The exclusion of the 2023 and 2024 NBL MVP, Titus Lual, from the Silverbacks squad that will play at the final Afrobasket qualifying window, came as a shock to many Ugandan basketball fans.

Titus has been an integral part of the Silverbacks since the FIBA Afrobasket  Qualifiers in 2020 and has been available for most of the events.

However, this time around, he will miss out, and the Silverbacks’ Head Coach, Mandy Juruni, said it’s because of an injury.

“Unfortunately, he (Titus) can’t be with us this time around. He has a partial ligament tear, so he’s out for 3 to 4 months” Coach Mandy confirmed.

With the NBL expected to tip-off on 14th March, Titus is expected to miss the entire first round, but he could be ready come playoff time.

The City Oilers have a huge gap to fill and it is yet to be known who they will add to help them fill the void that Titus will leave in the Center position.

The Silverbacks will travel to Cairo on Friday 14th, where they will be joined by the professionals for a couple of days before they head to Tripoli, Libya for the games.

Silverbacks Schedule

Uganda vs Cape Verde 21st Feb, 19:00 EAT

Nigeria vs Uganda, 22nd Feb, 19:00 EAT

Uganda vs Libya, 23rd Feb, 22:00 EAT