s very nice,” he said.

With the tournament approaching, the Blazers’ immediate task is to build cohesion and turn their hard work in training into results.

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