Uganda’s U20 women’s national team, the Queen Cranes, have stepped up preparations for a crucial FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Zambia, entering residential camp ahead of the two legged tie.
Uganda will host the first leg on February 7 at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, before travelling to Zambia for the return match on February 14.
With qualification decided on aggregate, the encounter is an early but demanding test for the young side.
Training officially begins on Saturday, January 24, when a 32-player squad reports to FUFA House in Mengo at 9am before moving to the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru for a residential camp.
The focus will be on fitness, tactical organisation and building team chemistry.
Head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes has named a balanced squad drawn from school football, the domestic league and a few foreign-based players.
Goalkeepers Lillian Nakirya, Angella Adeke, Josephine Nambuya and Charity Chebet provide depth at the back, while defenders Desire Katisi Natooro, Barbara Anomo and Ritah Kadondi add stability.
Midfield duties will fall to Angella Nolla (USA), Agnes Nabukenya, Krusum Namutebi and Shamusa Najjuma, tasked with driving play across both legs.
Up front, Malta-based Sylvia Kabene leads the attack alongside Mary Katono, Yasmeen Nalukwago and Nusulah Nakintu.
The team is backed by a strong technical unit, including assistants Collins Ahumuza and Sharifah Nantumbwe, goalkeeping coaches David Ribeiro and George Sebuliba, as well as sports science, medical and analysis staff, ensuring a professional build-up to the qualifiers.
Full Squad
Goalkeepers
Nakirya Lillian (St. Noa Girls), Adeke Angella (Amus College WFC), Nambuya Josephine (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Chebet Charity ( Shammah Queens FC)
Defenders
Natooro Desire Katisi (Kenya Police Bullets FC -Kenya), Anomo Barbara (St. Noa Girls), Namboozo Hasifah Patricia (Makerere University WFC), Nambozo Zabinah (Amus College WFC), Nanyanzi Patricia Nakato (Rines SS WFC), Babirye Martha (El Cambio), Babirye Patricia (Bunya SSC), Kadondi Ritah (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Atyeronimungu Vicky (Amus College WFC), Katusiime Charity (Amus College WFC)
Midfielders
Nolla Angella (Great Falls Reston Girls –USA), Nabukenya Agnes (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Namutebi Krusum (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Kasemire Imelda (St. Noa Girls), Najjuma Shamusa (Kampala Queens WFC), Nayiga Patricia (St. Noa Girls), Kisakye Dorcus (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Wandera Dorine (Amus College WFC), Nalumu Sumaya (Kampala Queens WFC), Muduwa Peace (Kampala Queens WFC), Kasango Shakirah (St. Noa Girls FC), Phionah Arach (Rines SS WFC), Auki Angel Kigongo (Uganda Martyrs WFC), Mungutimu Sherinah (Boniconsili Girls FC)
Strikers
Kabene Sylvia (Herbernian FC – Malta), Katono Mary (She Corporate FC), Nalukwago Yasmeen (Rines SS WFC), Nakintu Nusulah (Uganda Martyrs WFC)
Team Officials
- Sheryl Ulanda Botes- Head Coach
- Ahumuza Collins- 1st Assistant Coach
- Nantumbwe Sharifah- 2nd Assistant Coach
- David Ribeiro- Goalkeeper coach
- Ssebuliba George-Goalkeeper coach
- Sefika Pelin Bal-Sports Scientist
- Nsubuga Allan Magunda- Video Analyst
- Nkata Moses- Sports Scientist
- Kabatalindwa Mable- Team Doctor
- Nkuya Jackline- Physiotherapist
- Namusisi Joan –Team Manager
- Nakiguba Cissy Gaudensia-Equipment Manager
- Namutebi Aminah- Team Media Officer
