Botes confident as Teen Cranes face Kenya test

FiFA U-17 Women’s World Cup African Qualifiers: Second Round

First Leg – Saturday, March 8

Uganda vs Kenya

Venue: Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo – 4:00 PM

Uganda’s U-17 women’s national team, the Teen Cranes, are set for their crucial FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Kenya this Saturday at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo. Head coach Sheryl Botes, from South Africa, is confident that her squad can secure a win in the first-leg encounter and boost their chances of advancing to the next qualification stage.

Speaking at a press conference held at FUFA headquarters in Mengo, Botes described the fixture as a must-win and assured that her team is both mentally and physically prepared.

The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2025 will be held in Morocco from October 17 to November 8, featuring 24 teams.

“We know Kenya played at the last FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, but that does not matter to us. We have had eight days of preparation, and I am confident we shall be there,” Botes said.

She highlighted the presence of seven players in her squad who were part of Uganda’s senior national team, which was eliminated by Ethiopia in the recent continental qualifiers. However, Botes insisted that past results—such as their 18-1 aggregate victory over Namibia in the first qualification round—will not be a factor.

“We have analysed Kenya’s squad. They have eight players from the team that played in the last World Cup. So, we have planned for all their strategies, including set pieces, corners, and direct attacks,” she added.

Botes believes her players understand the weight of the task ahead, especially following the senior team’s elimination.

Team captain Agness Nabukenya echoed the coach’s sentiments, expressing the squad’s determination.

“We are well prepared, and the players are ready to give 100 percent to beat Kenya. Those of us from the senior team will help motivate the younger ones because we are now used to handling pressure on the pitch,” Nabukenya stated.

The Teen Cranes had their final training session at Nakivubo yesterday.

The return leg is set to take place in Nairobi next week, with the winner advancing to face Zimbabwe in the final qualification round.