By 
It was a normal Tuesday evening when 19-year old Zoe Atek returned home from her regular holiday training at Makerere sports grounds.
Zoe Atek during training.
She’s probably too young to be hinged to news updates and had no clue that she had been called up to the women’s national basketball team untill her mother broke the news to her, almost 4 hours after the official announcement.
“When my mom said your name is on the list, I couldn’t believe. I told her that’s impossible, I had to ask her for proof. It was a great feeling.”
Zoe came from playing with her teammates at the holiday training program organized by iCAARe foundation to joining the national team for the 2025 FIBA zone V Afrobasket Qualifiers.
She had represented the country at the U18 level but nothing could have prepared her for the excitement that came along.
On who inspires her the most, Zoe didn’t think twice before mentioning her China based captain, Jane Asinde.
Asinde featuring for the Gazelles.
Jane Asinde.
“I used to look up to her during my senior one days, I’ve played against her but it’s really special to be on the same team with her, I’m looking for ward to it.”
She has now turned into a big inspiration to other youngsters at the youth training camp who now dream of playing for the National team just like Zoe.
“She remains humble and works so hard during training, Zoe’s modest attitude will take her places and as the iCARRe team we hope for the very best from her.” iCARRe Basketball sports director Allen Namiya was full of praise for the young star.
