KAMPALA, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's national team on Tuesday left for the Federation of International Basketball Association (FIBA) U-18 women's African championship.

Mavita Ali, head coach of the Junior Gazelles told Xinhua before departure for the tournament in Mozambique that the players are prepared and motivated.

"We know it will be a very tough event, but we have prepared well to go out and try to win our games," Ali said.

Ambrose Tashobya, president of the Federation of Uganda Basketball Association urged the team to carry the Ugandan flag high as they battle against the continent's best teams.

"Go and play your hearts out and also get the international experience," Tashobya said.

Hosts Mozambique, Uganda, Egypt, Angola, Madagascar, Tunisia and defending champions Mali will battle in the championship slated to run from Aug. 10-19.

Uganda was given a wildcard by the world governing basketball body after finishing second to Rwanda during the regional Zone 5 championship held in Tanzania early last month.

The best two teams will qualify for the FIBA U-19 Women's Basketball World Cup to be held next year. Enditem