Teen Cranes Make Massive Progress Ahead of Zimbabwe World Cup Qualifier Clash

Uganda U-17 Women’s National Team players Jennifer Onyango and Zainabu Birungi have voiced their optimism as the squad ramps up preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

The team, known as the Teen Cranes, began their training camp on Monday, March 30, 2026, at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.

Under the leadership of head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes, the sessions are designed to build team chemistry, evaluate player fitness, and refine tactical strategies for the crucial matches ahead.

Speaking after their first training session, Coach Botes expressed satisfaction with the players’ application and early signs of cohesion.

"We are happy to start our first session. The training looked good, with a good combination of play. We are very pleased with what the players can do in terms of decision-making," she said.

The South African tactician emphasised that the formidable squad will be looking to work on improving intensity and sharpening their performance under pressure.

"We have good players here, but we are going to fine-tune them to play at the highest level, at higher intensity, and be able to make better decisions under pressure, because there will be pressure," she added.

Midfielder Jennifer Onyango praised the camp's effectiveness, noting significant progress among the players.

"The sessions have been really good," Onyango stated as quoted by FUFA. "We are improving in all aspects. We are working hard to make the nation happy."

Echoing her teammate's confidence, midfielder Zainabu Birungi of St. Noa Girls FC highlighted the tactical improvements made during the early stages of training, particularly in defensive discipline and coordination.

"We have learned how to retrieve the ball from the opponent, stay compact while defending, and also work as a team," she explained.

Uganda is set to face Zimbabwe in a two-legged tie, with matches scheduled for April 11 and April 18, 2026. The winner on aggregate will advance to the next stage of the qualification tournament.

The provisional squad includes;

Goalkeepers - Sharifah K. Namutebi–Kampala Queens FC (Uganda), Hawah Musa Kizza–CIA International WFC (Uganda), Adam M. Namuwaya–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Hudah Ayikoru–URA Ladies FC (Uganda), Sophia Nakkazi–Boni Consilii Girls FC (Uganda).

Defenders - Ritah Anitah Nambuusi–Bukedea Comprehensive (Uganda), Martha Babirye–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Jovia Nakirya–Rines SS WFC (Uganda), Angel Dominic–SIA International WFC (Uganda), Giovanna S. Aketogwanga–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Phiona Arachi–Rines SS WFC (Uganda), Nancy Jude Mandera–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Vicky Atyeronimungu–Amus College WFC (Uganda), Rebecca Wembalazi–Sheema Girls’ School (Uganda).

Midfielders - Sophia Musoke–New England FC (USA), Zainabu Birungi–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Tracy Nabalonzi–URA Ladies FC (Uganda), Patience Asanya–El Cambio Academy (Uganda), Jennifer Onyango–SIA International WFC (Uganda), Ester Namatovu–Standard SS (Uganda), Brenda Nassaka–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Lydia Nameseruka–Isra Soccer Academy (Uganda), Justine Ayerango–Rines SS WFC (Uganda), Kevin Nanyunja–Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC (Uganda), Faith Nalwadda–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Cynthia Kirenga–URA Ladies FC (Uganda), Grace Kawino–SIA International WFC (Uganda), Immaculate Acen–SIA International WFC (Uganda), Halima Mupyanga–Dream Girls Academy (Uganda), Precious Wori–SIA International WFC (Uganda), Jovia Nakagwa–Highway Secondary School (Uganda), Sheila Mungutimu–Boni Consilii Girls FC (Uganda), Tahia Nantege–Isra Soccer Academy (Uganda).

Forwards- Shadia Nabirye–Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC (Uganda), Teopista Keneema–Mwenge Queens FC (Uganda), Susan Nabyonga–CIA International WFC (Uganda), Terry Mora Oseko–Nkoma Secondary School (Uganda), Samantha Saire Tibiwa–Makerere University WFC (Uganda), Joan Namakula–Isra Soccer Academy (Uganda).