Crested Cranes part ways with coach Botes ahead of Olympic test
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) and Botes have mutually agreed to end her contract with immediate effect, the federation said in a statement on Sunday (September 27).
Sheryl Botes leaves the Crested Cranes after three years at the helm. File Photo
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Sheryl Ulanda Botes' three-year stint as Crested Cranes head coach has ended, just three days after she named a 34-player squad for Uganda's 2028 Olympic qualifier against Zambia.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) and Botes have mutually agreed to end her contract with immediate effect, the federation said in a statement on Sunday (September 27).
“Crested Cranes Head Coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes and the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) have mutually agreed not to continue and extend the contract, with immediate effect, ending her three-year tenure,” FUFA said.
“FUFA would like to thank Sheryl for the good work done and wish her the best in the future,” the federation added.
FUFA did not give a reason for the decision, which leaves the federation needing to appoint a coach for the Zambia tie less than two weeks after the squad was announced.
Uganda will host Zambia on October 8 before travelling to Lusaka for the return leg on October 13.
Botes was unveiled on November 15, 2023, on a three-year contract to lead the senior women's team and oversee the U-17 and U-20 sides. Her contract was due to run until November 2026.
At the time of her appointment, FUFA president Moses Magogo said Botes' experience would help the Crested Cranes compete at a higher level.
Botes leaves three months after guiding the Teen Cranes to a second straight CECAFA U-17 Women's Championship title in Tanzania.
Uganda won all five matches, scored 26 goals and kept five clean sheets before beating hosts Tanzania 3-0 in the final.
She also led the Queen Cranes to bronze at the 2024 African Games in Ghana. Uganda drew with Tanzania and Ghana and beat Ethiopia in the group stage before losing 2-0 to Nigeria in the semi-finals. They then beat Senegal 6-5 on penalties after a goalless bronze-medal match.
The senior team, however, had a mixed run during her time in charge, playing friendlies against Morocco, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Algeria. Uganda also featured at the 2025 CECAFA Women's Championship, losing 1-0 to Burundi in the opening match, recovering with a 5-0 win over South Sudan through Sylvia Kabene's hat-trick, then losing 4-0 to Kenya and 2-0 to eventual champions Tanzania.
The Crested Cranes also went through spells without regular competitive fixtures, making the Zambia assignment an important return to competitive action.
The winner on aggregate will face the winner between Ghana and the Mauritius-Djibouti tie in the next round. Only two African teams will qualify for the Los Angeles Olympic women's football tournament.
Botes' departure is the latest change in the Crested Cranes' technical leadership.
Ayub Khalifa and Charles Ayiekho also had brief spells before Botes' appointment.
Botes was the first foreign female coach to lead the Crested Cranes, with her role covering the senior, U-17 and U-20 national teams.
FUFA must now decide on her replacement with the Olympic qualifier against Zambia drawing near.
Provisional squad
Goalkeepers: Vanessa Edith Karungi (Brondby IF Women), Ruth Aturo (Simba Queens FC), Lillian Nakirya (St. Noa Girls FC) and Angella Adeke (Amus College WFC).
Defenders: Shadia Nankya (HAC Féminines Women FC), Aisha Nantongo (RSL Shaanxi Zhidan Women FC), Bridget Nabisaalu (She Maroons FC), Barbara Anomo (St. Noa Girls FC), Hadijah Babirye (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Jamilah Nabulime (KCCA Women FC), Zabinah Nambozo (Amus College WFC), Phionah Arach (Rines SS WFC), Jane Nantongo (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Zainah Nandede (Simba Queens FC), Marion Amangat (KCCA Women FC) and Angel Auki Kigongo (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC).
Midfielders: Phiona Nabbumba (FC Midtjylland), Joan Nabirye (Yanga Princess FC), Agnes Nabukenya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Hadijah Balinabyo (BUL Women FC), Kauthara Naluyima (She Maroons FC), Yuster Kayesu (KCCA Women FC), Jovia Nakagolo (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Laki Otandeka (Doncaster Rovers Belles Women FC), Margret Kunihira (Kenya Police Bullets), Megan Mukiibi (ENMU Women Soccer New Mexico), Peace Muduwa (KCCA Women FC) and Samantha Tibiwe (MUBS, Nakawa).
Forwards: Fazila Ikwaput (East Bengal WFC), Sylvia Kabene (Mġarr United Women FC), Karin Muya (Watford Women FC), Mary Kantono (Luweero Giant Queens FC), Jesca Namanda (She Corporate FC) and Joanitah Ainembabazi (KCCA Women FC).