Coach Nyeko backs Luis Lopez to guide Nam Blazers to Elite 16

Namuwongo Blazers coach Stephen Nyeko believes the appointment of Spanish tactician Luis Lopez Hernandez will give the club a major boost as they prepare for the Road to Basketball Africa League (BAL) tournament in Hoima.

The tournament will take place at Hoima City Arena from October 21 to 25, with the two-time National Basketball League champions targeting qualification for the Elite 16.

Nyeko believes Lopez’s experience, including his previous involvement in the BAL, will be vital to the Blazers’ ambitions as they seek to make the most of playing on home soil.

“It’s an advantage to bring coach Luis from Spain. He has coached a number of teams, he has been at BAL, so he gives us the experience to help us at this stage,” Nyeko said.

The appointment of Lopez is part of the club’s efforts to strengthen its technical direction and improve the players ahead of the continental assignment.

Nyeko noted that the arrival of a new coach and several recruits presents an opportunity to introduce fresh ideas and improve the team’s overall performance.

“We want to perform much better this year. Since we are home, we have to qualify for the Elite 16,” he added.

“Bringing the new head coach helps us as a club to improve the players and the technical team at large.”

The Blazers have already started working with Lopez, with Nyeko revealing that the initial response from the players has been encouraging as they begin adapting to the Spanish coach’s philosophy.

“The reception of the new coach has been positive because the players are positive about the new philosophy, and hopefully they can get acclimatised smoothly,” he said.

“We’ve done a few sessions before, but we’ve all enjoyed.”

Namuwongo will be looking to make a stronger impression in this year’s competition after failing to progress on their previous attempt.

With the tournament being hosted in Hoima, the Blazers will have the advantage of playing in front of their home supporters as they seek to navigate the preliminary stage and secure a place in the Elite 16.

The technical team’s immediate focus will be on building cohesion, integrating the recruits and ensuring the players adapt quickly to Lopez’s system before the tournament tips off.

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