The Crested Cranes have intensified their preparations ahead of the forthcoming Council of East and Central Africa Women’s Championship in Rwanda.
With just a few days left, the team has been undergoing rigorous training since Saturday last week with non-residential sessions at Startimes stadium, Lugogo.
However, to continue with team chemistry and have more time to adequately prepare, the team has on Friday entered residential camp at Njeru Technical Centre in Buikwe District.
Head coach Faridah Bulega has dropped only two players from the initial squad of 27 that was summoned.
The players dropped are Teddy Najjuma and Elizabeth Nakigozi both students at Mukono High School and play for UCU Lady Cardinals and Muteesa I Royal University respectively in the FUFA Women Elite League.
The team had a build game against KJT U15 team on Thursday and lost 8-1 but Bulega is confident her troops will be in the right shape by the start of the tournament.
“There is progress almost every day and we have covered so much in the past days, said Bulega.
“I believe we shall be up to standard by the time of the tournament.
The team is expected to be in residential camp up-to Tuesday next week when Bulega will name the final squad of 20 players.
The camp was this week boosted with the return of first choice goalkeeper Ruth Aturo and defender Yudaya Nakayenze whose initial move to Germany for trials hit a snag.
The pair who play for UCU Lady Cardinals have already joined the rest of the squad. However, skipper Hasifa Nassuna and combative midfielder Shakira Mutiibwa were left out as they work to finalize their moves to USA.
Rwanda will host this year’s regional championship starting 19th August with five countries taking part in a round robin format.
The five include; hosts Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya and defending champions Tanzania who won the last edition in 2016.
Team in camp;
Goalkeepers
Ruth Aturo(UCU Lady Cardinals), Daisy Nakaziro (Muteesa I Royal University), Juliet Adeke(Kawempe Muslim), Cissy Nakiguba(Kampala Queens)
Defenders
Viola Namuddu(She MAK), Grace Aluka(Kawempe Muslim),Aisha Namubiru(Kampala Queens),Nakitto Gladys(Kampala Queens),Yudaya Nakayenze(UCU Lady Cardinals),Bridget Nabisaalu(Ajax Queens),Margaret Birabwa(Muteesa I Royal University), Shadia Nankya(Uganda Martyrs High School)
Midfielders
Catherine Nakiridde(UCU Lady Cardinals), Tracy Jones Akiror(Kawempe Muslim), Phiona Nabbumba(Ajax Queens), Shamira Nalujja,Lilian Mutuuzo(Taggy High School), Esther Naluyimba(Uganda Martyrs High School)
Forwards
Norah Alupo(Olila Women), Juliet Nalukenge(Kawempe Muslim),Winnie Babirye(Kampala Queens),Favour Nambatya(Muteesa I Royal University),Monica Namwase(Gafford Ladies),Zaina Namuleme(Kampala Queens), Spencer Nakachwa(Taggy High School)
