Head Coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes has unveiled a strong provisional squad for the Uganda U-17 Women’s National Team (Teen Cranes), with St. Noa Girls FC and its academy, SIA Soccer Academy, forming the backbone ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe.
Uganda will face Zimbabwe in a two-legged tie scheduled for 11th and 18th April 2026, as the Teen Cranes begin their quest for a place on the global stage.
Notably, the squad selection reflects a clear vote of confidence in the St. Noa development pipeline, with a significant number of players drawn from both the school team and its affiliated academy.
St. Noa Girls FC leads the representation across multiple departments, particularly in defense and midfield, with players such as Martha Babirye, Giovanna S. Aketogwanga, Nancy Jude Mandera, Zainabu Birungi, Brenda Nassaka, and Faith Nalwadda earning call-ups.
Their consistent performances at school and club level have evidently positioned them as key pillars in the national setup.
Complementing this dominance is the strong presence of Isra Soccer Academy (SIA), whose graduates and current players—including Lydia Nameseruka, Tahia Nantege, and Joan Namakula—underscore the academy’s growing reputation as a talent factory within Ugandan women’s football.
Across the squad, other notable contributors include Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, URA Ladies FC, and CIA International WFC, ensuring a balanced blend of experience and emerging talent.
The goalkeeping department features Sharifah K. Namutebi (Kampala Queens FC) alongside promising options such as Hawah Musa Kizza and Hudah Ayikoru.
In midfield, the inclusion of US-based Sophia Musoke adds an international dimension to the team, while the attacking line will rely on the likes of Shadia Nabirye and Teopista Keneema to provide cutting edge in the final third.
The technical bench, led by Botes, is reinforced by a well-structured backroom staff comprising assistant coaches, goalkeeping specialists, sports scientists, and medical personnel, all tasked with preparing the team for the demanding qualification journey.
The qualification campaign will unfold over three rounds of home-and-away fixtures.
Thirty teams will contest the opening round, with the winners advancing to face a seeded side in the second phase.
Ultimately, only four teams will secure qualification to represent Africa at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The provisional squad includes;
Goalkeepers
Sharifah K. Namutebi–Kampala Queens FC (Uganda), Hawah Musa Kizza–CIA International WFC (Uganda), Adam M. Namuwaya–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Hudah Ayikoru–URA Ladies FC (Uganda), Sophia Nakkazi–Boni Consilii Girls FC (Uganda).
Defenders
Ritah Anitah Nambuusi–Bukedea Comprehensive (Uganda), Martha Babirye–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Jovia Nakirya–Rines SS WFC (Uganda), Angel Dominic–CIA International WFC (Uganda), Giovanna S. Aketogwanga–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Phiona Arachi–Rines SS WFC (Uganda), Nancy Jude Mandera–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Vicky Atyeronimungu–Amus College WFC (Uganda), Rebecca Wembalazi–Sheema Girls’ School (Uganda).
Midfielders
Sophia Musoke–New England FC (USA), Zainabu Birungi–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Tracy Nabalonzi–URA Ladies FC (Uganda), Patience Asanya–El Cambio Academy (Uganda), Jennifer Onyango–CIA International WFC (Uganda), Ester Namatovu–Standard SS (Uganda), Brenda Nassaka–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Lydia Nameseruka–Isra Soccer Academy (Uganda), Justine Ayerango–Rines SS WFC (Uganda), Kevin Nanyunja–Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC (Uganda), Faith Nalwadda–St. Noa Girls FC (Uganda), Cynthia Kirenga–URA Ladies FC (Uganda), Grace Kawino–CIA International WFC (Uganda), Immaculate Acen–CIA International WFC (Uganda), Halima Mupyanga–Dream Girls Academy (Uganda), Precious Wori–CIA International WFC (Uganda), Jovia Nakagwa–Highway Secondary School (Uganda), Sheila Mungutimu–Boni Consilii Girls FC (Uganda), Tahia Nantege–Isra Soccer Academy (Uganda).
Forwards
Shadia Nabirye–Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC (Uganda), Teopista Keneema–Mwenge Queens FC (Uganda), Susan Nabyonga–CIA International WFC (Uganda), Terry Mora Oseko–Nkoma Secondary School (Uganda), Samantha Saire Tibiwa–Makerere University WFC (Uganda), Joan Namakula–Isra Soccer Academy (Uganda).
Officials
Sheryl Ulanda Botes–Head Coach
Ahumuza Colines–Assistant Coach
Nantumbwe Sharifah–Assistant Coach
David Ribeiro–Goalkeeper Coach
Ssebagala Swaibu–Goalkeeper Coach
Nsubuga Allan Magunda–Video Analyst
Nkata Moses–Sports Scientist
Luwaga Farouk–Sports Scientist
Kabatalindwa Mable–Team Doctor
Nakuya Jackline–Physiotherapist
Nakiguba Cissy Gaudensia–Equipment Manager
Nalwadda Prossy–Equipment Assistant
Namusisi Joan–Team Manager
Nabisere Leilah–Media Officer
Kabali Ahmed–Bus Driver
