FUFA Women Super League champions Kawempe Muslim Ladies were flagged off to Ethiopia this morning for the CECAFA zonal qualifiers for the CAF Champions League. The school headteacher and club chairperson, Zuraika Kibirige, flagged off the team at Kawempe Muslim Secondary School.
A contingent of 25 people, comprising 20 players and five officials, will fly out for the championship. The traveling players include:
– Phiona Nabulime (captain)
– Hadijja Nandago
– Rodha Nanziri
– Allen Nassazi
– Nakato
– Hadijja Babirye
– Jolly Kobusingye
– Josephine Nambuya (GK)
– Juliet Adeke (GK)
– Kuluthum Namutebi
– Halima Kampi
– Samalie Nakachwa
– Mary Kabacureezi
– Rita Mushimirwe
– Dorcus Kisakye
– Shadia Nabirye
– Sharifa Nakimera
– Sumayiah Nabutto
– Saidat
– Agnes Nabukenya
The officials on the team include:
– Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi (Head Coach)
– Moses Nkata (Assistant Coach)
– Stella Nankumba (Team Doctor)
– Hakim Mukiibi
– Wabwire Tabu
– Sam Kakumba (Goalkeeping Coach)
Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi expressed readiness for his side ahead of the championship, while team skipper Phiona Nabulime said, “We are on the continent not by mistake.”
Speaking to journalists, Zuraika Kibirige, the school headmistress, expressed gratitude, saying, “Football gives them skills, pride, and confidence. We emphasize their talent and education to gain knowledge that will benefit them.”
Shadia Nabirye and Claire Kebirungi were promoted to the senior side, while Sumayiah Nabutto is the new addition to the squad from Isra Soccer Academy, optimistic about their debut on the senior team and continent.
The team will fly out of the country tomorrow morning at 11 a.m. aboard Ethiopian Airlines.
Kawempe will face Tanzania’s Simba Queens FC, PVP Buyenzi from Burundi, and minnows FAD FC from Djibouti in the group stages. Kawempe Muslim will begin their journey against PVP Buyenzi on August 18, before taking on Simba Queens FC on August 21 and FAD FC three days later.
Group A consists of hosts CBE FC from Ethiopia, Yei Joint Stars FC (South Sudan), Kenya Police Bullets FC, Warriors Queens FC from Zanzibar, and Rwanda’s Rayon Sport WFC.
Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC won their fifth league title after beating Kampala Queens WFC 2-0 on the final day of the 2023/24 league season tie and are the fourth team to represent Uganda in the CAF women’s zonal qualifiers after Lady Doves, She Corporate, and Kampala Queens.
