Category: Women

As the Uganda U17 Women’s National Team (Teen Cranes) brace themselves for a decisive encounter against Zambia in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, all eyes are on their relentless pursuit of progressing to the next stage.

Teen Cranes Head Coach Sheryl Botes, despite the odds stacked against them following a 2-0 loss in the first leg, exudes confidence and determination as she prepares her squad for the crucial second leg slated for Friday at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

During the pre match press conference held on Friday at FUFA Complex, the gaffer left no room for doubt about the team’s objectives. She emphasized the need for an aggressive approach, highlighting the necessity of scoring at least two goals while keeping a clean sheet to overturn the deficit.

The stakes are high, and Botes understands the magnitude of the task ahead.

“As we are going into the second leg, we were well prepared. We have worked on the mistakes that we encountered during the first game and we believe the team can overturn this score,” she stated.

The first-leg defeat in Lusaka’s National Heroes Stadium was undoubtedly a setback, but it has only fueled the Teen Cranes’ resolve to rise above adversity. With meticulous preparation and strategic planning, Coach Botes has instilled a sense of purpose in her players, emphasizing the importance of unity and resilience on the field.

“The girls have been given the confidence
that we can change turn this around. They know that we believe that. And as a technical team, we’ve done everything in our power now to put a good team out there tomorrow so that we can go and be able to score more goals tomorrow.” Botes added.

Key to the team’s aspirations is captain, Desire Katisi Natooro, whose leadership qualities and optimism are pivotal in boosting team morale.

Natooro, echoing her coach’s sentiments, expressed hope for the best possible outcome in the upcoming match. Her unwavering belief in the team’s abilities is emblematic of the spirit that drives the Teen Cranes forward.

“The mood is high, we are ready for tomorrow’s game,” Commented Desire before adding, “With the coaching strategies, we are good to go. The whole team is in good shape and we hope to get better results against Zambia tomorrow.”

The road to World Cup qualification demands not only skill and determination but also a profound sense of national pride. For these young athletes, representing Uganda on the international stage is both an honor and a responsibility. The prospect of earning a spot in the U17 Women’s World Cup is the ultimate goal.

The match will be played on Friday 17th May 2024 at St Mary’s Stadium-Kitende, kickoff at 4pm and free entrance for all fans.

In a prelude to their upcoming FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, the Uganda U17 Women’s National Team, fondly known as Teen Cranes, secured a solid 2-1 victory over Kampala Queens FC in a friendly match held on Monday afternoon at MTN Omondi Stadium Lugogo.

The match saw Kampala Queens taking an early lead as Shamirah Nalugya confidently converted a penalty in the first half, putting the Teen Cranes on the back foot momentarily. However, the youthful resilience of the national team shone through in the later stages of the game.

Gift Nabukenya, displaying a knack for seizing crucial moments, pulled the Teen Cranes level with a well-taken goal. The momentum shifted further in Teen Cranes’ favor when Kampala Queens inadvertently contributed to the scoreline with an own goal from Asia Nakibuuka, ultimately sealing the victory for the national side.

Head coach Sheryl Botes expressed her satisfaction with the performance of her squad, emphasizing the positive strides made by the players as they prepare for the high-stakes qualifiers against Zambia.

“Am very proud of the girls, they’ve done extremely well. Even though we won today, it doesn’t matter. To me it’s only about the performance of the players in relation to the Key components we’ve been working on for the past three days.”

The friendly encounter provided valuable insights and opportunities for the Teen Cranes to fine-tune their strategies and build team cohesion ahead of the first leg of the qualifiers scheduled for May 12th at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka after which the return leg will take place on May 17th 2024, at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

Coach Sheryl Botes has summoned a provisional squad of 33 players to embark on preparations for the forthcoming FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.

The Uganda U17 Women’s National Team (Teen Cranes) will take on Zambia at the third round of the Qualifiers.

The first leg is slated for 12th May at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka while the return leg will be played on 17th May 2024 at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

The squad summoned will enter residential camp on Sunday, 28th April 2024 at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi.

To reach this stage, Uganda overcame Cameroon while Zambia eliminated Tanzania.

The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Zambia will face either Morocco or Algeria at the final qualification phase.

Full Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers
Lillian Nakilya (St. Noa SS WFC), Angella Adeke (Royal Queens FC), Ashley Nakabugo (Kawempe Muslim SS), Dorcus Namboozo (Byafaayo Queens), Martha Nabirye (Busoga Queens FC)

Defenders
Faridah Namirimu (Wakiso Hill WFC), Charity Katusiime (Tagy High School WFC), Desire Katisi Natooro (Asubo Ladies FC), Bethany Kaluya (Brighton and Hove Albion Ladies FC), Promise Kwagalakwe (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Sharlom Nambuya (Byafaayo Queens FC), Barbara Anena (St. Leo’s Gulu), Ritah Anitah Nambuusi (Divine Soccer Academy), Peninah Clara Wetaase (Excel Soccer Academy)

Midfielders
Esther Nangendo (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Vanessa Namazzi (Kawempe Muslim SS), Tamisi Shafiga(Byafaayo Queens FC), Asia Kakai (Byafaayo Queens FC), Bushirah Nalunkuuma (Rines SS WFC), Babirye Fahima (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Auki Kigongo (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Margret Balimwesa (Busoga Queens FC), Swaibu Lukiya Naigaga (Busoga Queens FC), Esther Lwamwaka (Rev. Jaboloni), Mariam Namataka (Byafaayo Queens FC), Doreen Alijat (Byafaayo Queens FC), Joyce Kaniza (Byafaayo Queens FC), Shadia Nabirye (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Mariam Auma (St. Leo’s Gulu), Monica Nanono (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC)

Forwards
Sylvia Kabene (St. Noa SS WFC), Agnes Nabukenya (Kawempe Muslim SS)

Officials

Sheryl Botes Ulanda – Head Coach

Charles Ayiekoh Lukula – Assistant Coach

Shawn Robert Bishop – Performance Analyst

David Ribeiro – Goalkeeping Coach

Keny Rogers Tezigwa– Goalkeeping Coach

Allan Nsubuga Magunda – Video Analyst

Danny Kirumira – Sports Scientist

Mable Kabatalindwa – Team Doctor

Darlian Kyasiimire – Team Physiotherapist

Cissy Nakiguba Gaudensia – Equipment Manager

Joan Namusisi – Team Coordinator

Joel Kivumbi – Media Officer

The Uganda U16 Women’s team registered its first victory at the UEFA Friendship Tournament held in Istanbul, Turkey, triumphing over Botswana with a 3-2 victory in a classification match played on Thursday.

Isabella Blick, Shadia Nabirye, and substitute Angel Ainembabazi scoree a goal each, propelling Uganda to victory and helping the team to a commendable 7th place finish.

Despite a challenging start in the group stages, where they suffered defeats against formidable opponents, including Paraguay (7-0), China (4-1), and Wales (1-0), the team showcased resilience and determination, culminating in a well-deserved triumph against Botswana.

In recognition of their achievement, both Uganda and Botswana were honored with medals by the tournament organizers, highlighting the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship.

The Ugandan team is scheduled to return home on Saturday morning, carrying with them the pride of their historic victory and the invaluable experience gained on the international stage.

Summary of the Uganda U16 team performance at the UEFA Friendship Tournament.

Group B Matches

Paraguay 7-0 Uganda
Uganda 0-1 Wales
China 4-1 Uganda (Asia Kakayi)

Classification Match

Botswana 2-3 Uganda (Isabella Blick, Shadia Nabirye and Angel Ainembabazi)

FUFA through the Competitions Department has released the road map for the 2024 FUFA Primary Schools Championship (Odilo).

Into its third edition, the annual tournament seeks to offer a competitive platform to Primary School going pupils between the age of 11-13.

The process will begin by schools expressing interest in participating at the district level.

‘Participation is by registration with a commitment fee of UGX 50,000 payable to the district organizing committee under the Chairmanship of the FUFA District Football Association,” noted Aisha Nalule, the FUFA Competitions Director.

Breakdown of the distribution of the registration fee

UGX 35,000 – To the District
UGX 10,000 – To the Region
UGX 5,000 – To FUFA Competitions Directorate

The competition shall be composed of a district organizing committee of 5 members and shall include the 2 members from the District Football Association, DFA Chairperson and the Executive Secretary.

At the Regional Level, the Chairperson, Regional EXCOM Member, Regional Secretary and two members from the regional schools association and at least two members must be female.

The district winners will play at the Regional level to determine the Champions (Male and Female category) who will then represent the region at the National Level.

The National Competition will be played at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru with all games broadcast on FUFA Tv.

It should be noted that the Champions at national level will represent Uganda in the FEASSA gameswhuch will be hosted in Bukedea, Uganda in August.

Bombo Army Primary School and Kampala Grammar Junior School are the defending Champions in the girls and boys’ category respectively.

Road Map

15th -30th April – Registration of teams at district level

5th -19th May – District Competitions

21st -31st May – Zonal Competitions

8th – 22nd June – Regional Competitions

6th – 20th July – National Finals

Uganda’s U16 women’s national team faced a tough challenge against China in the final group B match of the UEFA Friendship Tournament on Tuesday 16th April 2024.

Despite a 4-1 loss, the team achieved a significant milestone as Asia Kakayi scored the team’s first goal in the tournament in the 74th minute.

Head coach Charles Ayiekoh expressed satisfaction with this achievement, despite finishing bottom of the group with no points.

The team now looks ahead to a classification match against Botswana on Thursday 18th April to determine the 7th and 8th positions in the tournament.

In their second match at the UEFA Friendship Tournament in Istanbul, Turkey, the Uganda U16 Women’s National Team faced Wales on Saturday 13th April in a closely contested battle.

Despite putting up a much-improved performance compared to their previous game, where they suffered a 7-0 defeat to Paraguay, Uganda fell short against Wales, conceding a late strike in the second half.

The goal proved to be the decider, leaving Uganda with no points in Group B after two games and placing them at the bottom of the standings.

However, Head Coach Charles Ayiekoh praised his players for their resilience and fighting spirit against a formidable Welsh side boasting players from established teams like Manchester United, Leicester, Reading, Blackburn, among others.

Despite the setback, Uganda looks ahead to their final group stage match against China on Tuesday, April 16th, 2024, with determination to finish the tournament on a positive note.

In their opening Group B clash at the UEFA Friendship Tournament in Istanbul, Turkey, Uganda’s U16 women’s national team faced a formidable challenge against Paraguay, succumbing to a 7-0 loss.

Despite the significant margin of defeat, head coach Charles Ayiekoh found reasons to be impressed by his team’s performance, citing their resilience and determination throughout the match.

Ayiekoh acknowledged the missed opportunities that could have altered the outcome, expressing disappointment over wasted chances.

However, he remains optimistic about his team’s potential and is determined to address areas for improvement ahead of their upcoming fixture.

Uganda will seek redemption as they prepare to take on Wales in their second match on April 13th.

With valuable lessons learned from their tournament opener, the team is poised to showcase their resilience and fighting spirit in pursuit of a positive result.

Thursday 11th April 2024.

Paraguay U16 vs Uganda U16 – 4:30pm EAT

In a flurry of excitement and determination, the Uganda U16 women’s national team is primed and ready to make their mark on the global stage as they gear up for their inaugural group B match against Paraguay on Thursday evening in the UEFA Invitational Friendship Tournament at Hasan Dogan national teams camp and training facility in Istanbul, Turkey.

With anticipation mounting and expectations high, Head Coach Charles Ayiekoh and Captain Ritah Nambusi have both expressed unwavering confidence in the squad’s abilities.

Coach Ayiekoh emphasized the team’s preparation and readiness for the challenge ahead.

“We have been diligently preparing for this moment, focusing on both physical conditioning and tactical strategies to ensure that we are fully equipped to compete at the highest level,” remarked Ayiekoh in a pre-match press conference.

Leading the charge on the field, Captain Nambusi exuded a sense of leadership and determination that has become emblematic of the team’s ethos.

“We are ready for the tournament. The teams are all good but we are better and we want to show and prove this in the first game against Paraguay. We are not daunted. Instead, we see it as an opportunity to showcase the talent and resilience of Ugandan women’s football,” stated Nambusi, in full confidence.

The UEFA Invitational Friendship Tournament, held in Istanbul, Turkey, serves as a platform for emerging talents to test their mantle against international competition and foster camaraderie among nations. For Uganda who are in group B with China, Paraguay and Wales, this tournament represents a significant milestone in their journey to establish themselves as a force to reckon with in women’s football.

As the spotlight shines on Uganda and Paraguay in their Group B opener, women football lovers can expect an exhilarating display of skill, determination, and sportsmanship.

With Coach Ayiekoh’s strategic acumen guiding them from the sidelines and Captain Nambusi leading by example on the pitch, the Uganda U16 women’s national team is poised to leave an indelible mark on the tournament and inspire a new generation of footballers back home.

Coach Charles Ayiekoh Lukula has confirmed the travelling squad of Uganda U16 Women’s National Team that will play at the inaugural UEFA U16 Friendship Tournament in Istanbul, Turkey.

The final squad named has 19 players and the contingent that also has nine officials will travel to Turkey on Tuesday morning at 5:00am aboard Turkish Airlines.

The invitational tournament is an initiative by UEFA and this is the inaugural edition that will feature eight nations namely; Uganda, hosts Turkey, Botswana, USA, Vietnam, China, Paraguay and Wales.

Uganda is pooled in Group B alongside China, Wales and Paraguay and will kick off the campaign on Thursday 11th April against Paraguay.

The Tournament will run between 9th -19th April 2024 at the Turkish Football Federation training centre in Riva, Istanbul.

It should be noted that the team entered residential camp on Thursday last week at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisaasi and had one practice match against Kawempe Muslim SS on Sunday ending in a 3-2 win for the latter.

Ayiekoh will lead the technical team and will be deputised by William Moses Nkata.

Travelling Squad.

Goalkeepers
Dorcus Namboozo (Amus College School), Victory Bynam Tendo (Rines SS)

Defenders
Charity Katusiime (Tagy High School), Grace Adong (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Nambuya Sharlom(Amus College School), Ritah Anitah Nambuusi (Lamminas Secondary School)

Midfielders
Bushira Muhammad Nalunkuuma (Amus College School), Justine Kinsumbya (Tagy High School), Asia Kakai (Amus College School), Shafiga Tamisi (Amus College School), Monica Bulya (Rines SS), Gloria Apio (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Vanessa Namazzi (Kawempe Muslim SS), Patricia Namugenyi (Kawempe Muslim SS), Shakirah Nakintu (Kawempe Muslim SS)

Forwards
Angel Ainembabazi (Rines SS), Isabella Winfred Blick Kabarozi (Uganda Martyrs High School, Lubaga), Shadia Nabirye (Kawempe Muslim SS), Yusraa Nambooze (Kawempe Muslim SS)

Officials

Charles Ayiekoh Lukula – Head Coach

William Moses Nkata – Assistant Coach

Rogers Keny Tezigwa – Goalkeeping Coach

Allan Magunda Nsubuga – Video Analyst

Mable Kabatalindwa – Team Doctor

Joan Namusisi – Team Manager

Prossy Nalwadda – Equipment Manager

Ronnie Lusulire – Media Officer

Uganda U20 Women’s National Team secured bronze at the African Ganes 2023 after overcoming Ssnegal in the thire place playoff game played on Thursday at Cape Coast Stadium.

The closely contested game ended in a barren stalemate in normal time but the Queen Cranes eventually edged it 6-5 on penalties.

Coach Sheryl Botes made changes to the team that had started against Senegal with Krusum Namutebi and Docus Lwalisa bouncing back into the starting XI after serving suspension.

Captain Catherine Nagadya and right back Catherine Wujja also returned to the starting XI.

In normal time, Uganda was denied by the woodwork twice with Nagadya and Zaina Nandede seeing their attempts ricochet off the frame of the goal.

Senegal were awarded a penalty in added time of the first half but their captain Diallo Sadigatou fired wide.

In the shoot out Uganda’s Shamira Nalugya, Shakirah Nankwanga, Harima Kanyago, Catherine Wujja, Shamusa Najjuma and Catherine Nagadya all converted their kicks with only Docus Lwalisa missing her take.

This is the first continental piece of silverware for Uganda’s Women Football.

Uganda’s Starting XI

Uganda U20 Women’s National Team, the Queen Cranes will be seeking to end their expedition at the African Games 2023 on a high as they take on Senegal in the bronze medal match.

The game slated for Thursday, 21st March 2024 (8PM EAT) at Cape Coast Stadium presents a chance for either Uganda or Senegal to go home with a piece of silverware.

The focus for coach Sheryl Botes is to ensure that her charges can overcone Senegal.

The coach is optimistic ahead of the game and believes Uganda stands a good chance to win.

“We are ready and prepared to face Senegal. Every game requires a different approach and we have tried to look at that in our preparations and I am optimistic that we shall be able to win,” she said.

With this being the final game at the tournament, the coach wants to make a blend of players that have been playing regularly and those that have been on the fringes.

“We will see how we can play and maintain our structure and approach and strike a balance between players that have been playing and those who have had minimal appearance.” She stated.

Uganda will have Docus Lwalisa and Krusum Namutebi return from suspension.

Phionah Nabulime who had an injury concern in the semifinal against Nigeria is back and will be availabe for selection.

Uganda U20 Women’s National Team, the Queen Cranes secured the first win at the African Games 2023 in Ghana after overcoming Ethiopia on Tuesday at Cape Coast Stadium.

The Queen Cranes defeated Ethiopia 2-0 with captain Catherine Nagadya and left back Docus Lwalisa scoring a goal each in the first half.

Uganda had drawn 1-1 against Tanzania in the first game played on Saturday last week.

Head Coach Sheryl Botes made one change from the team that started against Tanzania with Juliet Nalukenge starting ahead of Krusum Namutebi.

A brilliant start saw Uganda take the lead in the ten minutes after kickoff through Nagadya who finished from close range after Nalukenge laid the ball to her.

Lwalisa doubled the advantage for Uganda in the 29th minute straight from a free kick that went beyond Ethiopia’s goalkeeper Genet Ermiyas Iltro who had moved a few inches off the line.

The Olila High School student nearly got her second on the day off a ferocious strike outside the box but her effort hit the crossbar.

Coach Botes was forced into making a change in the 43rd minute when defender Shakirah Nankwanga was stretchered off. She was replaced by midfielder Krusum Namutebi.

Goalkeeper Sharon was called into action at the stroke of halftime when she parried Mesay Temsegen’s strike on the crossbar and Ethiopia won a corner kick.

From the corner kick, a long clearance met Nagadya just after the centre line, beat a defender for pace but failed to put the ball beyond the onrushing goalkeeper.

In the second half, Ethiopia mounted several attacks and indeed came close but goalkeeper Kaidu was always alert to deny them.

Shamirah Nalugya, Immaculate Kizza and Harima Kanyago came on later to replace Nagadya, Nalukenge and Catherine Wujja in that order.

The win moves Uganda to four points in two games and will face hosts Ghana in the final group game on Friday.

Uganda U20 Starting XI
Sharon Kaidu, Catherine Wujja, Docus Lwalisa, Phionah Nabulime, Shakirah Nankwanga, Krusum Namutebi, Latifah Nakasi, Shamusa Najjuma, Catherine Nagadya, Juliet Nakukenge, Margret Kunihira, Zainah Nandede

Substitutes
Esther Akujo (GK), Cecilia Kamuli (GK), Patricia Akiror, Harima Kanyago, Immaculate Kizza, Krusum Namutebi, Shakirah Nalugya, Claire Hilder Kebirungi, Sumaya Nabuto

The road map to the fifth edition of the FUFA Women’s Cup has been revealed on Monday morning at FUFA Complex, Mengo. 

Former Crested Cranes player Oliver Mbekeka conducted the drawing of lots under the guidance of the FUFA Competitions Director Aisha Nalule.

The draw procedure involved placing the top six teams from the FUFA Women Super League and FUFA Women Elite in pot B, while pot A included seven teams from the FUFA Women Elite League and nine from the eight regions of FUFA.

The round of 32 will be a one-legged tie and teams will go straight to kicks from the penalty mark in case of a draw in normal time.

According to Nalule, a record number of 40 teams registered for the fifth edition eight more than the previous edition.

‘This edition has recorded the biggest number of teams participating since the inauguration of this competition.Twenty teams from the eight regions participated in the preliminaries to join the ten teams from the FUFA Womens Super League and the FUFA Women Elite League, making it a total of thirty two teams.’ She said.

She confirmed that the round of 32 matches are scheduled for March 14th-17th, 2024 and the
round of 16 scheduled for the 23rd – 24th April, 2024 while the Quarterfinals will be played between 25th – 26th May, 2024 with semifinals coming between 1st -2nd June, 2024

The final is scheduled to be played either on 8th or 9th June 2024.

Uganda Martyrs Ladies FC are the reigning holders of the FUFA Women’s Cup.

Round of 32 Draws 

1.EHCOS SS WFC Vs FC Tooro Queens 

2.Moyo Stars WFC Vs Gyco Girls SS

3.Mpororo Queens FC Vs Lady Doves FC

4.Isra Soccer Academy Vs UCU Lady Cardinals

5.High Way Ladies Vs Rines SS WFC

6.Gold Star HS Vs Asubo Ladies

7.Burneside Valley WFC Vs She Corporate FC

8.Entebbe Pride WFC Vs Uganda Martyrs Ladies FC

9.Tagy HS Vs Kawempe Muslim WFC

10.Golden Impact WFC Vs She Maroons

11.Dynamic SS Jeza Vs Kampala Queens

12.Boni Consilii Vs Makerere University WFC

13.Lango Queens Vs Wakiso Hill WFC

14.Kawempe Muslim JT Byafaayo Queen FC

15.Uganda Martyrs JT Vs She Geme FC

16.Sacred Heart Ladies Vs Olila HS

Round of 16 Matchups

Match 17 – Winner M9 Vs Winner M14
Match 18 – Winner 13 Vs Winner 02
Match 19 – Winner 3 Vs Winner 8
Match 20 – Winner 6 Vs Winner 15
Match 21 – Winner 11 Vs Winner 10  
Match 22 – Winner 5 Vs Winner 1
Match 23 – Winner 12 Vs Winner 4
Match 24 – Winner 7 Vs Winner 16

Quarter Final Matchups

Match 25 – Winner 19 Vs Winner 23
Match 26 – Winner 20 Vs Winner 22
Match 27 – Winner 18 Vs Winner 17
Match 28 – Winner 21 Vs Winner 24

Semi Finals

Match 29 – Winner 26 Vs  Winner 28
Match 30 – Winner 25 Vs Winner 27

Final
Match 31- Winner 30 Vs Winner 29