The chairperson of the local organizing
committee for the CECAFA Senior Women’s championship 2022 has revealed that security will be tightened in Njeru to avoid any vanishing of players during the tournament.
Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, also the 3rd FUFA Vice President said today during a Press Conference held at the FUFA headquarters in Mengo that since some Eritrean players vanished in Jinja last year, they will have more security around the teams.
Uganda will host this year’s CECAFA Women’s Championship
that will take place at FUFA Technical Center in Njeru between June 1-11th, 2022.
The regional tournament will take place in Uganda seven
months after the CECAFA U-20 Women’s Championship that took place in November
2021. During this tournament, five Eritrean players disappeared from their hotel
where they were accommodated as they take part in the championship.
Ahead of the championship, Kiyingi said the local organizing
committee is working hand in hand with Uganda Police to avoid the disappearance
of players. She said all teams will be provided with security.
Luganda
//Cue in: tukimanyi nti era …
Cue out: … atusobwako akabenje kona.”//
She also revealed that teams are expected
to start jetting in on May 28th, 2022. Eight teams will be lining up for this year’s regional
honor including hosts Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zanzibar, South Sudan,
Ethiopia, and Djibouti.
According to the fixtures released, the tournament will
kick off on June 1st, 2022 with a match between Burundi and Djibouti
before Crested Cranes take on Rwanda on the same date.
Uganda’s National senior women’s team, the Crested Cranes
is already in a residential camp at the hosting venue (FUFA Technical center)
having final preparations for the tournament.
The team has been in camp since May 7th under
the stewardship of Coach Lutalo Several European-based players have already
joined the camp. Juliet Nalukenge, Crested Cranes forward says she will be targeting
the golden boot for this edition of the championship.
//Cue in: “I feel so happy …
Cue out: … among the best.”//
Phiona Nabbumba, another Crested Cranes player who won
the best player Award during the National women’s super league believes she will capitalize
on her experience to help Uganda win the championship.
Luganda
//Cue in: “Guno mulundi gwange …
Cue out: … nga tutuuseyo.”//
Both Uganda and Burundi will use the regional competition
to get ready for the TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations that be
played in July this year. Fans will be allowed to access the Stadium without paying.
Fahad Muganga
Freelancer