Zabina Namboozo Named in Crested Cranes Provisional Squad for DR Congo Friendlies

Zabina Namboozo, the captain of Amus College Women’s Football Club (WFC), has been named by Uganda Women’s National Football Team head coach Sheryl Botes in the provisional squad of 38 players ahead of the two friendly matches against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Namboozo’s inclusion comes as no surprise, given her instrumental role in guiding her club through the current season of the Finance Trust Fufa Women’s League, where Amus College WFC sits second on the log, seven points behind Kawempe Muslim WFC.

The Crested Cranes are set to face DR Congo in two friendly games scheduled for October 27th and 30th, 2024, both taking place in Kinshasa.

The squad consists of five goalkeepers, ten defenders, thirteen midfielders, and nine forwards, with Namboozo included among the midfielders.

Namboozo’s form this season has been exceptional, and her leadership qualities have been evident.

She has today, Saturday, October 19th 2024 helped her club register their first home win of the season by walloping Wakiso Hill WFC, Following that victory, she entered the Crested Cranes’ residential camp on the same day, with training set to commence the following day.

Coach Sheryl Botes expressed optimism about the friendlies, noting that these matches would be crucial for getting the team into perfect shape ahead of the CECAFA Women’s Championship, scheduled for November in Ethiopia.

“We last had an engagement in December last year, and I believe we needed competitive games to see the level of players. Unfortunately, we couldn’t compete at the COSAFA Championships due to reasons beyond us, but thankfully, DR Congo allowed us to have two friendly games,” Botes remarked.

The foreign-based players are expected to join the squad by October 21st, further boosting the team ahead of their competitive fixtures.

As the Crested Cranes prepare for these vital encounters, Namboozo’s presence is expected to play a significant role in the midfield, showcasing her growing influence both at the club and national levels.

Meanwhile Botes has confirmed that for every National team camp, a local coach (male or female) attached to women football will be invited to join the squad for knowledge sharing starting with this international break.

For this particular camp, Collins Ahumuza of UCU Lady Cardinals was considered.

The Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers; Ruth Aturo (Vihiga Queens FC), Daphine Nyayenga (Fortuna Hjorring), Daisy Nakaziro (Kampala Queens FC), Molly Naava Nabitaka (She Corporate FC), Sharon Kaidu (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC) and Hadijah Nalongo (She Corporate FC)

Defenders; Shadia Nankya (Tutankhamun FC), Bridget Nabisaalu (Modern Sports FC), Phiona Nabulime (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Jamirah Nabulime (Kampala Queens FC), Maureen Kimono (Kampala Queens FC), Cissy Nakate (She Corporate FC), Shakirah Nankwanga (Kampala Queens FC), Jolly Kobusinge (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Docus Lwalisa (Olila High School WFC) and Angel Awuki Kigongo (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC)

Midfielders; Joan Nabirye (FC Spartak Moscow), Phiona Nabbumba (Boldklubben Af 1893), Teddy Najjuma (Kampala Queens FC), Zabina Namboozo (Amus College WFC), Yuster Kayesu (Rines SS WFC), Shamirah Nalugya (Kampala Queens FC), Brenda Munyana (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Sandra Nantumbwe (Athletic Club Bihor), Doreen Nakayiwa (She Maroons FC), Violah Nambi (Napoli FC), Peace Muduwa(Kampala Queens FC) and Hadijah Nandago (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC)

Forwards; Fazilah Ikwaput (Gokulam Kerala FC), Sandra Nabweteme (Santos Laguna Femenil), Joanita Ainembabazi (New Heroes Queens FC), Resty Nanziri (Boldklubben Af 1893), Sylvia Kabene (St. Noa WFC), Agnes Nabukenya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Immaculate Kizza (She Maroons FC), Mastulah Atuhaire (FC Tooro Queens) and Jesca Namanda (She Corporate FC)

The Team Officials; Head coach: Sheryl Ulanda Botes, Assistant Coach – Ayikoh Charles Lukula, Goalkeeping Coach – David Ribeiro, Sports Scientist-Ashely Clifford De Beer, Assistant Coach- Ahumuza Collins (Trainee for Knowledge sharing), Video analyst- Nsubuga Allan Magunda, Sports Scientist-Kyesimira Arthur, Team Doctor – Kabatalindwa Mable, Team Physiotherapist – Kyasiimire Darlian, Team Manager/Safeguarding Officer – Namusisi Joan, Equipment Manager – Nakiguba Cissy Gaudensia and Media Officer – Mutebi Julius.