Uganda’s Quest for Glory: Coach Sheryl Botes names provisional squad for FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers

By Emmanuel Sekago

In a bold and decisive move, Coach Sheryl Botes has set the wheels in motion for Uganda’s journey towards the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup with the announcement of a provisional squad comprising 32 talented players.

This marks the beginning of intense preparations as Uganda gears up to compete in the upcoming qualifiers, aiming to secure a coveted spot in the prestigious tournament.

The summoning of such a sizable provisional squad underscores Coach Botes’ meticulous approach to talent selection and preparation.

With an eye for potential and a commitment to nurturing young talent, she has cast her net wide, ensuring that Uganda’s best and brightest prospects have the opportunity to showcase their skills and stake their claim for a place in the final squad.

The road to the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup is fraught with challenges, and Coach Botes understands the importance of thorough preparation.

Training camps, friendly matches, and rigorous fitness sessions will form the backbone of Uganda’s preparation strategy, as the squad hones their skills, builds cohesion, and fine-tunes their tactical approach under Coach Botes’ guidance.

For the players selected, this represents a golden opportunity to etch their names in Ugandan footballing history and make a mark on the global stage.

Each member of the provisional squad carries the hopes and aspirations of a nation, and their dedication, discipline, and determination will be pivotal in Uganda’s quest for glory.

Beyond the confines of the football pitch, Coach Botes’ leadership extends to instilling values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and resilience in her players.

These qualities will serve them well as they navigate the highs and lows of competitive football, drawing inspiration from their coach’s unwavering belief in their potential to achieve greatness.

The Uganda U17 Women’s National Team (Teen Cranes) will take on Zambia at the third round of the Qualifiers.

The first leg is slated for May  12th  at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka while the return leg will be played on May  17th 2024 at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

The squad summoned will enter residential camp on this weeked on Sunday, April 28th 2024 at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi.

To reach this stage, Uganda overcame Cameroon while Zambia eliminated Tanzania.The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Zambia will face either Morocco or Algeria at the final qualification phase.

In the coming months, all eyes will be on Coach Sheryl Botes and her provisional squad as they leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of qualification for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

With talent, tenacity, and teamwork as their allies, Uganda’s young footballers are poised to make their mark on the world stage and inspire future generations of footballing talent across the nation.

Full Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers; Lillian Nakilya (St. Noa SS WFC), Angella Adeke (Royal Queens FC), Ashley Nakabugo (Kawempe Muslim SS), Dorcus Namboozo (Byafaayo Queens) and Martha Nabirye (Agape SS)
Defenders;

Faridah Namirimu (Wakiso Hill WFC), Charity Katusiime (Tagy High School WFC), Desire Katisi Natooro (Asubo Ladies FC), Bethany Kaluya (Brighton and Hove Albion Ladies FC), Promise Kwagalakwe (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC),

Sharlom Nambuya (Byafaayo Queens FC), Barbara Anena (St. Leo’s Gulu) and  Ritah Anitah Nambuusi (Divine Soccer Academy)
Midfielders;

Esther Nangendo (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Vanessa Namazzi (Kawempe Muslim SS), Tamisi Shafiga(Byafaayo Queens FC), Asia Kakai (Byafaayo Queens FC), Bushirah Nalunkuuma (Rines SS WFC), Babirye Fahima (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Auki Kigongo (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Margret Balimwesa (Iganga Parents), Swaibu Lukiya Naigaga (Agape SS),

Esther Lwamwaka (Rev. Jaboloni), Mariam Namataka (Byafaayo Queens FC), Doreen Alijat (Byafaayo Queens FC), Joyce Kaniza (Byafaayo Queens FC), Shadia Nabirye (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Mariam Auma (St. Leo’s Gulu) and Monica Nanono (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC)

Forwards; Sylvia Kabene (St. Noa SS WFC) and Agnes Nabukenya (Kawempe Muslim SS)

Officials; Sheryl Botes Ulanda – Head Coach, Charles Ayiekoh Lukula – Assistant Coach, Shawn Robert Bishop – Performance Analyst, David Ribeiro – Goalkeeping Coach, Keny Rogers Tezigwa– Goalkeeping

Coach, Allan Nsubuga Magunda – Video Analyst, Danny Kirumira – Sports Scientist, Mable Kabatalindwa – Team Doctor, Darlian Kyasiimire – Team Physiotherapist, Cissy Nakiguba Gaudensia – Equipment Manager, Joan Namusisi – Team Coordinator and Joel Kivumbi – Media Officer