Kampala Queens goalkeeper Sharon Kaidu has urged her teammates to remain calm and focused as the club prepares for its maiden FUFA Women’s Cup semi-final appearance against Lady Doves.
The Queens host Lady Doves in the first leg on Saturday, June 13, with the club standing just two matches away from a first-ever appearance in the competition’s final.
Speaking ahead of the tie, Kaidu said the occasion should not create unnecessary pressure within the squad despite its historic significance.
“As players, we don’t have any pressure. All we are wishing is to do our thing, but again I would advise my fellow players to be calm, to play the game and to see that we reach the finals.”
Kaidu is among several Kampala Queens players with previous experience of semi-final football from their time at other clubs and believes composure will be key as the team seeks to take a positive result into the second leg.
Kampala Queens enter the match with an impressive record against Lady Doves. In 10 meetings between the sides in the Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super League, the Queens have won eight and drawn two, with Lady Doves still searching for a first victory.
The Kampala side also completed a league double over their opponents this season. Catherine Nagadya scored twice in a 3-0 home victory before Kampala Queens secured a 2-1 win in Masindi through goals from Ainembabazi Joanitah and Jamilah Nabulime.
However, Kaidu and her teammates know cup football can be unpredictable, with previous results offering little advantage once a place in the final is on the line.
The Queens have also been boosted by the return of striker Catherine Nagadya, who missed the quarter-final through suspension following a red card in the previous round.
A strong result in the first leg would put Kampala Queens in a favourable position ahead of the return fixture in Masindi on June 17 as they seek to make more history by reaching their first FUFA Women’s Cup final.
