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Sheryl Botes names strong Uganda squad to defend CECAFA title in Tanzania, featuring mostly local players and one foreign-based star.
Crested Cranes head coach Sheryl Botes on Saturday announced a 20-player squad for the 2025 CECAFA Women’s Championship, set to take place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from June 12 to 21.
Botes has named a formidable team dominated by players from the Uganda Women’s Super League, as the Crested Cranes aim to defend the title they last won in 2022. Uganda’s only foreign-based player in the squad is forward Margaret Kunihira, who plies her trade with Caessia Queens LFC in Tanzania.
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The tournament, to be staged at the Azam Complex in Chamazi, will feature five nations — hosts Tanzania, defending champions Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan — competing in a round-robin format.
Botes’ selection reflects a deep trust in the local talent pool, with several key players retained from the squad that lifted the trophy three years ago.
The team will enter camp on Sunday, June 8 at the FUFA Hotel in Kisaasi and commence training the next day, Monday, June 9 at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo. Departure to Tanzania is scheduled for Tuesday, June 10.
Uganda’s tournament opener will be against Burundi on June 12 at 4 PM EAT. That will be followed by fixtures against South Sudan (June 14), Kenya (June 17), and a potentially title-deciding clash with hosts Tanzania on June 19.
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“The squad we’ve selected has the experience, energy, and commitment needed to retain our CECAFA crown,” said Botes.
“Our players know what’s at stake, and the focus is firmly on bringing that trophy back home.”
The team includes a solid trio of goalkeepers: Daisy Nakaziro (Kampala Queens FC), Lillian Nakiirya (St. Noa Girls FC), and Nulu Nakyaze Babirye (Goldstar Ladies FC). The defense will be marshalled by standout names such as Jamilah Nabulime, Hasifah Patricia Namboozo, and Jolly Kobusinge.
In midfield, the Crested Cranes will look to the creative spark of Shamirah Nalugya and the experience of Resty Kobusobozi. Upfront, Uganda will bank on the attacking prowess of Latifah Nakasi and Sylvia Kabene.
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The CECAFA Women’s Championship comes amid a busy calendar for Uganda’s women’s football, which also includes the CAF Women’s Champions League Zonal Qualifiers and the AFCON U-17 Qualifiers later this year.
Full squad:
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)
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