Uganda U-17 Girls’ national team safely returned home on Tuesday afternoon after a successful expedition at the just concluded COSAFA U-17 Girls’ Championship in Mauritius.
The team that was crowned champions touched base at Entebbe International airport at 1:15pm aboard Emirates Airlines.
A heroines welcome was accorded to the contingent with FUFA football development director, Mr. Ali Mwebe receiving the team.
He was accompanied by Owek. Florence Bagunywa Nkalubo plus former Uganda Cranes goalkeeper and also pioneer of Women’s football in Uganda, Paul Ssali.
Head coach Ayub Khalifah Kiyingi lauded the players for the performance and commitment throughout the tournament.
‘I thank my players because they did the job. They remained committed from the start to finish and kept improving every game‘ He said.
Ayub also appreciated FUFA for the opportunity and believes this is a good move towards having a better Crested Cranes team.
‘I would like to thank FUFA for giving us the opportunity to gauge our team against other teams. This is good for Women’s football because nurturing players at this level helps in having a good senior team’ he added.
Leader of delegation and FUFA EXCOM, Chris Kalibbala heaped praise on the team and asserted that the future is bright for Women’s football in Uganda.
‘We made a name at the tournament because we had a good team and a pool of talented players that brought us success. I’m confident the future is bright for Women’s football’ Kalibala noted.
Ag. FUFA President Justus Mugisha was equally ecstatic by the development reached upon by the team. He warmly welcomed back the team and vowed for continued support towards development.
‘In a special way, I welcome you back home. Thank you for winning this COSAFA U-17 championship. It really shows that the efforts we have undertaken back home have reaped fruits with the right structures and development. We shall continue to support you at all time’ Mugisha noted.
The team was later treated to a luncheon at Jevine Hotel in Rubaga before the players returned to their respective homes.
