CECAFA Zonal CAF Champions League Qualifiers: Our Aim is Winning Trophy, Kawempe Muslim President Says at the Flag off
By: kayiirajackson@gmail.com
The five star Kawempe Muslim SS Ladies FC have been flagged off on Wednesday at the School premises and the president asked them to return home with the trophy.
Kawempe Muslim, the 2023/24 FUFA Women Super league champions are representing Uganda in the CECAFA Zonal CAF Women Champions League, the championship to be hosted in Ethiopia starting 17th August.
The school headteacher who also doubles as the club president Zuraika Kibirige flagged off the team this morning with a lot of optimism that the girls shall write history.
“We’re renown winners, winning is part of us.” Said Hajjat Zuraika. “The aim is winning this championship and the girls are very determined and I am very optimistic that the trophy is ours.”
Head coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi expressed readiness for his side ahead of the championship.
“It’s has not been an easy journey. We started last year and here we are. Heading to Ethiopia for CECAFA Zonal qualifiers money has been spent and we are thankful to the administration
We played a league which was highly competitive but because we were the best, we emerged winners.
We have adequately prepared and we expect the best at the end of the championship”. Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi
Skipper Phiona Nabulime is optimistic her side has enough in Amery to fetch the desired victory from Ethiopia.
“We are strong and determined. When we joined camp, there has been a great input and we are all ready to put out a remarkable performance.
We have unique talents and skills and if all embedded together we shall match home winners”. Captain Phiona Nabulime.
A contingent of 25 composed of 20 players and five officials will fly out for the championship on Thursday morning using Ethiopian airlines.
Shadia Nabirye, and Claire Kebirungi were promoted to the senior side while Sumayiah Nabuto is the new addition to the squad from Isra Soccer Academy.
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, Brenda Nabukenya are the travelling players.
The Officials on the team include Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi (Head coach), Moses Nkata (Assistant coach), Stella Nankumba (team doctor), Hakim Mukiibi, Hakim Tabu, Sam Kakunba (Goalkeeping coach).
Kawempe will face Tanzania’s Giants 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 18th August, before taking on Simba Queens FC on 21st August and FAD FC three days later.
Group A has 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.
Kawempe Muslim SS Ladies FC is the fourth club representing Uganda in the championship, Lady Doves, She Corporate and Kampala Queens were the first to test the waters.