Botes Unveils 34-Member Crested Cranes Squad to Face Copper Queens in Olympic Qualifiers
The Crested Cranes are gearing up for a tough test against Zambia in the second round of the CAF qualifiers for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes, who announced the squad on September 24, has summoned 34 players – a mix of experienced foreign-based professionals and in-form local stars.
Uganda will face Zambia over two legs, first leg on October 8th and the return leg on October 13th.
Botes has gone for depth in every department: 4 goalkeepers, 12 defenders, 12 midfielders and 6 forwards.
FULL SQUAD BREAKDOWN:
Goalkeepers (4): Denmark-based Vanessa Edith Karungi (Brondby IF Women) leads the pack, alongside Ruth Aturo (Simba Queens FC, Tanzania), Lillian Nakirya (St. Noa Girls FC) and Angella Adeke (Amus College WFC).
Defenders (12): France-based Shadia Nankya (HAC Feminines) and China-based Aisha Nantongo (RSL Shaanxi Zhidan) headline the defence. They are joined by Bridget Nabisaalu (She Maroons), Barbara Anomo (St. Noa Girls), Hadijah Babirye (Kawempe Muslim), Jamilah Nabulime (KCCA Women), Zabinah Nambozo (Amus College), Phionah Arach (Rines SS WFC), Jane Nantongo (UCU Lady Cardinals), Zainah Nandede (Simba Queens), Marion Amangat (KCCA Women) and Angel Auki Kigongo (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC).
Midfielders (12): The engine room is loaded with Phiona Nabbumba (FC Midtjylland, Denmark), Joan Nabirye (Yanga Princess, Tanzania), Agnes Nabukenya (Kawempe), Hadijah Balinabyo (BUL Women), Kauthara Naluyima (She Maroons), Yuster Kayesu (KCCA Women), Jovia Nakagolo (Kawempe), Laki Otandeka (Coamo FC, USA), Margret Kunihira (Kenya Police Bullets), Megan Mukiibi (ENMU New Mexico, USA), Peace Muduwa (KCCA Women) and Samantha Tibiwe (MUBS-Nakawa).
Forwards (6): The attack will be led by Fazila Ikwaput (East Bengal, India), Sylvia Kabene (Mgarr United, Malta), Karin Muya (Watford Women, England), Mary Kantono (Luweero Giant Queens), Jesca Namanda (She Corporate) and Joanitah Ainembabazi (KCCA Women).
Technical Team: Sheryl Botes (Head Coach), Colines Ahumuza (Assistant), Cissy Gaudensia Nakiguba (Goalkeeping Coach), Moses William Nkata (Sports Scientist), Allan Magunda Nsubuga (Video Analyst), Mable Kabatalindwa (Team Doctor), Darlin Kyasiimire (Physiotherapist), Prossy Nalwadda (Equipment Manager) and Leilah Shamirah Nabisere (Media Officer).
The team will enter residential camp next week in Njeru to prepare for the double-header against Zambia, who are favourites after their recent Olympic appearances.