By Spy Uganda
Kampala: The Uganda U20 Women’s National Team has on Wednesday commenced preparations for the forthcoming 2022 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.
Uganda will face Kenya in the first round of the qualification phase with the first leg slated for 23rd-25th September in Nairobi while the return leg will be played between 7th -9th October.
The team entered residential camp at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru today morning under the stewardship of coach Ayub Khalifan Kiyingi.
The players and officials had to first undergo a mandatory COVID-19 test on Tuesday at the FUFA Complex and their results returned negative before moving to Njeru.
Of the 30 players summoned, 26 turned up with the remaining four still playing at the CAF Women’s Champions League Qualifiers with Lady Doves. These are; Daphine Nyayenga (goalkeeper), Gloria Namugrwa (defender), Halima Kanyago(defender) and Joweria Nagadya (forward).
Coach Kiyingi is confident that the time he has between now and the first leg prepare the players both mentally and physically.
“I think we have enough time to prepare the girls and get them into the right shape. I’m aware that most of them have not been active but what is important now is to prepare them mentally.
The coach also went ahead to laud the Federation for entering the team into such competitions.
It is yet another opportunity for the girls to showcase their talents. I’m thankful to FUFA for yet another chance of having our players compete at the highest level. I hope we can deliver the best result.
In a related development, Fauzia Najjemba has been named the captain of the team with Aisha Nantongo and Jolly Kobusinge as 1st and 2nd assistant respectively.
U20 Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers; Daphine Nyayenga (Lady Doves FC), Joan Namusisi (Kampala Queens FC), Esther Akite Okello (Olila High School FC), Saida Namwanje (Luweero Giant Queens FC).
Defenders: Sumayah Komuntale (Tooro Queens FC), Jolly Kobusinge (Tooro Queens FC), Gloria Namugerwa (Lady Doves), Grace Aluka (Olila High School FC), Stella Musubika (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Biira Nadunga (Olila High School FC), Samalie Nakacwa (Kawempe Muslim FC), Halima Kanyago (Lady Doves FC), Faridah Namirimu (Wakiso Hills WFC), Gillian Akadinda (Olila High School FC), Aisha Nantongo (Kawempe Muslim Ladies).
Midfielders; Shamirah Nalugya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Shakirah Nyinagahirwa (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Zaina Nandede (Kataka SHE FC), Lillian Mutuuzo (Kampala Queens), Catherine Nagadya (Uganda Martyrs High School), Margaret Kunihira (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Kevin Nakacwa (Uganda Martyrs High School FC).
Forwards; Fauzia Najjemba (Kampala Queens), Joan Ainembabazi (Tooro Queens FC), Hadijah Nandago (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Bernadette Namwenge (Ajax Queens FC), Kamiyati Naigaga (Taggy High School FC), Zaituni Namaganda (Taggy High School FC), Joweria Nagadya (Lady Doves FC), Eva Naggayi (Rines SS WFC).
Officials: Head Coach – Ayub Khalifan Kiyingi
Assistant Coach – Oliver Mbekeka
Goalkeeping Coach – Mubarak Kiberu
Team Doctor – Stella Nankumba
Equipment Manager – Cissy Nakiguba
Media Officer – Faridah Tomusange Nassejje.
