The Uganda U16 women’s national team is primed and ready to make their mark on the global stage as they gear up for their inaugural group B match against Paraguay on Thursday, April 11, 2024, in the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Invitational Friendship Tournament at the Hasan Dogan national team camp and training facility in Istanbul, Turkey.

Charles Ayiekoh, the head coach, and Ritah Nambusi, the team captain, said that they are confident in the team’s abilities due to the multiple training sessions undertaken.

According to Coach Ayiekoh, such training is a clear sign of preparedness and readiness to attain victory in the friendly tournament.

“We have been diligently preparing for this moment, focusing on both physical conditioning and tactical strategies to ensure that we are fully equipped to compete at the highest level,” Ayiekoh said.

Captain Nambusi noted that while it’s true that other teams are good, hers is better, and they are ready to face their opponent.

“We are ready for the tournament. The teams are all good, but we are better, and we want to show and prove this in the first game against Paraguay. We are not daunted. Instead, we see it as an opportunity to showcase the talent and resilience of Ugandan women’s football,” Nambisi said.

The UEFA Invitational Friendship Tournament, held in Istanbul, Turkey, serves as a platform for emerging talents to test their mantle against international competition and foster camaraderie among nations.

For Uganda, which is in Group B with China, Paraguay, and Wales, this tournament represents a significant milestone in their journey to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in women’s football.