Category: Latest News

Crested Cranes Head Coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes has confirmed the final list of players that will be travelling to Morocco today.

The team will face Morocco in two international friendly games with the first coming on Friday, 1st December 2023 at Le Mardi Stadium in Casablanca while the other game will happen on Tuesday 5th December 2023 at Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat.

After five days of rigorous training at MTN-Omondi Stadium, the coach has confirmed a final list of 22 players.

The travelling contingent will depart Uganda on Tuesday evening at 5:30PM.

Foreign based players will connect to Morocco from their respective clubs.

FUFA Executive Committee Member Richard Ochom will travel with the team as the Leader of Delegation.

Travelling Squad

Goalkeepers
Daisy Nakaziro (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Gloria Namakula (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Proscovia Adongo (She Maroons FC, Uganda)

Defenders
Shadia Nankya (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Bridget Nabisaalu (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Desire Katisi Natooro (Asubo Ladies FC, Uganda), Jolly Kobusinge (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Shakirah Nankwanga (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Justine Najjuko Kizza (She Maroons FC, Uganda), Sumaya Komuntale (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda)

Midfielders
Phiona Nabbumba (Boldklubben AF 1893, Denmark), Joan Nabirye (FK Minsk, Belarus), Jackline Adong (She Maroons FC, Uganda), Zaitun Namaganda (Wakiso Hill WFC, Uganda), Viola Nambi (Pomigliano CF, Italy)

Forwards
Fauzia Najjemba ( ZFK Dynamo Moscow, Russia), Catherine Nagadya (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Zaina Nandede (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Amina Nababi (Rines SS WFC, Uganda), Joanitah Ainembabazi (Simba Queens FC, Tanzania), Lillian Kasuubo (She Maroons FC, Uganda), Kamiyati Naigaga (Asubo Ladies FC, Uganda)

Officials

Leader of Delegation – Richard Ochom

National Teams Officer/ Advance Party – Paul Mukatabala Natulya

Head Coach – Sheryl Ulanda Botes

Assistant Coach – Charles Ayiekoh Lukula

Goalkeeping Coach 1 – David Ribeiro

Goalkeeping Coach 2 – George Ssebuliba

Team Coordinator – Joan Namusisi

Sports Scientist 1 – Ashley Clifford De Beer

Sports Scientist 2 – Danny Kirumira

Team Doctor – Mable Kabatalindwa

Team Physiotherapist – Darlian Kyasiimire

Video Analyst – Allan Nsubuga Magunda

Equipment Manager – Cissy Nakiguba

Media Officer – Conrad Musiime

Andrew Mukasa Walakira – FUFA Delegate

Aloysius Mubiru – FUFA Tv

Musa Kindha Shaka – FUFA Tv

Uganda Senior Women’s National Football Team Head Coach Sheryl Botes has summoned a provisional squad to face Morocco next month.

The Crested Cranes will have two friendly games against Morocco in the upcoming international break.

The first game will be played on Friday, 1st December 2023 at Le Mardi Stadium in Casablanca while the other game will happen on Tuesday 5th December 2023 at Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat.

This will be the first time coach Botes will take charge of the team since her appointment on 15th November 2023.

The provisional squad summoned has 31 players and will enter residential camp at Cranes Paradise in Kisasi on Thursday.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers
Daisy Nakaziro (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Hadijah Nalongo (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Gloria Namakula (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Proscovia Adongo (She Maroons FC, Uganda)

Defenders
Shadia Nankya (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Bridget Nabisaalu (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Desire Katisi Natooro (Asubo Ladies FC, Uganda), Jolly Kobusinge (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Shakirah Nankwanga (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Justine Najjuko Kizza (She Maroons FC, Uganda), Samalie Nakacwa (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Asia Nakibuuka (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Dorcus Lwalisa (Olila High School WFC, Uganda)

Midfielders
Phiona Nabbumba (Boldklubben AF 1893, Denmark), Joan Nabirye (FK Minsk, Belarus), Sarah Nakuya (Asubo Ladies FC, Uganda), Jackline Adong (She Maroons FC, Uganda), Zaitun Namaganda (Wakiso Hill WFC, Uganda), Viola Nambi (Pomigliano C.F., Italy), Rhoda Nanziri (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Elizabeth Nakigozi (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Lillian Mutuuzo (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda)

Forwards
Fazila Ikwaput (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Fauzia Najjemba ( ZFK Dynamo Moscow, Russia), Catherine Nagadya (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Zaina Nandede (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Amina Nababi (Rines SS WFC, Uganda), Barbara Adweru (She Corporate FC, Uganda), Joanitah Ainembabazi (Simba Queens FC, Tanzania), Lillian Kasuubo (She Maroons FC, Uganda), Kamiyati Naigaga (Asubo Ladies FC, Uganda)

Officials

Head Coach – Sheryl Botes

Assistant Coach – Charles Ayiekoh Lukula

Goalkeeping Coach 1 – David Ribeiro

Goalkeeping Coach 2 – George Ssebuliba

Team Coordinator – Joan Namusisi

Sports Scientist 1 – Ashley Clifford De Beer

Sports Scientist 2 – Danny Kirumira

Team Doctor – Mable Kabatalindwa

Team Physiotherapist – Darlian Kyasiimire

Video Analyst 1 – Tiro Van Rooyen

Video Analyst 2 – Allan Nsubuga Magunda

Equipment Manager – Cissy Nakiguba

Media Officer – Conrad Musiime

Uganda Cranes secured the first win of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers after overcoming Somalia on Tuesday.

In the game played at Stade Du Municipal in Berkane, Morocco, Rogers Mato’s lone strike in the opening minutes was the difference.

The winger tapped home from close range in the fourth minute to help Uganda earn maximum points.

Coach Put Paul Joseph made three changes from the team that had lost 2-1 to Guinea last week.

Isima Watenga started in goal ahead of Salim Omar Magoola while Elvis Bwomono started at right back with Kenneth Semakula moved to the midfield.

Teenage midfielder Allan Oyirwoth was handed his debut for the Senior National Team starting in midfield ahead of Bobosi Byaruhanga.

Oyirwoth had a remarkable outing, making the assist for Mato’s goal.

A good run started by Travis Mutyaba saw him release Bwomono on the right wing and his cross found Oyirwoth inside the box to set up Mato who had an empty goal at his mercy.

Uganda kept surging forward and Oyirwoth nearly got a goal but his effort sailed wide.

Mutyaba too had a chance to double the advantage but his left footed effort went just wide.

Mato should have gotten his second on the day in the 38th minute but he lost the ball in attempt of rounding off the goalkeeper.

Somalia were reduced to ten players following the sending off of Ahmed Mohammed towards the end of the first half.

In the second half coach Put made changes introducing Umaru Lutalo and Bobosi Byaruhanga in places of Oyirwoth and captain Khalid Aucho respectively.

Despite having the lion’s share of possession, Uganda failed to find more goals against the ten men of Somalia in the second half.

Uganda ends the first window of the World Cup Qualifiers with three points from two games.

The Uganda Cranes will return to action in June next year with two home games against Botswana and Algeria.

Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Isima Watenga, Elvis Bwomono, Aziizi Kayondo, Bevis Mugabi, Halidi Lwaliwa, Khalid Aucho(Bobosi Byaruhanga), Kenneth Semakula, Allan Oyirwoth, Travis Mutyaba(Umaru Lutalo), Fahad Bayo(Denis Omed), Rogers Mato

Unused Substitutes
Jack Komakech, Salim Omar Magoola, Ibrahim Juma, Timothy Awany, William Kizito Luwagga, Richard Basangwa, Bright Anukani, Milton Karisa, Yunus Sentamu, Rogers Torach

FUFA in conjunction with Guinness and Finance Trust Bank have on Monday launched the inaugural Women in Football Bonanza.

The three aforementioned corporate institutions held a joint press briefing at FUFA Complex in Mengo ahead to release a roadmap for the event slated for 29th November at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala.

The Women in Football Bonanza will run under the theme ‘Football a vehicle for National Development and Unity.’

The main reasons for staging the event is to celebrate the gallant women that have made a sacrifice in developing football and and create new avenues of how women in the game can be empowered to do more.

FUFA 3rd Vice President Hon. Florence Nakiwala who also doubles as the Chairperson of the Women in Football Bonanza indicated the need to celebrate those that have had great contribution towards football.

“We want to bring together women that have served the game across different sectors such as players, referees, coaches, fans, media and administrators among others. We want to recollect and celebrate their achievements.” She said.

She indicated the Bonanza will serve as an advocating platform in helping to highlight the role women play.

“It is not easy to break through in a male dominated industry and therefore, we want to appreciate and recognise women that have made a mark in the game.”

Percy Lubega, the Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Finance Trust Bank Uganda committed their support towards this year’s Bonanza.

“Finance Trust Bank highly values the role women play in shaping society. Being part of the Women in Football Bonanza is a testament of how we attach importance to women and through football, we are here to support them.”

He went ahead to reveal that Finance Trust Bank on Wednesday this week will announce their sponsorship package towards FUFA Women Super League and FUFA Women Elite League.

Roy Ronald Tumwizere, the Brand Manager Guinness thanked FUFA for establishing this platform and involving them in the effort to promote and acknowledge women in football.

It should be noted that Guinness, one of the Flagship brands of Uganda Breweries Limited unveiled a UGX 110M package towards the organisation of the Bonanza.

On the day of the event, several personalities will be awarded and recognized according Jean Sseninde, one of the members on the organising committe.

Additionally, there will be a panel of discussants to tackle different topics on the day some of which include;

The Role of Women’s Football in National Development

Women’s Football and Empowerment: A Path to Gender Equality

Grassroots Initiatives for Women’s Football Development by ES football development

Promoting Inclusivity and Diversity in Women’s Football

Women’s Football and Health: Physical and Mental Well-being

The Economic Potential of Women’s Football.

Women’s Football and Social Cohesion.

Success Stories and Inspirational Women in Football.

Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Coaching and Administration.

Strategies for Increasing Participation and Support for Women’s Football.

Uganda Breweries Limited under their brand Guinness have today announced a partnership worth UGX 110M with FUFA towards the organization of the first ever Women in Football Bonanza to be held on 29th November 2023 at Sheraton Hotel.

The brief ceremony was held at the Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) Head offices in Luzira.

The Women in Football Bonanza is aimed at recognizing efforts put in by FUFA to develop women football in Uganda in the last ten years.

FUFA set out a deliberate strategy to take women football to another level by creating a pool of players in the formed FUFA Women Elite League in 2015.

FUFA also organized capacity building courses designed at promoting women to take up roles in the game. This has created more space for women to get involved heavily in the game in different capacities like; marketing, communications, coaching, trainers, instructors and administration.

“FUFA has always believed that promoting women’s football could be an avenue to reduce such vulnerability.” noted FUFA 3rd Vice president Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi during the launch of the partnership.

The FUFA Deputy CEO-Football Decolas Kiiza, FUFA Lawyer Denis Lukambi, Margaret Kubingi –Chairperson of Uganda Women Football Association (UWFA) and former Crested Cranes player Jean Sseninde attended the event.

“It is from such a background that FUFA has partnered with Guinness – a beer brand distributed by UBL – ‘to pay attention to women attacking and making a mark in a male dominated sport like football, where they could otherwise be vulnerable.” added Hon. Nakiwala.

Guiness, according to UBL’s Head of Beer Matilda Babuleka, are injecting “Shs110m in cash and kind for five years” to spearhead this annual celebration dubbed “Women in Football Bonanza”.

This year’s celebration will be held on November 29 at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala and will have a symposium to show initiatives that can support the welfare of women in football.

“We are not only excited but celebrating the start of partnership between Guinness and FUFA. Guinness and football as we all know are inseparable and this partnership is long overdue. Under our ‘Black Shines Brightest’ campaign, we also want to shine a light on women’s football in Uganda,” Babuleka, who revealed it has taken almost a year for the two entities to seal off this partnership.

“We are gratetul to FUFA for trying to ensure that all top men’s sides have a women’s side too. We know that the FUFA Women Super and Elite Leagues have at least 10 teams each and the national teams are very active. These are significant strides that we are happy to be part of,” Babuleka added.

FUFA’s journey since 1924 covers interesting stories about women football. With ten years of mental change of women football in Uganda since 2013, the bonanza will aim further at bringing together all women in football to recollect and celebrate their achievements, highlights and challenges.

FUFA has on Wednesday unveiled new Crested Cranes Sheryl Botes in a press briefing held at FUFA Complex, Mengo.

FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim in the company of FUFA CEO Edgar Watson graced the function.

Botes, a South African national will take charge of the Uganda Senior Women National Team on a three-year deal. She will also monitor works at the U17 and U20 Women National Teams.

While unveiling the new coach, FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim indicated this is another step in the growth and development of Women’s Football in Uganda.

“FUFA has always been deliberate about Women’s Football and if you follow our progress since 2013, the growth is evident. We believe the current Crested Cranes team has the ability to compete at the highest level and bringing a coach with the experience of Botes is a commitment from us to take a big step forward.” He said.

The President promised that the Crested Cranes will have several engagements to give the coach time to test the players.

“We have a challenge in Africa that engagements for Women Football are limited but as FUFA, we have talked to the new coach and given her assurance that the Crested Cranes will take part in any available Championship and also use the international breaks so that she fully gets to understand every player.” He added.

Botes thanked FUFA for availing the opportunity to her and promised to work to her best to improve the team.

“I am honoured for the opportunity availed to me to lead the Crested Cranes. I’m here to work and help improve the standards of the Women’s National Team and I believe with my experience in the game, I would be able to excute my responsibility.”

The coach comes alongside Ashley De Beer (Sports Scientist) and David Ribeiro (Goalkeeping Coach) and Phuphu Mohlaba (Video Analyst).

The President however confirmed there will be Ugandans who will be part of the technical staff.

Uganda U20 Women’s National Team (The Queen Cranes) suffered defeat to Senegal as the two teams faced off in the first leg of the third round of the 2024 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.

In the game played at Stade Lat-Dor on Saturday, the hosts won 1-0 courtesy of Aissatou Chris Ba’s 42nd mini goal.

Despite several attempts from Uganda, the West African side held on to claim victory.

Coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi remains optimistic his charges will be able to overturn the defeat in the reverse fixture.

“I still believe we have the chance to advance to the next stage. The players fought hard and gave their best. We only need to improve where we struggled in today’s game and put to use the several scoring chances we wasted.” He said.

The return leg is slated for Saturday, 18th November 2023 at FUFA Technical Centre,Njeru.

The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Senegal will face either Ghana or Eswatini at the final qualifying round.

Uganda Starting XI

Sharon Kaidu (GK), Sharifah Nakimera, Harima Kanyago, Desire Katisi Natooro, Patricia Nanyanzi, Krusum Namutebi, Agnes Nabukenya, Kevin Nakacwa, Catherine Nagadya, Hadijah Nandago, Margret Kunihira

Substitutes

Lilian Nakilya, Hasifah Namboozo, Immaculate Odalu, Shamusa Najjuma, Kamiyati Naigaga, Rebecca Nandhego, Hairat Babirye