Uganda Teen Cranes head coach Sheryl Botes has expressed confidence in her team’s readiness to face Kenya, despite the short time for preparation.
The Uganda U17 Women’s National Team, fondly known as the Teen Cranes, will take on Kenya this Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, in the second round of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference held at the FUFA Complex in Mengo on Friday, Botes expressed confidence saying, “We had eight days to prepare the team. From what we have done so far, we are confident we can give Kenya a run for their money.”
While acknowledging Kenya’s experience, having previously competed at the U-17 World Cup, she emphasized the need for a fresh tactical approach.
“They are a formidable team that brings a lot of experience and skill, so I wouldn’t use the same team that played against Namibia,” she added.
Uganda’s captain, Agnes Nabukenya, echoed her coach’s sentiments, highlighting the team’s readiness and the extra motivation of playing at home.
“We know expectations are high following our big win over two legs against Namibia, but the players in camp are grounded.”
“Playing in front of our fans gives us extra motivation to search for good results in the first leg and plan later for the return match,” Nabukenya said.
Uganda comes into this encounter with momentum, having dominated Namibia with an 18-1 aggregate victory in the first round.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s head coach, Mildred Cheche, remained unfazed by Uganda’s impressive form, insisting that her team was prepared for the challenge.
“We are not worried. We are prepared. Football is a game of 90 minutes, and a lot can happen within that time,” Cheche remarked.
She also noted Kenya’s commitment to player development, revealing that younger players from the U-15 squad had been promoted to fill gaps left by those who moved up to the U-20 team.
Kenya’s captain, Halima Imbachi, acknowledged the significance of the fixture, recognizing the fierce rivalry between the two nations.
“We know that it is a derby match between these two countries. It is a very big day for us, and we know it will not be easy. We are ready to go and face Uganda,” she stated.
The winner of the Uganda-Kenya tie will advance to the third round, where they will face either Ethiopia or Cameroon as the road to the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup intensifies.
