Uganda U-17 Girls’ national team safely returned home on Tuesday afternoon after a successful expedition at the just concluded COSAFA U-17 Girls’ Championship in Mauritius.
The team that was crowned champions touched base at Entebbe International airport at 1:15pm aboard Emirates Airlines.A heroines welcome was accorded to the contingent with FUFA football development director, Mr. Ali Mwebe receiving the team.He was accompanied by Owek. Florence Bagunywa Nkalubo plus former Uganda Cranes goalkeeper and also pioneer of Women’s football in Uganda, Paul Ssali.
Fufa president M.r Justus Mugisha who flanked by his vice Darius Mugoye, welcomed the delegation at later received the trophy.
Mugisha who was full of joy narrated the of women football in the country right from 2004 FEASSSA games held at Mombasa Kenya where Uganda represented by teams (Masaka SS and Kawempe Muslim SS and we’re beaten badly off teams from other countries, they came back they forget coordinated effort tween USSSA and Fufa to develop the game.
Mugisha later thanked Government, FUFA, USSSA, Headteachers, coaches and girls for the job well done at the inaugural COSAFA U17 championship.
“I every one for a wonderful job done, girls th I just a beginning for you because we already registeredyour team in the Fifa world cup and CECAFA championship due to take place in December”, Mugisha said.
“Please my daughters you remain calm and focused, academics is the priority,”Fufa president Justus added.
Head coach Ayub Khalifah Kiyingi lauded the players for the performance and commitment throughout the tournament.‘I thank my players because they did the job.
They remained committed from the start to finish and kept improving every game’ He said.
Ayub also appreciated FUFA for the opportunity and believes this is a good move towards having a better Crested Cranes team.
“I would like to thank FUFA for giving us the opportunity to gauge our team against other teams. This is good for Women’s football because nurturing players at this level helps in having a good senior team
.”Leader of delegation and FUFA EXCOM, Chris Kalibbala heaped praise on the team and asserted that the future is bright for Women’s football in Uganda.‘We made a name at the tournament because we had a good team and a pool of talented players that brought us success.
I’m confident the future is bright for Women’s football’ Kalibala noted.
The team was later treated to a luncheon at Jevine Hotel in Rubaga, the girls were given a playing boot each wheras each school contributed to the squad was also give goal post net and balls by Fufa president Justus Mugisha before the players returned to their respective homes.
The function was also graced by USSSA boss Patrick Okanya as well as Haji Hussein Lwembawo, Christopher Mugisha and Madam Eunice Openjuru all of USSSA.
