By Spy Uganda
Beaming with confidence and promising to put up a memorable show, FUFA Women Super League champions Lady Doves FC have this morning flown out of the country and headed to Kenya ahead of the kick-off of the inaugural CAF Women Champions League 2021 Qualifiers.
The CECAFA region zonal qualifiers get underway on Saturday August 28th. The FWSL champions will begin the quest for regional glory against Djibouti’s FAD FC in the opening fixture of group A at Nyayo Stadium. Burundi’s PVC FC and Tanzania’s Simba Queens are the other teams in the group.
A delegation of 35 people led by FUFA EXCOM member Agnes Mugena flew out of the country aboard the Uganda Airlines flight and arrived in Nairobi at 7.15 am. 22 players, 6 technical officials and other members of the club comprised the delegation.
Before departure, Lady Doves proprietor, Julius Mugisa expressed his utmost gratitude to FUFA for the logistical support and guidance extended to his team that has made their preparations seem less
‘’I want to thank FUFA for the support they have rendered to us. On top of the 24 air tickets, they have also guided us on a number of things such as licensing of players and passport acquisition for most of our players. This has made our preparations stress free and now I can confirm that we are very much ready to represent this country. We will put up a memorable performance because our target is to bring that trophy here,’’ Mugisa commented.
Mugisa also thanked Uganda Martyrs High School who offered them their facilities for the team to camp at no cost. The School also run a Women football clubs in Uganda Martyr Ladies that plays in the FUFA Women Super League
On Monday a delegation from FUFA led by FUFA Ex Com member Rogers Byamukama paid a courtesy visit to the team at Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga where they have been in camp for over 2 months. FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein and FUFA Women Development Officer Joan Namusisi were the other two.
“I bring to you blessings from the federation and especially from the president Hon. Moses Magogo Hassim. I want to let you know how confident we are in your abilities and your preparations. You are no longer ‘Lady Doves from Masindi’ but ‘Lady Doves from Uganda’. You will be representing the whole of Uganda and its entire 40 million-plus population. We are praying for you and you have all our support, go and show them what a footballing powerhouse Uganda is known to be in this region,“ Byamukama commented.
‘‘FUFA put there the platform for you to play, this is an opportunity for you to showcase your talents to the world so as you play for Lady Doves representing Uganda bear in mind that you are playing for yourselves as well. This could be the opportunity that can change your lives for the better,’’ he added.
FUFA Communications Director, Ahmed Hussein lauded Lady Doves for being an organized group and wished them success at the forthcoming qualifiers.
‘’We know you as a very organized group that pays attention to details. I personally believe it is one of the reasons you are winning. You are going out there to represent Uganda as a country in its entirety, keep the discipline, be smart, keep the focus and with your organization you will be unstoppable,’’ remarked Ahmed Hussein.
Lady Doves won the right to represent Uganda at the zonal qualifiers after beating defending Champions UCU Lady Cardinals 2-1 in the play off final at Njeru Technical Centre in May.
The winner of the zonal qualifiers in Nairobi will represent CECAFA at the final tournament in Egypt later this year.
Lady Doves FC Contingent to Kenya
Playing staff: Daphine Nyayenga (GK), Daisy Nakaziro(GK)©, Zahara Nankya Kiiza(GK), Esta Nahimana, Irene Akiror, Adrine Birungi, Nabira Nakitto, Gloria Namugerwa, Madam Christine, Norah Alupo, Lydia Nyandera, Getrude Karungi, Halima Kanyago, Elizabeth Nakigozi, Jowelia Nagadya, Sarah Nakuya, Riticia Nabbosa, Eseza Kobusobozi, Olivia Babirye, Margret Namande, Spencer Nakacwa, Fazila Ikwaput.
Technical Team:
Head Coach: Fred Musiime
Associate Coach: Rajab Mugweri Buyinza
Assistant Coach: Gladys Nakitto
Goalkeeping Coach: Byuma Muwada
Technical Advisor: Rogers Nkugwa
Team Doctor: Micheal Ssengendo
Julius Mugisa (Club Chairman)
Godfrey Nsingwire (Manager)
Scovia Angeyango (Club Member)
Moreen Kusemererwa (Club Treasurer)
Paul Kajura (Club Member)
Christopher Byenkya (Club Member).
