Crested Cranes: Coach Botes Names Squad for CECAFA Women’s Championship

Uganda Women’s Senior National Team (Crested Cranes) head coach Sheryl Botes has named a squad of 20 players for the upcoming 2025 CECAFA Women’s Championship in Tanzania.

The South African tactician has opted for a predominantly local selection, comprising players from Uganda’s domestic women’s competitions, with the sole exception being Margaret Kunihira, who plies her trade with Caessia Queens LFC in Tanzania.

The championship will run from 12th to 21st June 2025 at the Azam Complex in Chamazi, featuring Tanzania (hosts), Uganda (defending champions), Burundi, South Sudan, and Kenya. The tournament will follow a round-robin format.

The squad will assemble at 2:00 PM on Sunday, 8th June 2025, at the FUFA Hotel in Kisaasi. The first training session is scheduled for Monday, 9th June 2025, at 2:00 PM at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo. The team is set to depart for Tanzania on Tuesday, 10th June 2025.

The full squad of 20 players

Goalkeepers: Daisy Nakaziro (Kampala Queens FC), Lillian Nakiirya (St. Noa Girls FC), and Nulu Nakyaze Babirye (Goldstar Ladies FC)

Defenders: Desire Katisi Natooro (Asubo Ladies FC), Jamilah Nabulime (Kampala Queens FC), Hasifah Patricia Namboozo (Makerere University WFC), Jolly Kobusinge (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Docas Lwalisa (Olila HS WFC), Zainah Nandede (Kampala Queens FC), Esther Namusoke (Kampala Queens FC)

Midfielders: Nankwanga Shakirah (Kampala Queens FC), Shamirah Nalugya (Kampala Queens FC), Zaina Namuleme (Makerere University WFC), Brenda Munyana (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Sumayah Nabuto (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Margret Kunihira (Caessia Queens LFC), Resty Kobusobozi (Lady Doves FC)

Forwards: Latifah Nakasi (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Sylvia Kabene (St. Noa Girls FC), Jovia Nakagolo (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC)

Uganda’s fixtures

12th June, 2025

Uganda vs. Burundi, 4 PM EAT

14th June, 2025

South Sudan vs. Uganda, 7 PM EAT

17th June, 2025

Kenya vs. Uganda, 7 pm EAT

19th June, 2025

Uganda vs Tanzania, 7 PM EAT