Uganda Women Football Association Announces Provisional Squad for Friendly Matches
Uganda Women’s Team named a provisional squad of 38 players to face DR Congo in two friendly matches. The Crested Cranes will later play with DR Congo on the 27th and 30th of October this year in Kinshasa.
The team comprises five goalkeepers, ten defenders, thirteen midfielders, and nine forwards. Players will report to residential camp on 19th October, commencing training the following day. Foreign-based players shall join the team on or before 21st October.
This, according to Botes, was what these matches were all about-assessing just how ready the team was following such a long break. “We last had an engagement in December last year, and I believe we needed competitive games to see the level of players. Unfortunately, we couldn’t compete at the COSAFA Championships due to reasons beyond us, but thankfully, DR Congo allowed us to have these friendly games,” she stated.
Provisional Uganda Women’s Team Announced
On the 19th of October, Uganda Women’s Football Association revealed the squad for their upcoming matches. Coach Sheryl Botes named 38 players in total, a mix of experienced talents and emerging stars.
Goalkeepers: Ruth Aturo (Vihiga Queens FC), Daphine Nyayenga (Fortuna Hjorring), Daisy Nakaziro (Kampala Queens FC), Molly Naava Nabitaka (She Corporate FC), Sharon Kaidu (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Hadijah Nalongo (She Corporate FC).
Defenders: Shadia Nankya (Tutankhamun FC), Bridget Nabisaalu (Modern Sports FC), Phiona Nabulime (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Jamirah Nabulime (Kampala Queens FC), Maureen Kimono (Kampala Queens FC), Cissy Nakate (She Corporate FC), Shakirah Nankwanga (Kampala Queens FC), Jolly Kobusinge (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Docus Lwalisa (Olila High School WFC), Angel Awuki Kigongo (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC).
Midfielders: Joan Nabirye (FC Spartak Moscow), Phiona Nabbumba (Boldklubben Af 1893), Teddy Najjuma (Kampala Queens FC), Zabina Namboozo (Amus College WFC), Yuster Kayesu (Rines SS WFC), Shamirah Nalugya (Kampala Queens FC), Brenda Munyana (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Sandra Nantumbwe (Athletic Club Bihor), Doreen Nakayiwa (She Maroons FC), Violah Nambi (Napoli FC), Peace Muduwa (Kampala Queens FC), Hadijah Nandago (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC).
Forwards: Fazilah Ikwaput (Gokulam Kerala FC), Sandra Nabweteme (Santos Laguna Femenil), Joanita Ainembabazi (New Heroes Queens FC), Resty Nanziri (Boldklubben Af 1893), Sylvia Kabene (St. Noa WFC), Agnes Nabukenya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Immaculate Kizza (She Maroons FC), Mastulah Atuhaire (FC Tooro Queens), Jesca Namanda (She Corporate FC).
Friendly Matches Against DR Congo
These matches will be important, as they offer the team a chance to test their skills and formations ahead of the upcoming CECAFA Women’s Championship in Ethiopia. Both games promise to be competitive, as the team looks to modify their tactics.
Uganda Women’s Team Structure and Player Selections
The provisional squad consists of five goalkeepers, ten defenders, thirteen midfielders, and nine forwards. Such a selection for the squad reflects a strong balance in all areas. Among the players are several international stars who will join the team during camp. This blend of local and foreign talent is expected to boost the team’s performance.
Upcoming Training Camps
The camp for the squad begins on the 19th of October, with training commencing the next day. Overseas-based players join camp on 21st October. Further into the training, there will be structured training sessions with emphasis on team bonding, tactical training, and physical conditioning to get the squad in good shape for the friendlies and the upcoming tournament.
Team Officials and Additional Staff
Coach Botes also confirmed that each national camp will now include a local coach, male or female, from women’s football to foster knowledge sharing. For the upcoming camp, Collins Ahumuza of UCU Lady Cardinals will join the technical team.
- Head Coach: Sheryl Ulanda Botes
- Assistant Coach: Ayikoh Charles Lukula
- Goalkeeping Coach: David Ribeiro
- Sports Scientist: Ashley Clifford De Beer
- Assistant Coach (Trainee): Collins Ahumuza
- Video Analyst: Nsubuga Allan Magunda
- Sports Scientist: Kyesimira Arthur
- Team Doctor: Kabatalindwa Mable
- Physiotherapist: Kyasiimire Darlian
- Team Manager/Safeguarding Officer: Namusisi Joan
- Equipment Manager: Nakiguba Cissy Gaudensia
- Media Officer: Mutebi Julius
With a strong squad and technical team in place, Uganda Women Football Association is eager for the Crested Cranes to return to action in the international arena.
