By Leilah Bbaale
The Uganda National Women’s team will enter residential camp for the 2024 Paris Olympic Qualifiers without a Head Coach.
Uganda will face neighbors Rwanda in the first round of the Paris 2024 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers with the Crested Cranes hosting Rwanda on 11th July 2023 before the two teams face off in Huye a week later.
The winner on aggregate will then proceed to the next round and play Cameroon. It should be noted that the Indomitable Lionesses got a bye in the first round.
However, the women’s team is currently without a coach, as all technical positions were declared vacant by FUFA back in March. Since then, no replacement has been made.
Ayub Khalifa who by virtue of being the Uganda U20 Women’s National Team head coach became the assistant coach of the senior team (crested Cranes) that summoned the players.
According to FUFA, Khalifa will lead the team currently as the Federation continues to evaluate the applicants for the Head Coach position. The team will enter camp on Thursday, 29th June at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi.
“The team summoned will be under the stewardship of Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi who upon appointment as Uganda U20 Women’s National Team head coach became the assistant coach of the senior team in the new changes made by the FUFA Executive Committee.” reads a statement from FUFA.
However, the evaluation of applicants is ongoing for the Head Coach Women’s Senior Team (Crested Cranes) and Assistant Coach U-17 Women’s team (Teen Cranes) and the appointments will be confirmed in due course,” reads another statement from FUFA.
The team summoned has goalkeepers; Ruth Aturo, Daisy Nakaziro, Daphine Nyayenga, Hadijah Nalongo, and Sharon Kaidu. Defenders include Jolly Kobusinge, Asia Nakibuuka, Sumaya Komuntale, Lukiya Namubiru, Shakira Nankwanga, Stella Musibika, Shadia Nankya, Desire Katisi Natooro, Patience Nabulobi, Aisha Nantongo, Samalie Nakacwa.
Midfielders include Joan Nabirye, Zaituni Namaganda, Shamirah Nalugya, Shakirah Nyinagahirwa, Phiona Nabbumba, Hadijah Nandago, Rhodah Nanziri, Elizabeth Nakigozi.
Forwards include Fauzia Najjemba, Hasifah Nassuna, Zaina Nandede, Sandra Nabweteme, Resty Nanziri, Ashiat Naluggwa, Fazila Ikwaput, Joanita Ainembabazi, Catherine Nagadya, Margaret Kunihira, and Anita Namata.
