Uganda’s senior women’s national team, the Crested Cranes began their preparations ahead of the international friendly games against Morocco next month.

The team embarked on preparations under new coach Sheryl Botes, who was recently appointed on a three-year deal. Botes took charge of the training session at MTN-Omondi Stadium in Lugogo on Thursday with the local players.

The foreign-based legion is expected to join the team in Morocco from their respective clubs. The coach was impressed with the attitude of the players in the first session but indicated the first few days would be a bit tough for the players to understand her philosophy.

“I think the attitude was good because the players were eager to learn. I know the first few sessions will be hard for some to understand what I want exactly but I know it is a process and we shall get better.” she said, adding: “My philosophy is to keep the ball and use it frequently. So this is what I want to bring to the team.”

Uganda will play Morocco on December 1 and 5in Casablanca and Rabat respectively.

Uganda provisional squad; Goalkeepers; Daisy Nakaziro (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Hadijah Nalongo (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Gloria Namakula (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Proscovia Adongo (She Maroons FC, Uganda).

Defenders; Shadia Nankya (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Bridget Nabisaalu (UCU Lady Cardinals FC, Uganda), Desire Katisi Natooro (Asubo Ladies FC, Uganda), Jolly Kobusinge (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Shakirah Nankwanga (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Justine Najjuko Kizza (She Maroons FC, Uganda), Samalie Nakacwa (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Asia Nakibuuka (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Dorcus Lwalisa (Olila High School WFC, Uganda).

Midfielders; Phiona Nabbumba (Boldklubben AF 1893, Denmark), Joan Nabirye (FK Minsk, Belarus), Sarah Nakuya (Asubo Ladies FC, Uganda), Jackline Adong (She Maroons FC, Uganda), Zaitun Namaganda (Wakiso Hill WFC, Uganda), Viola Nambi (Pomigliano C.F., Italy), Rhoda Nanziri (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC, Uganda), Elizabeth Nakigozi (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Lillian Mutuuzo (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda).

Forwards; Fazila Ikwaput (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Fauzia Najjemba ( ZFK Dynamo Moscow, Russia), Catherine Nagadya (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Zaina Nandede (Kampala Queens FC, Uganda), Amina Nababi (Rines SS WFC, Uganda), Barbara Adweru (She Corporate FC, Uganda), Joanitah Ainembabazi (Simba Queens FC, Tanzania), Lillian Kasuubo (She Maroons FC, Uganda), Kamiyati Naigaga (Asubo Ladies FC, Uganda).