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Uganda Martyrs Lubaga Women Football Club unveiled a squad of eighteen (18) women in preparation of the upcoming 2024/25 Finance Trust Women Super League season that will kick off on Friday 27th September 2024.
The squad was unveiled in the eyes of the Uganda Martyrs High School students on a rainy Monday morning with an intention of giving the school back to the number one(1) fans as labeled by Club CEO Freda Ayerango
“This time round we decided to do the unveiling in a unique way in front of our students” she said
Adding, “We all know that’s our sponsor and mother in everything and it’s where our number one fans hail from so its the reason why we did it here at Uganda Martyrs High School”
The squad included one(1) new signing- Nulu Nakyanzi, three(3) who were promoted Comfort Aculu, Rashiah Nakalema, Hilda Nakirijja and the other fourteen(14) who have been at the club since last season.
FULL SQUAD WITH (SHIRT NUMBERS)
Brenda Kasana-GK (1), Moureen Kizza (4), Comfort Aculu (5), Immaculate Nakanjako (6), Brenda Munyana (7), Gloria Namugerwa (8), Nulu Nakyanzi (10), Sharon Kanyiginya (11), Halima Kizza (12), Auki Kigongo Angel (13), Jackie Nambasa (14), Rashiah Nakalema (16), Latifah Nakasi (17), Sharon Kaidu- GK (18), Shivon Atuhaire (19), Viola Namuddu (20), Deborah Nanvule (21), Hilda Nakirijja (23).
Brenda Munyana
Shivon Atuhaire
Gloria Namugerwa.
Brenda Kasana.
Jackie Nambasa.
Halima Kizza.
On the club captaincy, Latifah Nakasi remained the first captain, Gloria Namugerwa as second in line and Immaculate Nakanjako, the third in command.
L-R: Latifah Nakasi, Head coach Edward Ssozi, Gloria Namugerwa and Immaculate Nakanjako
After the unveiling, team Head coach Edward Kasozi Ssozi came out to appreciate his side and clarify on why his side has signed a mature player;
“Uganda Martyrs was always known for bringing in young players but this time round we have tried to add in experience for example Nakyanzi who has been in the footballing world for a long time”
“Our intention this time round is to win the title so we acknowledged that we needed an experienced player, looked around and landed on Nakyanzi” he added
“On our target, we want to win the trophy as you can see we have overly finished third in the past campaigns but this time round we are looking at something bigger. Its one of the reasons we have got NEC FC as a partner so that the team can get motivation in all ways” Kasozi concluded
The new club president, Brother Tamale Herman acknowledged NEC ‘s efforts for the upcoming campaign going on to say:
Brother Tamale Herman handing over Uganda Martyrs away kit to NEC FC official.
“NEC has already started helping us in many ways. First they gave us a pitch to use since ours is under renovation, secondly when the girls heard about the partnership they were empowered the other two things are Water (Uzima brand), fuel to every game and money therefore we are so thankful for that.”
Concerning the issue of days when to play the club’s games, Brother Tamale concluded by saying that he and the school management believe Sunday is a Prayer day therefore he wrote to the concerned parties and agreement was all Uganda Martyrs matches will be played on Saturday.
The team will host it’s games at the Coffee grounds in Bugolobi something that has raised a few eye brows including those of many that stay around the the original home, St Gerald’s play grounds Ms. Ayerango confirmed and added that;
Club CEO Freda Ayerango addressing the students before the unveiling.
“Yes, NEC gave us a pitch of play free of charge, it’s going to affect us a little because many were used to the St Gerald’s grounds this time we going to Bugolobi so I call upon all of them to come and support their team” she said
“Good enough it’s temporary we shall be back here in January though even in Bugolobi our entrance fee doesn’t change it remains only 5000/= Ugandan shillings when you come you will assured of good football and tight security.”
Uganda Martyrs will play their first game of the season against She Corporates on Saturday 28th September 2024 at their new temporary home in Bugolobi.
Photo Credit : Danito Nsubuga
