Uganda U-17 women's team ready for CECAFA Championship, says coach Botes

Uganda fixtures 

Sunday (Azam Complex Stadium)
Uganda v Djibouti 4pm

Tuesday (KMC Stadium)
Zanzibar v Uganda 1pm

Thursday (KMC Stadium)
Uganda v South Sudan 4pm

Uganda U-17 Women's National Team head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes believes her side is ready for the 2026 CECAFA U-17 Women's Championship after completing final preparations ahead of the tournament in Tanzania.

The championship runs from Saturday to June 23. Uganda has been drawn in Group B alongside South Sudan, Zanzibar, and Djibouti.

"We have prepared well over the last few weeks, and the players have responded positively to every session. The team understands our objectives, and we are looking forward to competing strongly against all our group opponents in Tanzania," Botes said.

Uganda's group campaign begins against Djibouti on Sunday at Azam Complex Stadium. The Teen Cranes will then face Zanzibar on Tuesday before concluding their group matches against South Sudan on Thursday at KMC Stadium.

As part of their preparations, Uganda played Ethiopia in an international friendly that ended 3–3. Uganda fought back through goals from Joan Namakula, Martha Babirye, and a stoppage-time equalizer from Yagala Flavia.

"The Ethiopia match was important because it allowed us to test combinations, assess player readiness, and build confidence before the tournament begins," Botes said.

The coach added that the friendly provided valuable lessons despite the draw.

"Ethiopia is a strong side, and this friendly gave us a final opportunity to assess where we are as a team. We are not just looking at results, but at how the players respond tactically and mentally before the competition starts in Tanzania," she said.

Botes recently named her final squad of 20 players after trimming 11 from a provisional group of 31 that had been training at FUFA Hotel in Kisaasi for the last eight days.

"The process of selecting this squad was very difficult because all the players gave their best in camp. However, we had to make hard decisions to ensure balance, competition, and tactical discipline within the final group," she explained.

Those dropped from the squad include goalkeepers Hawa Kizza and Sophia Nakazzi; defenders Belinda Nabawanuka and Halima Mupyanga; midfielders Jennifer Onyango, Giovanna Aketogwanga, Dorah Nangobi Muteesi, Susan Nabyonga, and Sheila Mungutimu; and forwards Terry Moraa Oseko and Monica Buteme.

Botes said continuity was a key factor behind the final selection, with most players retained from the squad that featured in the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup qualifiers against Kenya.

"We have kept faith in this group because they have already gone through high-pressure matches and gained valuable experience. That foundation is important as we head into a competitive CECAFA tournament," she said.

The CECAFA championship presents an opportunity for the Teen Cranes to bounce back after their FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup qualification dream ended at the hands of Kenya on the away-goals rule, following a goalless draw in Nairobi last month.

Organized by the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), the tournament aims to promote the growth of women's football in the region by giving young players valuable international exposure and competitive experience.