Botes goes for familiarity

Sharon Kaidu was summoned too as did Lillian Nakirya, who has graduated from the U-17 Teen Cranes but she will most likely make it to goal for the U-20 Queen Cranes later in the year.

The talent of Amus College’s Agnes Adeke and Kawempe Muslim’s Ashley Nakabugo is hard to ignore but they are probably outside competitors in the 39-man provisional squad that enters camp in Kisaasi on Sunday. 

The South African coach continues to see Zainah Nandede as a right back and Phionah Nabulime as a central defender to partner Shadia Nabirye. The biggest addition to defence is Sumaya Komuntale, who has returned from a long-term injury, and could provide competition for Jolly Kobusinge at left back.

Joan Nabirye and Phiona Nabbumba have been constant presences in midfield but they have partnered with Nabulime, Zabinah Namboozo, Angel Auki Kigongo, Agnes Nabukenya, Joanita Ainembabazi, and Sandra Nabweteme to varying degrees of success. 

The latter was not called up for Algeria and is not in the squad preparing for Ethiopia but Shamirah Nalugya, who has been recalled, is a possible option but Botes says she will compete with Zainah Namuleme.

"Players can do a lot when they are in possession of the ball, and Zainah is one of those who has an understanding of surroundings. I was aware of her and Hasifah (Nassuna), who I am aware is in the USA now, when they were still at Kampala Queens. But I want to see most of these players more when there is pressure," Botes said.

Latifah Nakasi has a chance to tie down a national team berth among the forwards but she finds trusted generals in the India-based duo of Fazila Ikwaput and Resty Nanziri. Resty Kobusobozi, the current top scorer in the Fufa Women Super League also has a similar uphill task.

"I was trying to tell the Fufa president that Caf should consider a Chan for the female players. The level of the foreign-based players is so high but we want to lift the local ones too. Our squad is heavily dependent on local players and we need to lift their levels or we could have serious challenges going forward," Botes said.

The squad also includes some U-17 players, who the coach feels will benefit more from training with the seniors before they return to their own camp for preparations to face Kenya in their World Cup Qualifiers next month.

"It is good for the young ones to come and earmark from the best," Botes said of the younger players.

Wafcon Qualifiers: Uganda’s provisional squad

Goalkeepers: Ruth Aturo (Ukerewe Queens, Tanzania), Daisy Nakaziro (Kampala Queens), Lillian Nakiirya (St. Noa Girls), Sharon Kaidu (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga), Angella Adeke (Amus College), Ashley Nakabugo (Kawempe Muslim)

Defenders: Bridget Nabisaalu (Modern Sports, Egypt), Shadia Nankya (Tutankhamun, Egypt), Phionah Nabulime, Jolly Kobusinge (Kawempe Muslim), Mackline Niwandinda (Boni Consilii), Martha Babirye (El Cambio Academy), Margret Namande (Lady Doves), Zainah Nandede, Esther Namusoke, Sumaya Komuntale (Kampala Queens), Wilmer Nantumbwe (She Gist)

Midfielders: Joan Nabirye (Trabzonspor, Turkey), Phiona Nabbumba (Boldklubben AF 1893, Denmark), Zabinah Nambozo, Dorine Aujat (Amus), Kauthara Naluyima (She Maroons), Teddy Najjuma, Shamirah Nalugya (Kampala Queens), Rashidah Nankya, Zaina Namuleme (Makerere University), Agnes Nabukenya (Kawempe Muslim), Violah Nambi (Åland United, Finland), Resty Kobusobozi (Lady Doves), Brenda Munyana, Angel Auki Kigongo (Uganda Martyrs), Mastulah Lian Atuhaire (Tooro Queens), Esther Nantongo (Gold Star)

Forwards: Fazila Ikwaput (Gokulam Kerala, India), Resty Nanziri (East Bengal, India), Joanitah Ainembabazi (Kickstart, India), Latifah Nakasi, Nusurah Nakintu (Uganda Martyrs), Rinah Ariho (Boni Consilii)