The Inspector General of Police of the Uganda Police Force, General Edward Kalekezi ‘Kale’ Kayihura on Friday paid a courtesy visit to the Uganda Crested Cranes players and officials.
General Kayihura met the players and officials at Jinja Speke Hotel where they had gone for a swimming session.
‘Thank you for representing our country with passion and energy. I wish you the best in the upcoming matches. We are very proud of you’ General Kayihura stated in a brief address.
The Crested Cranes had an off day on Friday following Thursday’s 1-0 victory against Burundi, their second victory at the CECAFA Women championship.
This followed the 9-0 humiliation of Zanzibar and the earlier 4-0 loss to the Kenya Harambee Starlets.
The Uganda Crested Cranes team will play Tanzania in Sunday’s second semi final show down after Kenya versus Ethiopia earlier clash at 2 p.m.
Tanzania and Ethiopia played to a goal-less draw in the final 2016 CECAFA women championship group stage match played on Friday at the FUFA Technical center, Njeru.
After normal time of the two countries, a coin toss was called to determine the match winner.
Match commissioner Agnes Mugena conducted the toss of the coin that was won by Tanzania.
Match commissioner Agnes Mugena during the coin tossAntony Anastazia of Tanzania (right) attempts to dribble past Ethiopia’s Khamis Maimuna during the final group B match on Friday at Njeru
Shortly after the coin toss, either sides celebrated having reached thus far in the tournament with the semi-finals coming up this Sunday.
Tanzanian players celebrate after the coin tossEthiopian players applaud the fans after the toss of the coin
Tanzania will now face Uganda Crested Cranes in the second semi-final match of the day on Sunday.
Kenya Harambee Stars will face Ethiopia.
Monday will be the second rest day after Saturday before the third place and finals on Tuesday.
Tanzania XI that faced Ethiopia on Friday, 16th September 2016 on match day six of the CECAFA Women championship at the FUFA Technical center, Njeru
Team Line Ups:
Tanzania XI: Fatuma Omari (G.K), Sophia Mwasikili (Captain), Antony Anastazia, Issa Fatuma, Fadhila Hamad, Daniel Donisia, Hapy Henzron, Asha Rashid, Abdalla Stumai, Richard Wema, Khamis Maimuna
Subs: Julius Belina (G.K), Omari Mwanahamisi, Fatuma Hassan, Amina Ally, Sherida Boniface, Fatuma Mustafa, Anna Hebron, Abass Najat, Fatuma Bashiri
Head coach: Sebastian Nkoma
Ethiopia XI that started against Tanzania on Friday at Njeru
The Council of East and Central African (CECAFA) in conjunction with Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) have confirmed a joint press conference to take place on Saturday, 17th September 2016 at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru.
FUFA Spokesman and CECAFA 2016 Women Local Organizing Committee (LOC) member, Ahmed Hussein confirmed the development.
Saturday’s press conference will be intended to release the developments arising after the successful group stage matches.
The press conference starts at 10 a.m and it will be addressed by CECAFA General Secretary, Nicholas Musonye alongside the CECAFA Women championship members of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC).
The semi finals will be held on Sunday with a rest day for Monday before Tuesday’s final.
Members of the media during the previous press conference held at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru
This will be the third joint press conference held between FUFA and CECAFA.
MAIN PHOTO: L-R – Agnes Mugena (FUFA Executive Committee member and 2016 CECAFA Women Football Tournament LOC member), FUFA Technical Director Asuman Lubowa, CECAFA Secretary General Nicholas Musonye, Chairperson 2016 CECAFA Women Football Tournament LOC, Rogers Byamukama and FUFA Executive Committee member and also 2016 CECAFA Women Football Tournament LOC member
The Chairman of the CECAFA Women Championship Local Organising Committee Rogers Byamukama is a happy following unbelievable turn of fans since the start of the championship at the FUFA Technical, Centre in Njeru.
The tournament kicked off on 11th September but the numbers have kept growing each passing day.
Byamukama informed the media during the launch of the tournament at FUFA House that the organising committee decided to take the game to the people of Eastern Uganda, especially in Jinja so that they could enjoy women football.
Rogers Byamukama (left) all smiles with the FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo
‘We are taking the game outside Kampala to the people of Jinja. We know that there will be huge interest of young girls playing the game after the tournament’ said Byamukama during the launch.
After eight games of action punctuated with talent and skill, Byamukama says that the crowds will keep swelling.
‘I have been amazed by the fans’ turn up. Some fans come as early as 11am and wait for the games that kick off at 2pm till the second game is played’ said Byamukama.
‘I would like to thank CECAFA and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the success so far. We need to close up on areas that need our attention to give the fans and teams the best moments as we come to the latter stages of the championship’ added Byamukama.
Full attendance of fans at all matches
‘The fans are enjoying the moment and Women football. With Uganda Crested Cranes in the semifinals we expect massive numbers during the semifinal action’ noted Byamukama.
Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel (extreme left) next to the Rwanda F.A President Vincent Nzamwita with the CECAFA Secretary General Nicholas Musonye and other officials at the FUFA Technical center, Njeru
Byamukama is working with six other people on the LOC whose Vice Chairman is Dr. Patrick Bernard Ogwel (Transport and Liaison). Committee Members are; Sam Mpiima (Finance), Chris Kalibala (Technical), Agnes Mugena (Protocol), Efrance Nanjego (Medical) and Ahmed Hussein (Secretariat).
CECAFA General Secretary Nicholas Musonye has been in Njeru for the entire tournament so far.
Ethiopia defeated Rwanda 3-2 on match day four of the CECAFA Women championship.
Losa Abera scored a brace for the Ethiopians with the winning goal coming from Kanko Meskerem.
Dorothee Mukeshimana and Gloria Sifa Nibagwire got the consolation goals for Rwanda.
Ethiopia’s Emebet Addidu (left) shoots as Florence Imanizabayo (8) closes by on Wednesday
Rwandan F.A President Vincent Nzamwita was the chief guest at the match also watched by the Ethiopian Consular in Uganda, Degefe Bula Wakijera.
FUFA first vice president Justus Mugisha, FUFA Technical committee chairman Hamid Juma and the FUFA International Match Organizing Committee chairman Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel also watched the match.
Next Matches:
The matches continue on Thursday with two fixtures. First, Kenya will take on Zanzibar before Uganda Crested Cranes host Burundi in the final group A match on Thursday.
Uganda needs an outright victory to progress along with Kenya from group A who already booked their berth.
On Friday, Rwanda will play Tanzania on Friday in a fixture that will determine who qualifies as the group B winner.
Rwanda XI:
Helene Uwizeyimana (G.K), Gloria Sifa Nibagwire (Captain), Marieclaire Uwamahoro, Dudja Umwariwase, Clementine Mukamana, Alice Kalimba, Florence Imanizabayo, Anne Marie Ibangarye, Jeanne Nyirahafashimana, Dorothee Mukeshimana, Joseline Mukantaganira
Uganda Crested Cranes perfectly recovered from the opening day blushes against Kenya with a resounding 9-0 victory against Zanzibar in a group A of the CECAFA Women championship.
This was during the second match day three fixture played at the FUFA Technical center, Njeru.
Uganda’s goals were scored by Hasifa Nassuna (four goals), Christine Nambirigge, and two goals apiece from U.S based Laki Otandeka and Fazilah Ikwaput.
Hasifa Nassuna scored four goals in Uganda Crested Cranes’ 9-0 humiliation of Zanzibar on TuesdayUganda Crested Cranes XI against Zanzibar Queens at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru on Tuesday
Half time had ended 3-0 with the first goal, a penalty by Nassuna coming after 40 minutes of play.
Kenya leads group A with six points after two wins out of two games (both with 4-0 scorelines against Uganda and Burundi).
Hundreds of football fans from Jinja and the surrounding areas are enjoying the CECAFA Women games free of charge, an offer given by CECAFA and FUFAZanzibar Queens starting eleven against Uganda Crested Cranes
The Uganda Crested Cranes now has three points, same as Burundi. Kenya leads group A with six points and has qualified for the semi finals.
Next Fixture:
The tournament continues on Wednesday with one match between Ethiopia against Rwanda in a group B fixture at 4 p.m.
Uganda Crested Cranes’ next fixture will come on Thursday against Burundi.
Saleha Ali Khadija (G.K), Abdallah Abdullahi Mwajuma (Captain), Riziki Abdalla Mohamed, Ali Khatib Mtumwa, Khalid Abdulla Warda, Fatuma Khatibu Salum, Hassam Ali Siajab, Nassirin Mohammed Ahmed, Khamis Rashid Zena, Sabahi Hashim Yussuf, Aziza Ali Mtumwa
Subs:
Zulekha Omari Kombo, Paulina Michael Zacharia, Neema Machano Othman, Suzana Francis Agostino, Nuru Nassib Makame, Msimu Suluhu Hassan
All matches at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru (Free entrance)
The CECAFA Women championship enters the third day of action on Tuesday with a double header in group A.
Kenya, who overcame the Uganda Crested Cranes play Burundi in a 2 p.m fixture.
Uganda will then take on Zanzibar in the later fixture at 4 p.m.
Uganda Crested Cranes head coach, Majidah Nantandah believes it is time to correct what went amess on Sunday during the opening match.
“We realized our mistakes against Kenya, which we have worked upon. There is an improvement expected in the match against Zanzibar on Tuesday” Nantandah, a former Crested Cranes international who is deputized by Faridah Bulega told www.fufa.co.ug.
Team Uganda will miss Winnie Babirye with a leg injury suffered against Kenya.
All the matches at the FUFA Technical center, free of charge to all the fans.
The two top countries per group qualify for the semi finals from which the two finalists shall the determined.
The finals will be played on the 20th September 2016.
MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Crested Cranes striker Laki Otandeka shields the ball away from a Kenyan opponent on match day one at Njeru.
Burundi and Kenya have opened with convincing results on match day one of the CECAFA women championship 2016 at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru.
Burundi humiliated Zanzibar 10-1 in the first match of the day as Kenya overcame the hosts Uganda 4-0.
The goals from Burundi came through Djazilla Uwimeza (hat-trick), second half substitute Sakina Saidi (two goals), Aziza Misigiyimana, Bukuru Joe’lle, Neilla Uwimana and further brace from Maggy Mumezero.
The consolation for Zanzibar came through a well converted penalty by the team captain, Abdallah Abdullahi Mwajuma.
The islanders finished the game with 10 men after a red card to goalkeeper Amina Mohamed Kitambi.
Uganda Crested Cranes captain Christine Wanyana with her Kenyan counter part Mary Kinuthia Wanjiku prior to kick off at the FUFA Technical center, Njeru on Sunday
In the second game, Kenya underlined their title credentials with an easy 4-0 victory against the hosts, Uganda Crested Cranes.
Kenya took a half time lead through the team captain, Mary Kinuthia Wanjiku. Esse Mbeyu Akida scored a brace and Vivian Corazon who was a second half substitute.
The guest of honour was Hon. Rosemary Nansubuga Seninde, State minister for Primary Education and women member of parliament for Wakiso district.
CECAFA Secretary General Nicholas Musonye, FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo flanked by the Honorary FUFA President Lawrence Mulindwa watched the game alongside several FUFA Executive Committee members, FUFA Staff and delegates.
Team Uganda inspection before kick off against Kenya
Hundreds of football fans watched the game live after FUFA and CECAFA declared free entrance for all.
Section of fans in the stands at the FUFA Technical center, NjeruUganda Crested Cranes striker Laki Otandeka shields the ball in the second game on Sunday
Next Fixtures:
The tournament resumes on Monday with one group B game between Tanzania and Rwanda at 4 p.m.
On Tuesday, there will be two games.
Burundi will play Kenya in the opener at 2 p.m before the two wounded lions will battle each other as Uganda Crested Cranes hosts Zanzibar by 4 pm.
The Council of East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) women football championship will kick off on Sunday 11th September at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru.
While addressing the sports scribes, Chairman Local organizing Committee Rogers Byamukama confirmed that all the teams had arrived in the country including Rwanda and Ethiopia who jetted in on Saturday morning.
‘Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Zanzibar, Tanzania are already here in Jinja but Ethiopia and Rwanda flew in this morning and will join us in Jinja’ said Byamukama
“We are confident we shall have a successful tournament’ added Byamukama.
He also assured teams and the community of the tight but flexible security during the 10 day tournament. “Security is guaranteed by Uganda Police before during and after the tournament stretching up to team hotels.”
Some of the media personnel who attended the Saturday press conference at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru
He also called upon fans to go in big numbers to watch their respective teams.
‘All football fans willing to watch the CECAFA Women championship at the FUFA Technical Center will enter free of charge for all the games’ Chairman Local Organizing Committee.
Secretary General CECAFA speaks
‘I would like to thank FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo for host the tournament. There are challenges but we shall succeed at the end of this event’ said CECAFA Secretary General Musonye.
Musonye also promised fans the best football from the seven teams.
L-R: CECAFA Secretary General Nicholas Musonyi, Rogers Byamukama (2016 CECAFA women local organization Committee chairman) and Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel (FUFA International Match Organization Committee chairman and FUFA Executive Member)
Arrival of Countries
Zanzibar and Kenya were the first countries to arrive in the country on Thursday and Friday respectively.
Burundi, Tanzania, arrived on Friday while Rwanda and Ethiopia are expected by 5pm to be in Jinja
The 11 days’ tournament gets underway on Sunday, 11th September 2016 with a double header between Burundi and Zanzibar (2 p.m) before the mouth-watering Uganda versus Kenya clash at 4 p.m.
MAIN PHOTO: L-R – Agnes Mugena, a member on the FUFA Executive committee, Asuman Lubowa (FUFA Technical Director), CECAFA Secretary General Nicholas Musonyi, Rogers Byamukama (2016 CECAFA women local organization Committee chairman) and Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel (FUFA International Match Organization Committee chairman and FUFA Executive Member) during the press conference held at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru on Saturday morning
The CECAFA Women Championship due to kick off on Sunday 11th till 20th September, is taking shape with the final stage preparations.
On behalf of the Local Organising Committee Chairman Mr. Rogers Byamukama, Kindly note this important communication;
CECAFA Women Championship Press conference will be held on Saturday 10th September 10 am at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru to give full details about the tournament. It will be addressed by the CECAFA Secretary General Mr. Musonye Nicholas, LOC Organising Committee Chairman Byamukama and CECAFA Media Officer Mr. Mulindwa Rogers.
The female referees to officiate at the CECAFA Women Championship will undergo a fitness test on Saturday 10th September, 2016 starting 7am at Mandela National stadium, Namboole. After the exercise, they will head to Jinja.
Zanzibar, Kenya and Uganda are already in Jinja. The rest of the teams will arrive tomorrow.
It will be FREE entrance to all fans for the entire tournament
11th – 20th September (All Matches at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru)
GROUP A: Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Zanzibar
GROUP B: Ethiopia, Tanzania, Rwanda
Press conference: Saturday, 10th September 2016 – At FUFA Technical Center, Njeru (Starting 10 a.m)
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) in conjunction with the Council of East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) will hold a joint press conference about the 2016 CECAFA women football championship at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru on Saturday.
CECAFA Secretary General, Nicholas Musonye will address the media joined by the tournament Local Organizing Committee chairman Rogers Byamukama.
All the updates and fresh developments about the tournament will be communicated at the press conference that starts by 10 a.m.
This will be the second press conference after the tournament was launched on 29th August 2016 at the football headquarters found at FUFA House, Mengo in Kampala.
The 10 day tournament starts on Sunday, 11th September 2016 at Njeru.
MAIN PHOTO: L-R FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein, FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo, CECAFA Secretary General Nicholas Musonye and the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee on 29th August 2016 in Kampala
2016 CECAFA Women Championship: 11th – 20th September (All Matches at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru)
GROUP A: Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Zanzibar
GROUP B: Ethiopia, Tanzania, Rwanda
The Council of East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) women football championship will kick off at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru.
FUFA has confirmed there is free entrance for all the football fans willing to watch the games that return after a 30 year absence.
“All football fans willing to watch the CECAFA Women championship at the FUFA Technical Center will enter free of charge for all the games” FUFA Communications manager, Ahmed Hussein notes.
Arrival of Countries:
Zanzibar and Kenya were the first countries to arrive in the country on Thursday and Friday respectively.
They will be followed by Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and Ethiopia in that order.
The 11 days’ tournament gets underway on Sunday, 11th September 2016 with a double header between Burundi and Zanzibar (2 p.m) before the mouth-watering Uganda versus Kenya clash at 4 p.m.
The tournament was launched at the home of football in Uganda, FUFA House in Mengo, Kampala over two weeks ago by the CECAFA Seceretary General, Nicholas Musonye flanked by the FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo, the tournament Local Organizing Committee chairman Rogers Byamukama and other members of the LOC.
A seven man Local Organizing Committee (LOC) is chaired by Rogers Byamukama. Others members are Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel, Agnes Mugena, Chris Kalibala,Samuel Mpiima, Efrance Nanjego and Ahmed Hussein.
2016 CECAFA Women Football Championship, Rogers Byamukama addresses the media during the tournament launch in Kampala on Monday, 29th August 2016. He assured good preparations in terms of preparations (main playing ground, training grounds, secretariat and hotel facilities)
The tournament gets underway on the 11th September 2016 with Burundi taking on Zanzibar at 2 p.m.
Hosts Uganda will play Kenya in the next fixture on match day one.
I thank Uganda for taking the initiative and being bold enough to bring CECAFA women’s tournament here in Kampala. This is the golden opportunity to revamp women’s football in the CECAFA region.
All the matches will be played at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru with two games running per day.
The last CECAFA women football championship was held in Zanzibar and won by the hosts in 1986.
MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Crested Cranes team that played against Kenya in the International build up in Kisumu
The Uganda National women football team, Crested Cranes continue with their residential training at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru.
The team of 29 players departed Kampala for Njeru on Tuesday and have since intensified their preparations for the tournament.
Under the coaches Majidah Nantandah (head) and Faridah Bulega (assistant coach), the players have since responded well to training.
“The players have all been doing well and it is good we had this training camp” Nantandah stated.
Uganda Crested Cranes players in a cross and head session at the FUFA Technical Center, NjeruJean Seninde who turns out for English Women side, QPR smiles with the rest of the Crested Cranes players after training at Njeru
Meanwhile, team start to arrive in the country. Zanzibar arrived on Thursday night before they were joined by Kenya on Friday morning.
The Crested Cranes will face Kenya on September 11th in their opening fixture in group A that also has Burundi and Zanzibar.
Crested Cranes coach Majida Nantanda is upbeat that her team will make the nation proud in the upcoming CECAFA Women championship that kicks-off next weekend at FUFA technical Njeru.
After CECAFA General Secretary Nicholas Musonye and FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo launched the tournaments and released the two groups of seven teams on Monday 29th at FUFA house, Majida kick started the team’s training with 50 players the following day with the training at KCCA FC’s Philip Omondi stadium mainly focused on raising the fitness levels of the players and putting them in proper shape mentally and physically since the FUFA Women Elite League is the break.
American based Crested Cranes forward Laki Otandeka (left) shielding the ball from fellow forward Winnie Babirye in training on Saturday.
These have since been reduced to only 25 who trained on Saturday. 5 other players who were summoned have been representing their school in the Federation of East African Secondary School Sports Association (FEASSSA) games in Eldoret Kenya. These include Kawempe’s Hasifa Nassuuna, Yudaya Nakayenze, Joan Nakirya, Tracy Akiror and Masaka SS’ Catherine Nakiridde.
The team’s preparation ahead of the regional championship that was last held in Zanzibar in 1986 were boosted by the arrival of two foreign based players QPR Ladies FC defender Jean Peace Sseninde and American based Laki Otandeka.
Coach Majida is so far impressed with the pair that started training on Thursday and is very positive they are going to have a great impact on the Crested Cranes efforts to win silverware on home soil.
“I am so far pleased with Jean and Laki’s performance and believe they are going to be very vital for us. Their colleagues have received them well and can see they are easily adapting and getting on well.” Majida stated.
The Crested Cranes will face Kenya on September 11th in their opening fixture in group A that also has Burundi and Zanzibar. Rwanda, Ethiopia and Tanzania are in group B.
QPR Ladies FC and Crested Cranes defender Jean Peace Sseninde battles for the ball with Margret Namirimu during training on Saturday.
The 25 who attended Saturday traning:
Goal Keepers;Fatuma Matovu, Ruth Aturo and Cissy Nakuguba.
Outfield players:
Defenders – Jean Peace Sseninde, Gladyc Nakitto, Christine Wanyana, Stella Kariba, Tina Nambirigge, Margaret Namirimu, Viola Namuddu, Florence Nakalule, Farida Kisitu.
2016 CECAFA Women Championship: 11th – 20th September (All Matches at the FUFA Technical Center, Njeru)
GROUP A: Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Zanzibar
GROUP B: Ethiopia, Tanzania, Rwanda
The long awaited Council of East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) women football championship returns after over a period of 30 years without being played.
The tournament has been launched at the home of football in Uganda, FUFA House in Mengo, Kampala during a well attended press conference on Monday.
CECAFA Seceretary General, Nicholas Musonye graced the launched together with the FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo, the tournament Local Organizing Committee chairman Rogers Byamukama and other members of the LOC.
Addressing the media, the FUFA President expressed the gratitude for the federation to host the tournament of CECAFA’s magnitude;
We are excited to hosting the Championship. This is an extended programme to the strategy we took to develop women football in the country and across the region.
This tournament will also give the girls more playing time internationally.
Eng. Magogo officially announced the full members of the Local Organizing Committee.
The seven man committee has Rogers Byamukama, the chairperson.
Others are Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel, Agnes Mugena, Chris Kalibala,Samuel Mpiima, Efrance Nanjego and Ahmed Hussein.
2016 CECAFA Women Football Championship, Rogers Byamukama addresses the media during the tournament launch in Kampala on Monday, 29th August 2016. He assured good preparations in terms of preparations (main playing ground, training grounds, secretariat and hotel facilities)
The tournament gets underway on the 11th September 2016 with Burundi taking on Zanzibar at 2 p.m.
Hosts Uganda will play Kenya in the next fixture on match day one.
Byamukama, also a FUFA Executive committee member asserted that there are seven countries that have duly confirmed to take part in the tournament.
CECAFA Secretary General, Musonye appreciated FUFA for taking the bold decision to host the women tournament at a time no other country was willing to take up the opportunity.
I thank Uganda for taking the initiative and being bold enough to bring CECAFA women’s tournament here in Kampala. This is the golden opportunity to revamp women’s football in the CECAFA region.
All the matches will be played at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru with two games running per day.
The last CECAFA women football championship was held in Zanzibar and won by the hosts in 1986.
MAIN PHOTO: L-R FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein, FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo, CECAFA Secretary General Nicholas Musonye and the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee.
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) and Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) will host a joint press conference on Monday 29th August, 2016.
‘We expect the CECAFA General Secretary Mr. Nicholas Musonye to address the media. He will jet in on Sunday. He will release more details about the regional championship’ said FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein.
Members of the media are kindly invited to attend and cover this important event.
Time: 11.30 am
Venue: FUFA House
MAIN PHOTO: The Uganda National Women football team, Crested Cranes team that recently played against Kenya in the international build up at the Moi International Sports Complex, Kisumu
Uganda National women football team-Crested Cranes are back home from Kenya where they played an international friendly in Kisumu on Sunday afternoon. Despite the 4-0 loss to the Kenyans, the players talked to fufa.co.ug that it was a match that opened up their eyes and will be looking to the CECAFA Women championship in September.
Uganda was playing its first international match at senior level since 2012 when they played Democratic Republic of Congo.
FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein and National Teams Officer Patrick Ntege received the team at FUFA House.
‘We are proud of you. This is a young team that competed a very experienced side heading to the AFCON Women Championship in Cameroon later this year. Let us learn from the mistakes made in the match and plan ahead’ said Hussein who talked to the contingent briefly.
Head coach Majidah Nantanda is optimistic that her team will have improved by September for the regional championship.
Hosts Kenya Women National team-Harambe Starlets took the better of Uganda Crested Cranes’ lack of international exposure after a long lull to beat their rivals and neighbors 4-0 in an international friendly played at Moi Sports Stadium in Kisumu on Sunday afternoon.
It was the first international match for the Women senior team since Janaury 2012 against Democratic Republic of Congo however three years ago, the U-20 team played South Sudan and left them for dead by scoring 22 goals. Sandra Nabweteme who featured in that fixture against South Sudan was in the starting XI for Crested Cranes in Kisumu.
Christine Wanyana, Fatumah Matovu and an upcoming star player Stella Kaliba were part of teh senior team five years ago. The rest of the players in Kisumu today were representing their country for the first time at senior level.
It was totally a different story for the entire Crested Cranes coming from international wilderness of about five years as FUFA re-organised itself to create a viable structure for women development in Uganda that led to support from FIFA in form of equipment, courses and finances.
Team captains with the match referees of the day before kick-off
The match in Kisumu on Sunday is as a result of hard-work by various stakeholders in Uganda towards women football.
In the match proper, Kenya played like the hosts capitalising on the loose ends of Crested Cranes but Majidah Nantanda’s Ladies were holding on strong till the 16th minute when they conceded a a penalty that was converted by Mary Kinuthia. Just before the break, trouble brewed on the Crested Cranes side as first choice keeper Fatumah Matovu went for a challenge on a Kenyan player but resulted into a foul outside the penalty area which the day’s referee Wanjala did not hesitate in a warding a free kick.
Change had to be made as Joan Nakirya went off to pave way for Ruth Aturo to stand between the posts. She had not had enough time to warm up. Kenya took the lead from a free kick for the score to read 2-0 before they added two more for the match to end 4-0. Mary Kimuthia netted a brace while Wendy Achieng and Esse Akida also got their names on the scoresheet with a goal each.
Hasifah Nassuuna tried out a 40 yarder but went over the bar. Skipper Christine Wanyana showed her vast experience at the back by thwarting the aerial attacks while Shirazi Natasha went off before halftime but was a menace to the Kenyans with her skills and possession of the ball.
‘It was good trial match for the girls. It is a team with skill and talent. We shall go back home and start planning for the next championship in Kampala-CECAFA Women event’ said Majidah Nantanda shortly after the match.
Uganda Crested Cranes players pray before the match in Kisumu against Kenya
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo said ‘ Let us not look at the result. FUFA has created a pool of players from which the technical side can pick. The league and regional leagues are helping the players. Let’s plan for CECAFA Women championship in September’
With other foreign based players like Jean Sseninde expected to join the team in future from her base in UK, the Crested Cranes will be a team to beat.
‘I am still proud of everyone, the coaches, support team and players for the effort with little time we had to train. I am sure we shall build on that and do better with more support’ said Sseninde who plays for QPR Ladies in the England.
Uganda Crested Cranes head coach, Majidah Nantanda (left) with the Kenya Harambee Starlets head coach, David Ouma at the Moi stadium in Kisumu
