Uganda U-17 women’s national team head coach Sheryl Botes has stressed the importance of securing a strong result at home as her team prepares to face Kenya in the first leg of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference at FUFA House on Friday, Botes—joined by Teen Cranes captain Agnes Nabukenya, Kenya U-17 head coach Mildred Cheche, and skipper Halima Imbachi—expressed confidence in her team’s preparations.
Uganda heads into the encounter on the back of a dominant 18-0 aggregate win over Namibia in the previous round. The squad features nine players from Boni Consili, the highest representation from a single club.
Coach and captain reactions
Sheryl Botes – Head Coach, Uganda U-17 Women
“We have prepared well and can’t wait for tomorrow. We brought in a few players to strengthen the team and work on combinations, and we believe we can give Kenya a real challenge. Our mindset is to win and do the damage at home because we saw against Ethiopia that a 2-0 lead wasn’t enough.”
Botes acknowledged Kenya’s experience, with at least eight players from their 2024 FIFA U17 World Cup squad, but remains confident in her selection, particularly the Boni Consili players who faced Kenyan opposition in the CAF U17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament earlier this year.
Agnes Nabukenya – Captain, Uganda U-17 Women
“We are ready for the game and determined to take maximum points. We have trained well and will give our best to ensure victory.”
Mildred Cheche – Head Coach, Kenya U-17 Women
“It won’t be an easy game, but we are fully prepared. Football is about execution, and the team that does it best will win.”
Halima Imbachi – Captain, Kenya U-17 Women
“Tomorrow is a big day for us. We know it won’t be easy, but we have prepared and are ready to face Uganda.”
The much-anticipated clash is set for Saturday, March 8, at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
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