2021 FUFA Women Super League Season Preview
- The league will be played in a tournament format
- Ten teams divided into two groups
- Top two from each group progress to the Championship playoff
Kampala Queens Special
Kampala Queens have always flattered to deceive on every occasion when many tipped them to go for glory and failed to escape the jaws of victory. Since changing the name from Gaddafi Integrated Academy in 2016 after being bought off by FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo, the team is yet to win any major silverware.
Despite having a good squad on paper over the years under the watchful eye of Crested Cranes (Uganda Women’s Football National Team) head coach, Faridah Bulege, Kampala Queens can only account for two appearances in the Championship playoffs but still failed to make the cut to the final on both occasions.
Last season, the team struggled and registered just two wins in the seven games played before the league was cancelled due to the outbreak of COVID-19. All the five goals that the team had were scored by one player (Fauzia Najjemba).
Ahead of the new season, there have been several changes at the club including letting go of Bulega and Isma Mukiibi taking charge. The latter was part of Bulega’s backroom staff but has since been elevated and will be assisted by journalist cum coach Shafik Mutebi.
There has also been a massive recruitment of players, majority coming from Mukono High School where both Mukiibi and Mutebi are coaches and the duo believes this will help them to execute their work.
“It is easy to integrate the new players into the team because we have been managing them and we know their abilities and weaknesses.” Said Mutebi.
The new additions include Uganda U17 goalkeeper Joan Namusisi, Rukiya Namubiru, Jackie Ogol, Patricia Busingye, Ayikoru Nerva Zulaika, Winnie Akwatulila, Christine Atuhaire, Immaculate Odalu, Sophia Nakiyingi, Resty Nalweyiso, Tracy Sasha Kaire and Rebeecca Nassuna.
On the other hand, the team has let go of Angel Nakuya, Merble Kusasira and Lydia Adubango while Zaina Namuleme will miss the tournament because of examinations at Makerere University.
What the coaches says
Mukiibi is well aware of the task ahead of him but he is optimistic that the time he has add with the team is enough.
“The league will be tough and you need to handle one game at a time. We have had time with the players and the training camp has helped us to know where to improve,” he stated.
His assistant Mutebi shares similar sentiments and asserts that the target is to win the title.
“The task for us is to win the trophy and that means a lot for us as coaches. We must pull strings together and know that any game you lose knocks you off the crown.”
Key Player
Fauzia Najjemba
She is arguarbly one of the best players in the country and a key pillar for the team. As earlier mentioned, Najjemba scored all the five goals that the team managed in the league last season.
If Kampala Queens is to achieve any success this season, the ambidextrous player who is also the captain of the team will have to at her best.
Strength
The forward line comprised of Najjemba, Lillian Mutuuzo and Resty Nanziri sends shivers down the spine of every defender in the league.
The trio will definitely be the fulcrum of the team. The only challenge especially for Mutuuzo and Nanziri is that they blow hot and cold and always disappoint when it matters most.
Weaknesses
There are concerns about Kampala Queens backline starting from the goalkeeping department. The departure of Adubango who has been the first choice goalkeeper offers an opportunity to Namusisi. The Senior Two student at Mukono High School has been an understudy both at club (Isra Soccer Academy where she played last season) and country(both at U17 and U20) National Teams).
Aisha Namukisa who was the main stay in the backline also left and the onus will now fall to Precious Najjemba and Mwajuma Nabukwasi.
Squad
Goalkeepers
Joan Namusisi, Resty Nalweyiso
Defenders
Dorcus Nabuufu, Mwajuma Nabukwasi, Precious Najjemba, Judith Sanyu, Winnie Akwatulira, Patricia Busingye
Midfielders
Harriet Nakkuba, Jackie Ogol, Lukia Namubiru, Christine Atuhairwe
Forwards
Fauzia Najjemba, Resty Nanziri, Sophia Nakiyingi, Immaculate Odalu, Lillian Mutuuzo, Monica Namwase