Uganda’s foreign-based female players Sandra Nabweteme and Yudayah Nakayenze, have been included in the provisional squad of 32 players summoned for preparations ahead of the COSAFA women championship due this month in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Nabweteme, who’s Uganda’s all-time leading scorer plays professional football in Iceland at second division side Fimleikafélag Hafnarfjarðar from top division outfits Þór/KA (Thor/KA).

The other three foreign-based players are Yudayah Nakayenze (Lindey Wilson College, USA) Laki Otandeka (New Jersey Copa FC, USA), Shiraz Natasha (Maccabi Kishronot Hadera FC, Israel).

Israel-based Natasha returns to the team six years after having a promising debut for the Crested Cranes against Kenya Harambe Starlets in 2015 under Majida Nantanda.

The team that will be handled by George Lutalo who replaces Faridah Bulega who has enrolled for a CAF B coaching Course in Nairobi, will also see USA based Laki Otandeka return after five years since her team contribution in the 2016 CECAFA championship at Njeru, Uganda, where Crested Cranes finished 4th.

The FUFA executive committee made changes in the team’s technical bench, appointing Lutalo as head coach with Edward Kaziba and James Magalaas assistant and goalkeeping coach respectively.

In the same way, Ayub Khalifa who has been Uganda U-17 team head coach has been elevated to U-20 in the same role, with the former team head coach Olive Mbekeka retained but as his assistant and U-17 boys’ goalkeeping coach.

Uganda Crested Cranes has for the second time been invited to take part in this year’s COSAFA championship due September 15-23 while the Uganda U-20 team will prepare for the FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifier against Kenya on 23rd-25th September in Kenya with the return leg set for 7th-9th October in Kampala.

Crested Cranes squad

Goalkeepers

Ruth Aturo (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Daisy Nakaziro (Lady Doves FC), Elsie Najjemba (Rines WFC), Gloria Namakula (Tooro Queens FC)

Defenders

Viola Namuddu (Makerere University WFC), Shadia Nankya (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Eunice Ariokot (Olila High School WFC), Bridget Nabisaalu (She Corporate FC), Phoebe Banura (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Yudayah Nakayenze (Lindey Wilson College, USA), Justin Kizza Najjuko (She Maroons FC), Asia Nakibuuka (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC)

Midfielders

Joan Naggayi (She Maroons FC), Rhoda Nanziri (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Riticia Nabbosa (Lady Doves FC), Kautharah Naluyima (She Maroons FC), Sheebah Zalwango (Asubo Gafford Ladies FC), Phiona Nabbumba (She Corporate FC), Grace Nassongo (Amuria High School FC), Spencer Nakacwa (Lady Doves FC), Norah Alupo (Lady Doves FC), Amina Nababi (Makerere University WFC), Resty Kobusobozi (Tooro Queens FC), Anita Namata (Uganda Martyrs High School FC)

Forwards

Hasifa Nassuna (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Fazila Ikwaput (Lady Doves FC), Sharon Naddunga (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Resty Nanziri (Kampala Queens FC), Sandra Nabweteme (Fimleikafélag Hafnarfjarðar, Iceland), Laki Otandeka (New Jersey Copa FC, USA), Shiraz Natasha (Maccabi Kishronot Hadera FC, Israel)

Officials

Head Coach – George Lutalo

Assistant Coach – Edward Kaziba

Goalkeeping Coach – James Magala

Team Manager –Paul Ssali

Team Doctor – Mable Katabalindwa

Equipment Manager – Prossy Nalwadda