‎Uganda’s Teen Cranes touch down in Ethiopia for final CECAFA preparations

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‎The Uganda U-17 Women’s National Team, the Teen Cranes, have safely arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where they will face their Ethiopian counterparts in an international friendly match on Thursday, June 11, as part of preparations for the 2026 CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship.
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‎The friendly fixture comes as the final test for Head Coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes’ side before they head to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for the regional tournament scheduled from June 13 to 23.
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‎A delegation comprising players and officials travelled from Entebbe on Tuesday and arrived in the Ethiopian capital later the same day. The contingent is led by FUFA Honorary Executive Committee Member John Chrizestom Kalibbala.
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‎Coach Botes named a 20-player squad for the trip, with the team expected to use the Ethiopia match to fine-tune tactics and assess readiness ahead of the championship.
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‎Uganda has been drawn in Group B of the CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship alongside South Sudan, Zanzibar and Djibouti.
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‎The Teen Cranes will begin their campaign against Djibouti on June 14 at the Azam Complex Stadium before taking on Zanzibar on June 16 and South Sudan on June 18, with both matches set to be played at KMC Stadium.
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‎The tournament presents another opportunity for Uganda’s emerging female football talent to gain valuable international exposure and compete for regional honours.
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‎Uganda’s CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship Fixtures
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‎June 14, 2026 Uganda vs Djibouti – Azam Complex Stadium (4:00 PM EAT)
‎June 16, 2026 Zanzibar vs Uganda – KMC Stadium (1:00 PM EAT)
‎June 18, 2026 Uganda vs South Sudan – KMC Stadium (4:00 PM EAT)
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‎The Squad
‎Adam Mayimuna Namuwaya, Sharifah Kizito Namutebi, Martha Babirye, Ritah Anitah Nambuusi, Jovia Nakirya, Phionah Arach, Tahia Nantege, Vicky Atyeronimungu, Lydia Namaseruka, Tracy Nabalanzi, Flavia Yagala, Cynthia Kirenga, Brendah Nassaka, Joan Namakula, Justine Ayerango, Shadia Nabirye, Immaculate Achen, Rashidah Nakalema, Grace Kawino and Angel Gerevans Dominick.
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‎Officials
‎John Chrizestom Kalibbala (Leader of Delegation), Sheryl Ulanda Botes (Head Coach), Colines Ahumuza (Assistant Coach), Cissy Gaudensia Nakiguba (Goalkeeping Coach), Farouk Vidah Luwagga (Sports Scientist), Allan Magunda Nsubuga (Video Analyst), Mable Kabatalindwa (Team Doctor), Jackline Nakuya (Physiotherapist), Prossy Nalwadda (Equipment Manager), Aminah Namutebi (Media Officer) and Joan Namusisi (Team Manager).