The Uganda U20 women’s national football team on Friday conducted the first training session as they prepare for the forthcoming CECAFA U20 Women’s Championship.
Uganda will host the inaugural regional Championship between 28th October -9th November 2021 in Njeru.
The team under the stewardship of head coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi held two training sessions at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru where they pitched camp.
Kiyingi believes the time they have now and the start of the tournament will be aimed at ironing mistakes with the ultimate target being winning the Championship.
‘I believe majority of the players are in good shape because they have been part of the set up and we have had only a few days of resting since the game we played against Kenya’ he indicated before adding, ‘Our target going into the Championship is to win it because that will give us momentum as we prepare to face South Africa.’
It should be noted that the Uganda U20 Women’s National Team will face South Africa in the third round of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in December.
In the provisional squad summoned, there are new faces and the coach believes these bring fresh competition to the squad.
The new additions include; Diana Natukunda, Aisha Namukaaya, Constance Nelima and Olivia Babirye.
Babirye who features for Lady Doves FC in the FUFA Women Super League believes this is an important opportunity to be part of the National set-up and hopes to bring positive energy to the squad.
‘I am delighted with the call to the team because every player dreams of having such an opportunity. I will work had to to add value to this wonderful group.’
With some of the players still with the Senior National Team Crested Cranes, coach Kiyingi has no doubt that they will come back with positive attitude to bolster the rest of the squad.
These include captain Fauzia Najjemba, Daphine Nyayenga, Juliet Nalukenge, Shamirah Nalugya, Sumaya Komuntale and Magret Kunihira
Full U20 Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Daphine Nyayenga (Lady Doves FC), Joan Namusisi (Kampala Queens FC), Diana Natukunda (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Saida Namwanje (Luweero Giant Queens FC)
Defenders
Sumayah Komuntale (Tooro Queens FC), , Grace Aluka (Olila High School FC), Stella Musibika (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Biira Nadunga (Olila High School FC), Samalie Nakacwa (Kawempe Muslim FC), Harima Kanyago (Lady Doves FC), Gillian Akadinda (Olila High School FC), Aisha Nantongo (Kawempe Muslim Ladies), Asia Nakibuuka (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC)
Midfielders
Shamirah Nalugya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Shakirah Nyinagahirwa (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Zaina Nandede (Kataka SHE FC), Phiona Nabulime (Devine Soccer Academy), Catherine Nagadya (Uganda Martyrs High School), Margaret Kunihira (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Kevin Nakacwa (Uganda Martyrs High School FC), Olivia Babirye (Lady Doves FC)
Forwards
Fauzia Najjemba (Kampala Queens), , Hadijah Nandago (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Juliet Nalukenge (Apollon Ladies FC), Zaituni Namaganda (Taggy High School FC), Joweria Nagadya (Lady Doves FC), Eva Naggayi (Rines SS WFC), Aisha Namukaaya (Dynamic SS Jjeza WFC), Constance Nelima (She Kataka FC), Ronah Regina Nantege (She Corporate FC)
Officials
Head Coach – Ayub Khalifan Kiyingi
Assistant Coach – Oliver Mbekeka
Goalkeeping Coach – Mubarak Kiberu
Team Doctor – Stella Nankumba
Equipment Manager – Cissy Nakiguba
Media Officer – Faridah Tomusange Nassejje.
*Credit: FUFA website
