Uganda U-17 national women team focused despite absence of head coach

Kampala, Uganda |  THE INDEPENDENT |   The U-17 Women national football team is upbeat about their forthcoming U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying match with Cameroon. 

The team entered residential training at IUIU Female campus Kabojja on Monday last week but was relocated to Cranes Paradise hotel.

Currently, the team conducts training at Star Times Stadium, Lugogo. 

However, the team suffered a setback on Thursday last week after the head coach; Ayubu Khalifa tested positive for COVID19 and went into self-isolation.  

“I have on Thursday 8th October 2020 tested positive Covid-19. I am now in self-isolation from the camp for a period as guided by the health officials for better medication and recovery,” Ayub confessed via the FUFA website. 

However, the Assistant Coach, Hadijah Namuyanja told URN that although the new of the head coach him them hard, they have remained steadfast. 

She revealed that the team currently engages in two training sessions to help the players to regain their physical fitness following the long break.   

She also revealed that prior to the training, they would send players instructions online to help them keep fit during the lockdown. 

“As I speak, I can confidently say that we are not badly off as regards fitness because we have been sending these girls instructions via social media and they have been responding well,” Namuyanja told URN.

FUFA’s Communications Director, Ahmed Hussein told URN that all players were tested for COVID19 and found to be negative. 

Uganda National U17 Women Football Team is set to host the first of the two-leg fixture on October 31st, 2021 with the return leg due in mid-November in Cameroon. 

The winner on aggregate will together with two other countries represent Africa at the finals to be hosted by India between February and March 2021. 

Full Squad

Goalkeepers

Daphine Nyayenga- Uganda Martyrs High School

Joan Namusisi – Isra Soccer Academy

Zulaika Ngamita – Asubo Gafford Ladies

Defenders

Grace Aluka – Kawempe Muslim Ladies

Samalie Nakacwa – Kawempe Muslim Ladies

Sumaya Komuntale – Tooro Queens

Bira Naddunga – Olila High School

Gillian Akadinda – Olila High School

Gloria Namugerwa – Uganda Martyrs High School

Stella Musubuka – Kawempe Muslim Ladies

Patricia Akiror – Ajax Queens FC

Midfielders

Winnifred Kwatulira – Jinja United FC

Devine Mirembe – Asubo Gafford Ladies FC

Shamira Nalugya – Kawempe Muslim Ladies

Shakira Nyinagahirwa – Kawempe Muslim Ladies

Kevin Nakacwa – Uganda Martyrs High School

Moreen Nangonzi – Ajax Queens FC

Ruth Nyakato – Tooro Queens FC

Sumaya Kyomuhendo – Isra Soccer Academy

Sumaya Tibazalika – Sumaya (Wakiso)

Forwards

Juliet Nalukenge – Kawempe Muslim Ladies

Zaina Nandede – She Kataka FC

Fauzia Najjemba – Kampala Queens

Hadijjah Nandago – Kawempe Muslim Ladies

Margaret Kunihira – Kawempe Muslim Ladies

Catherine Nagadya – Uganda Martyrs High School

Zaitun Namaganda – Taggy High School

Eva Nagayi – Rines WFC

Kamuyati Naigaga – Taggy High School

Brenda Munyana – Uganda Martyrs High School

Officials

Hadijah Namuyanja – Assistant coach

James Magala – Goalkeeping coach

Oliver Mbekeka – Trainer

Stella Nankumba – Team Doctor

Joan Namusisi – Team coordinator

Cissy Nakiguba – Kits Manager

Steven Mayamba –Media Officer

Chrizestom John Kalibbala – Leader of Delegation

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URN