Uganda U-17 Women’s head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes believes her side is ready for the test ahead as the Teen Cranes face Zimbabwe in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026 African Qualifiers.
After naming her final travelling squad, Botes expressed confidence in the team’s preparation following 11 days of training at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
“The camp helped us build a strong, well-prepared team,” she said. “Zimbabwe is a good side, I watched them at the COSAFA Cup but our focus is getting a positive result away from home.”
The team held its final session at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba on Thursday and departed for Harare on Friday, led by FUFA Executive Committee member Agnes Mugena.
Uganda faces Zimbabwe in the first leg on Sunday, April 12, at Ngoni Stadium in Harare, with kickoff at 3:00 PM local time (4:00 PM EAT).
Botes has named a balanced squad across all departments. Goalkeepers Adam Mayimuna Namuwaya and Sharifah K. Namutebi will compete for the starting role, while defenders Martha Babirye, Ritah Anitah Nambuusi, and Jovia Nakirya headline the backline.
The midfield features Grace Kawino, Tahia Nantege, Tracy Nabalanzi, and Lydia Nameseruka, alongside Brenda Nassaka, Justine Ayerango, Immaculate Acen, Sheila Mungutimu, and Cynthia Kirenga.
In attack, Terry Mora Oseko, Shadia Nabirye, and Joan Namakula will lead the search for goals.
With preparations done, Uganda now turns its focus to Harare, aiming to take a strong result into the return leg.
Travelling Squad
Goalkeepers
Adam Mayimuna Namuwaya – St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), and Sharifah K. Namutebi – Kampala Queens FC (Uganda).
Defenders
Martha Babirye – St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Ritah Anitah Nambuusi – Bukedea Comprehensive (Uganda), Jovia Nakirya – Rines SS WFC (Uganda), Angel Gerevans Dominic – SIA International WFC (Uganda), Phionah Arach – Rines SS WFC (Uganda), and Vicky Atyeronimungu – Amus College WFC (Uganda).
Midfielders
Grace Kawino – SIA International WFC (Uganda), Tahia Nantege – Isra Soccer Academy (Uganda), Tracy Nabalanzi – URA Ladies FC (Uganda), Lydia Nameseruka – Isra Soccer Academy (Uganda), Brenda Nassaka – St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Justine Ayerango – Rines SS WFC (Uganda), Immaculate Acen – SIA International WFC (Uganda), Sheila Mungutimu – Boni Consilii Girls FC (Uganda), and Cynthia Kirenga – URA Ladies FC (Uganda).
Forwards
Terry Mora Oseko – Nkoma Secondary School (Uganda), Shadia Nabirye – Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC (Uganda), and Joan Namakula – Isra Soccer Academy (Uganda).
