Uganda’s U-17 women’s national team is sharpening its tactical approach ahead of this month’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, with midfielder Esther Namatovu stressing the importance of off-ball movement and possession play as preparations intensify.
The Teen Cranes are currently in residential camp at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, building towards a two-legged tie against Zimbabwe scheduled for April 12 and 18. The winner on aggregate will progress to the next round.
Namatovu pointed to improved structure and decision-making in recent sessions, highlighting the need for efficiency across all phases of play.
“We have to keep possession well and also improve how we move off the ball,” she said after training.
Coaches have focused on organisation, quick transitions, and maintaining shape, with sessions designed to improve cohesion and control in key moments of matches. The emphasis on tactical discipline reflects a shift towards a more structured style as the team looks to translate training ground progress into competitive performance.
The Standard High School Zzana midfielder also spoke about the mood in camp, underlining the squad’s determination to deliver in the first leg.
“I am happy to be part of the camp. We are working tirelessly to get a positive result in the first leg,” she added.
Uganda enters the tie with growing confidence after steady progress in camp, with the technical team prioritising fitness, awareness, and team chemistry in the final stretch of preparations.
