Left back Winnie Nakanwagi is full of joy and happiness after her dream became reality by earning a call to the Uganda U20 Women’s National Team that is preparing to face Ghana in the fourth round of the 2022 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.
The defender who features for Uganda Martyrs High School WFC in the FUFA Women Super League could not hide her delight about this important step in her career.
“I’m really excited about getting summoned to the National Team. It is every player’s dream to play for the National Team and this for me is a dream come true,” said a joyful Nakanwagi after her first training session with the team on Thursday morning.
The lanky roving full back indicates she will repay the coach’s faith by performing well in training to make the final team.
“I thank coach Ayub Khalifa for this opportunity but this calls for me to work hard and impress in training because that is the only way I can pay back his faith in me.” She stated.
Uganda will face Ghana in the first leg on 22nd January at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende and thereafter, the two nations will face off in a return leg two weeks later.
The winner on aggregate will then face either Ethiopia or Tanzania at the fifth and final qualifying stage.
To reach this stage, Uganda eliminated South Africa 1-0 on aggregate.
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), Winnie Nakanwagi (Uganda Martyrs High School FC), Biira Nadunga (Olila High School FC), Samalie Nakacwa (Kawempe Muslim FC), Harima Kanyago (Lady Doves 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), Phiona Nabulime (Devine Soccer Academy), Catherine Nagadya (Uganda Martyrs High School), Margaret Kunihira (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Kevin Nakacwa (Uganda Martyrs High School FC), Zaituni Namaganda (Taggy High School FC), Eva Naggayi (Rines SS WFC).
Forwards
Fauzia Najjemba (Kampala Queens), Hadijah Nandago (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Juliet Nalukenge (Chrysomolia FC), Joweria Nagadya (Lady Doves FC), Kamuyati Naigaga (Taggy High School), Ronah Regina Nantege (She Corporate FC), Zaina Nandede (Kataka SHE FC), Lilian Mutuuzo (Kampala Queens FC)
Officials
Head Coach – Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi
Assistant Coach- Oliver Mbekeka
Goalkeeping Coach- Mubarak Kiberu
Fitness Trainer – Arthur Kyesimira
Team coordinator – Joan Namusisi
Team Doctor – Mable Kabatalindwa
Kit and Equipment Manager- Cissy Nakiguba
Media Officer- Alex Kasirye.
*Source: FUFA website.
