The Uganda U16 Women’s National Team has set off for Istanbul, Turkey, to participate in the groundbreaking UEFA Friendship Tournament, marking a significant milestone for women’s football in the country.
Departing from Luzira Prison ground, where they’ve been diligently training, the team, under the guidance of Coach Charles Ayiekoh Lukula, is geared up for the challenge ahead.
With a squad of 19 players carefully selected, alongside a dedicated contingent of nine officials, Uganda is ready to showcase its talent on the international stage.
The inaugural tournament, organized by UEFA, features eight nations, including Uganda, Turkey, Botswana, USA, Vietnam, China, Paraguay, and Wales, emphasizing inclusivity and camaraderie in women’s football.
Uganda finds itself in Group B, facing formidable opponents in China, Wales, and Paraguay. The team’s journey kicks off on April 11th against Paraguay, with hopes of making a resounding impact.
The preparation has not been without its trials, as the team endured rigorous training sessions and a residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisaasi. A practice match against Kawempe Muslim SS provided valuable insights, culminating in a 3-2 win for the latter.
Coach Ayiekoh, alongside his deputy William Moses Nkata, is confident in the squad’s abilities and is prepared to lead them to success on the grand stage.
The squad boasts a blend of talent from various schools across Uganda, with players like Dorcus Namboozo, Charity Katusiime, Bushira Muhammad Nalunkuuma, and Angel Ainembabazi ready to shine in the spotlight.
As they embark on this historic journey, the Uganda U16 Women’s National Team carries with them the hopes and aspirations of a nation, determined to leave an indelible mark on the UEFA Friendship Tournament and inspire future generations of female footballers.
Travelling Squad.
Goalkeepers; Dorcus Namboozo (Amus College School), Victory Bynam Tendo (Rines SS)
Defenders; Charity Katusiime (Tagy High School), Grace Adong (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Nambuya Sharlom(Amus College School), Ritah Anitah Nambuusi (Lamminas Secondary School)
Midfielders; Bushira Muhammad Nalunkuuma (Amus College School), Justine Kinsumbya (Tagy High School), Asia Kakai (Amus College School), Shafiga Tamisi (Amus College School), Monica Bulya (Rines SS), Gloria Apio (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Vanessa Namazzi (Kawempe Muslim SS), Patricia Namugenyi (Kawempe Muslim SS), Shakirah Nakintu (Kawempe Muslim SS)
Forwards; Angel Ainembabazi (Rines SS), Isabella Winfred Blick Kabarozi (Uganda Martyrs High School, Lubaga), Shadia Nabirye (Kawempe Muslim SS), Yusraa Nambooze (Kawempe Muslim SS)
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