Kabene, Nakirya named in Uganda Crested Cranes squad for 2025 CECAFA Women’s Championship

Head Coach Sheryl Botes has named a 20-player squad for the upcoming 2025 CECAFA Women’s Championship in Tanzania, where Uganda will defend their title.

The team is predominantly composed of local players, with Margaret Kunihira, who plays for Caessia Queens in Tanzania, being the sole foreign-based player.

New fast rising star girls Sylvia Kabene and Lillian Nakirya both playing for reigning FUFA Women Elite league champions St. Noa GFC are named in the team.

The Crested Cranes will face stiff competition from hosts Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, and Kenya in the championship, which will take place from June 12th to 21st, 2025, at the Azam Complex in Chamazi. The tournament will follow a round-robin format.

Uganda’s fixtures are as follows:

– June 12th, 2025: Uganda vs Burundi, 4 PM EAT

– June 14th, 2025: South Sudan vs Uganda, 7 PM EAT

– June 17th, 2025: Kenya vs Uganda, 7 PM EAT

– June 19th, 2025: Uganda vs Tanzania, 7 PM EAT

The Crested Cranes squad includes:

Goalkeepers: Daisy Nakaziro, Lillian Nakiirya, and Nulu Nakyaze Babirye

Defenders: Desire Katisi Natooro, Jamilah Nabulime, Hasifah Patricia Namboozo, Jolly Kobusinge, Docas Lwalisa, Zainah Nandede, and Esther Namusoke

Midfielders: Nankwanga Shakirah, Shamirah Nalugya, Zaina Namuleme, Brenda Munyana, Sumayah Nabuto, Margret Kunihira, and Resty Kobusobozi

Forwards: Latifah Nakasi, Sylvia Kabene, and Jovia Nakagolo

The team will depart for Tanzania on June 10th, 2025, ahead of their title defense.