Uganda U17 Women’s National Team Head Coach Sheryl Botes and captain Desire Katisi Natooro faced the media on Friday ahead of tomorrow’s encounter against Cameroon.
The Teen Cranes will host Cameroon at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende in the first leg of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, first round.
The coach and captain were asked for the latest teams news, preparations, facing Cameroon and much more.
Here is everything they had to say on the following subjects….
Coach Sheryl Botes
On how prepared the team is.
We have had two weeks of preparations and I must say the players have kept good discipline and showed commitment to every aspect we have told them.
I had the privilege to go to Jinja and watch games at USSSA Competition. I was pleased with the talents I saw and we actually selected some players to join this team. Because the tournament was U20 age category, some other players I saw will be considered for the upcoming engagements.
On the technical ability of the players in camp.
I am pleased with the ability majority of these players have. They are immensely talented but we must make sure, they get the technical bit of the game. Understanding where to position yourself, how to operate under a playing system and how to use the ball well.
On working with rookies and the pressure that comes with playing for the national team.
Of course, it is always tough and players may have fear but we have been talking to the players and trying to give them the confidence.
On how important will it be for the players to gain exposure.
Experience comes with playing many games and I believe these players can only get better by having more games in their legs. Our target is to keep progressing in these qualifiers so that our players benefit.
On having some players in the current squad who have previously played for the different national teams.
Agnes Nabukenya, Faridah Namirimu and Desire Natooro have already played for the national team and I believe their experience will rub off to the rest of the other players. However, they equally still need guidance.
On what she knows about our opponents Cameroon.
I know they play a physical game and really strong and we have tried to work on that aspect. So the players are aware of what they will be facing.
On the African games draw and the opponents.
We were informed that the tournament is U23 but we agreed to mainly use the U20 National Team. Facing teams like Ghana, Ethiopia and Tanzania will be a good test for us.
CAPTAIN DESIRE KATISI NATOORO
On how prepared the players are.
We are ready and prepared to face Cameroon tomorrow. The Coaches have prepared us well and given us the best training to enable us win.
On what it means to be named Team Captain.
I am delighted for the opportunity to lead the team. It comes with responsibility but the coaches have guided me well and the players have also been helping me.
