Uganda Senior Women’s National Football Team, the Crested Cranes officially embarked on preparations for the forthcoming Paris 2024 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament qualifiers.
Uganda will face Rwanda at the first qualification phase with the first leg slated for 11th July at St. Mary’s Stadium while the return leg will come a week later in Rwanda.
The team which entered residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisasi on Thursday had its first training session today at MTN-Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
Of the 35 players summoned, only two are yet to join camp namely; Joan Nabirye (FK Minsk) and Phiona Nabbumba (B93) and the duo is expected to arrive in the country soon.
Assistant coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi who will be in charge for the games against Rwanda was impressed with the reaction of the players and hopes to have them in the perfect shape.
“We have successfully had our first session today and the reaction from the players was good. I know we have a short period to prepare and the focus will be mainly on fitness and endurance.” He said.
Captain Ruth Aturo believes the players know what is at stake and all the focus is set at going beyond the first hurdle.
“It is another opportunity for us to represent our country and make ourselves proud. Therefore, as players, we know what is at stake and we hope to go as far as we can in these qualifiers.”
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Rwanda will face Cameroon at the second qualification round.
Crested Cranes Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Ruth Aturo (Alshabab FC Women, Saudi Arabia), Daisy Nakaziro (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Daphine Nyayenga (She Corporate FC, Uganda), Hadijah Nalongo (UCU Lady Cardinals, Uganda), Sharon Kaidu (Uganda Martyrs Ladies FC, Uganda)
Defenders
Jolly Kobusinge (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Asia Nakibuuka (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Sumaya Komuntale (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Lukiya Namubiru (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Shakira Nankwanga (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Stella Musibika (She Corporate FC, Uganda), Shadia Nankya (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Desire Katisi Natooro (Kataka She FC, Uganda), Patience Nabulobi (Uganda Martyrs Ladies FC, Uganda), Asia Nantongo (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Samalie Nakacwa (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda)
Midfielders
Joan Nabirye(FK Minsk, Belarus), Zaituni Namaganda (Asubo Gafford Ladies FC, Uganda, Shamirah Nalugya (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Shakirah Nyinagahirwa (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Phiona Nabbumba (Boldklubben AF 1893, Denmark), Hadijah Nandago (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Rhodah Nanziri (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Elizabeth Nakigozi (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda)
Forwards
Fauzia Najjemba (ZFK Dynamo Moscow, Russia), Hasifah Nassuna (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Zaina Nandede (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Sandra Nabweteme (Hapoel Ironic Petah Tikva, Israel), Resty Nanziri (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Ashiat Naluggwa (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Fazila Ikwaput (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Joanita Ainembabazi (Ceasiaa Queens FC, Tanzania), Catherine Nagadya (Uganda Martyrs Ladies FC, Uganda), Margaret Kunihira (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Anita Namata (Vihiga Queens FC, Kenya)
