Although fans would wish to support the Uganda girls as they tussle it out with other countries in the region, Nakiwala made it clear that only players and accredited officials will be allowed to access the games. She maintained that strict COVID-19 Standard operating Procedures will be observed.
The CECAFA Women's U-20 Championship is set to take place at the FUFA Technical centre in Njeru from 30th October to 9th
November 2021.
The Local organizing committee (LOC) led by its chairperson Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi has revealed that the games will entirely be played behind closed doors. The development was confirmed during a press conference held today at the FUFA House in Mengo.
Although
fans would wish to support the Uganda girls as they tussle it out with other
countries in the region, Nakiwala made it clear that only players and accredited
officials will be allowed to access the games. She maintained that strict COVID-19 Standard operating Procedures will be observed.
“We know how much the
fans are missing the beautiful game but we also need to be mindful of the
prevailing Government, CAF, FIFA and FUFA guideline on prevention of the spread
of COVID-19. The strict COVID-10 Protocols will be observed during the entire tournament," stated
Nakiwala.
She however said the organizing committee is
in advance stages to secure a broad cast partner that will help all Ugandans
access the games live on Television.
//Cue in we would like …
Cue out: live on TV.”//
Jamil Ssewanyana, a CAF Security officer who will be the head of security committee at the tournament also made it clear that, the organizers will follow the
FIFA protocols, adding that all participating teams will be kept in bubbles with
no access to the public until the end of the tournament.
//Cue in: we are in un …
Cue out: …and the vehicles.”//
Nakiwala confirmed that the first teams Djibouti and Eritrea will arrive today, while the Tanzanian team is expected tomorrow. The other teams that will take part in the Championship include; Uganda, Burundi and Ethiopia.
//Cue in: “we have got
Cue out: …host the tournament.”//
Uganda U-20 team is already in a residential camp at the FUFA
Technical cente in Njeru under the watchful eyes of coach Ayubu Khalifa Kiyingi.
Uganda's CECAFA U-20 team this month eliminated Kenya 10-3 on aggregate in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup qualifiers.
Fahad Muganga
Freelancer