Uganda's U17 coach Ayub asks players to train at home over coronavirus

Apr 07, 2020

Uganda was supposed to face Cameroon in the final round of the qualifiers early May but due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak the qualifiers were also postponed.

The Uganda U17 women national Ayub Khalifah has advised his players to do personal training to remain fit despite being in the lockdown over the coronavirus outbreak.

Khalifah's remarks come shortly after 2020 FIFA U-17 Women Cup was postponed due to the pandemic.

Uganda was supposed to face Cameroon in the final round of the qualifiers early May but due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak the qualifiers were also postponed. FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup was supposed to be held in India, November from 2-21 but FIFA is yet to come out with new date.

"I requested the players to continue with personal training so that we don't start from zero when training resumes. I have also cautioned them to stay home and always avoid crowded places. The postponement might affect us in one way or the other, but I know we shall bounce back strongly," stated Khalifah.

"This is a critical moment where the health of our players is important. I believe when this situation gets to normal, we shall be able to train again", he added.

Just like the U17 Women World Cup, the U20 Women Cup was postponed after a decision was taken by the FIFA-Confederations working group which was recently established by the Bureau of the FIFA Council to address the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Uganda eliminated Tanzania 6-2 on aggregate to qualify for the final round of the qualifiers, while Cameroon ejected São Tomé and Príncipe 10-0 on aggregate.

However, Tanzania have petitioned CAF claiming four of the Ugandan players that include Juliet Nalukenge, Grace Aluka, Shamira Nalugya, and Fauzia Najjemba were over age.

Three nations out of the 16 are expected to represent Africa in the finals in five cities of Guwahati, Kolkata, Navi Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Bhubaneswar in India.

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