Sports
First silverware in sight for Botes as Teen Cranes reach CECAFA final
The Teen Cranes topped Group B with a perfect record of nine points from three matches without conceding a goal.
Uganda enter the final as defending champions and one of the tournament's standout teams
By: Chrispus Baluku, Journalist @New Vision
CECAFA U17 Women’s Championship
Semi-finals
Uganda 3 Kenya 0
Tanzania 4 South Sudan 0
Tuesday
Third-place play-off
South Sudan v Kenya 1pm
Final
Uganda v Tanzania 4pm
Uganda U17 women's national team head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes is on the brink of securing her first trophy with the Teen Cranes as they prepare to face hosts Tanzania in Tuesday's CECAFA U17 Women's Championship final.
The South African tactician, who signed a three-year contract in November 2023, is now just one victory away from leading Uganda to regional glory after guiding her side through an impressive unbeaten campaign.
Uganda booked their place in the final with a commanding 3-0 victory over Kenya in Sunday's semi-final, avenging their elimination by the same opponents in last month's FIFA U17 Women's World Cup qualifiers.
South Sudan v Kenya 1pm
Final
Uganda v Tanzania 4pm
Uganda U17 women's national team head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes is on the brink of securing her first trophy with the Teen Cranes as they prepare to face hosts Tanzania in Tuesday's CECAFA U17 Women's Championship final.
The South African tactician, who signed a three-year contract in November 2023, is now just one victory away from leading Uganda to regional glory after guiding her side through an impressive unbeaten campaign.
Uganda booked their place in the final with a commanding 3-0 victory over Kenya in Sunday's semi-final, avenging their elimination by the same opponents in last month's FIFA U17 Women's World Cup qualifiers.
Coach Botes said the result reflected the team's preparation and discipline.
"It is a good moment for us. We knew it could be a difficult moment against Kenya,the players went according to plan. We wanted to score two goals in the first half and yes, we did," Botes said.
The Teen Cranes took control early through Shadia Nabirye's opener before Immaculate Acen doubled the advantage. A late own goal sealed a comfortable victory and a place in the final.
Botes said her side managed the game well after establishing their lead.
"In the second half we needed to defend and maybe score another goal, but what we can do is stick to our brand of football," she said.
Attention now turns to Tanzania, who stand between Uganda and a successful title defence.
The hosts advanced to the final after a convincing 4-0 win over South Sudan and have impressed throughout the tournament, having also recorded a 10-1 victory over Sudan and a 4-0 triumph over Somalia during the group stage.
Botes expects a stern test against the hosts.
"Tanzania has a strong midfield. They are hosts, but we will plan for them," she said. "We are aiming to defend the title. We want to beat them in the final in open play."
Uganda enter the final as defending champions and one of the tournament's standout teams. The Teen Cranes topped Group B with a perfect record of nine points from three matches without conceding a goal.
They scored 20 goals during the group stage before adding three more against Kenya to take their tournament tally to 23 goals.
While Tanzania have also been among the competition's most dominant sides, Uganda will draw confidence from their flawless run, strong defensive record and free-scoring attack as they seek to hand Botes her first piece of silverware since taking charge.
"It is a good moment for us. We knew it could be a difficult moment against Kenya,the players went according to plan. We wanted to score two goals in the first half and yes, we did," Botes said.
Botes said her side managed the game well after establishing their lead.
The Teen Cranes took control early through Shadia Nabirye's opener before Immaculate Acen doubled the advantage. A late own goal sealed a comfortable victory and a place in the final.
Botes said her side managed the game well after establishing their lead.
"In the second half we needed to defend and maybe score another goal, but what we can do is stick to our brand of football," she said.
Attention now turns to Tanzania, who stand between Uganda and a successful title defence.
The hosts advanced to the final after a convincing 4-0 win over South Sudan and have impressed throughout the tournament, having also recorded a 10-1 victory over Sudan and a 4-0 triumph over Somalia during the group stage.
Botes expects a stern test against the hosts.
"Tanzania has a strong midfield. They are hosts, but we will plan for them," she said. "We are aiming to defend the title. We want to beat them in the final in open play."
Uganda enter the final as defending champions and one of the tournament's standout teams. The Teen Cranes topped Group B with a perfect record of nine points from three matches without conceding a goal.
They scored 20 goals during the group stage before adding three more against Kenya to take their tournament tally to 23 goals.
While Tanzania have also been among the competition's most dominant sides, Uganda will draw confidence from their flawless run, strong defensive record and free-scoring attack as they seek to hand Botes her first piece of silverware since taking charge.