Vihiga Queens midfielder called up to Uganda's provisional squad for CECAFA, AWCON tasks

Vihiga Queens midfielder Joan Nabirye has been named in Uganda's Crested Cranes provisional squad that is set to enter residential camp on Saturday, May 7, 2022, to start preparations for the upcoming international tasks.

The defensive midfielder is among the 47 players named in the provisional squad by Crested Cranes head coach George Lutalo on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 to begin preparations for the forthcoming 2022 CECAFA Women Championship set for later this month, and eventually, the Women Africa Cup of Nations set for July.

Nabirye has been part of Uganda's team since shining at the zonal CAF Champions League qualifiers with Vihiga Queens last year, earning his maiden call up after that tournament and playing a part in the team's AWCON qualification process as they beat Ethiopia in the initial round.

While announcing the selection, Coach Lutalo noted that they have been assessing the players in their respective leagues both domestically and across the borders, and believes they have the right squad for the tasks ahead.

Further, he opined that having the team play in the regional tournament before the continental showpiece will be good preparation.

“As the technical team we have made efforts to look at the players at their respective clubs and we are really hopeful that the team summoned will be able to deliver. It is a good chance for us to gauge ourselves and have good preparations for the final tournament. We know this region has very competitive teams that will give us the best challenge,” Lutalo said as quoted by FUFA.

With the call-up and the tasks ahead for Uganda, there is a chance that Nabirye will miss Vihiga Queens' subsequent matches and the imminent coronation as they are just two wins away from being crowned FKF Women Premier League champions.

Kenyan midfielder on the cusp of cup victory with Chelsea

Full Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Ruth Aturo(Katkan Tyovaen Palloillijat, Finland), Gloria Namakula (FC Tooro Queens, Uganda), Daisy Nakaziro (Uganda Martyrs WFC, Uganda), Daphine Nyayenga (She Corporate FC, Uganda), Vanessa Edith Karungi (Boldklubben AF 1893, Denmark)

Defenders

Asia Nakibuuka (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Shadia Nankya (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Aisha Nantongo (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Viola Namuddu (Makerere University WFC, Uganda), Harima Kanyago (Uganda Martyrs WFC, Uganda), Margaret Namirimu (She Corporate FC, Uganda), Lukia Namubiru (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Yudaya Nakayenze (Lindey Wilson College, USA), Salena Allibhai (KAA Gent, Belgium), Adrine Birungi (Gaspo FC, Kenya), Phoebe Banura (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Madam Christine (Gaspo FC, Kenya), Jolly Kobusinge (FC Tooro Queens, Uganda), Sumaya Komuntale (FC Tooro Queens, Uganda), Miriam Ibunyu (She Corporate FC, Uganda)

Midfielders

Resty Kobusobozi (FC Tooro Queens, Uganda), Rhoda Nanziri (Kawempe Muslim Ladies, Uganda), Naome Nagadya (She Corporate FC, Uganda), JOAN NABIRYE (VIHIGA QUEENS, KENYA), Sheebah Zalwango (FC Amani, DR Congo), Tracy Jones Akiror (AFC Ann Arbor, USA), Shamirah Nalugya ( Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Phiona Nabbumba (She Corporate FC, Uganda), Riticia Nabbosa (Lady Doves FC, Uganda)

Forwards

Sandra Kisakye (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Elizabeth Nakigozi (Uganda Martyrs WFC, Uganda), Lilian Mutuuzo (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Juliet Nalukenge (Chrysomolia FC, Cyprus), Natasha Shirazi (Maccabi Kishronot Hadera, Israel), Fauzia Najjemba (BIIK Shymkent, Kazakhstan), Viola Nambi (FC Dornbirn Ladies, Austria), Zaina Nandede (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Hasifa Nassuna (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Rita Kivumbi (Mallbackens IF, Sweden), Sharon Nadunga (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Sandra Nabweteme (Unattached), Favor Nambatya (She Corporate FC, Uganda), Fazila Ikwaput (Lady Doves, Uganda), Susan Atim (She Corporate FC, Uganda), Margaret Kunihira (Kampala Queens, Uganda), Grace Aluka (Olila High School, Uganda), Zaina Namuleme (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda)