Rwanda is ready to host the CECAFA Women Challenge Cup 2018 edition which gets underway on Thursday at Stade de Kigali; this according to the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) Vice President Marcel Habyarimana.
Habyarimana, as quoted by the FERWAFA official portal, said all the facilities that had been earmarked for the showpiece were ready and that the federation had secured the needed funding for the tournament.
“We are all set and ready to host a successful tournament-Cecafa Women Challenge Cup. With some teams already embarking on their trip to Kigali, all related facilities earmarked to host the tournament are in place. We have secured the needed funding for the tournament and we believe to host one of the best successful tournaments in the country,” Habyarimana said.
On his part, Rwanda’s National Women Team head coach Kayiranga Jean Baptista is optimistic on the home nation chances of staging triumphant performances saying that the team’s objective is to at least claim the championship accolade.
“I have belief in my squad players and based on their attitude and determination, I am confident they can proudly win the tournament. We need to go into the opening match against defending champions Tanzania with a confident mind and register a positive start if we are to realize our ambition,” Kayiranga said.
The team’s skipper Nibagwire Gloria Sifa said, “We have had good experience with all our opponents following the 2015 edition and despite having a short period of ample preparations; we are optimistic, determined and eager to make our nation and Rwandan women proud. I am urging Rwandans to come in large numbers and support and we will do our level best to make them happy.”
Rwanda which has been undergoing non-residential intensive preparations since July 10 opens her regional account against reigning champions Tanzania on Thursday, July 19 at 4:15 pm at Stade de Kigali. On the same day, Kenya will take on Uganda in an earlier game at 2pm.
Goalkeepers
Pauline Atieno (Makolanders), Monica Karambu (Thika Queens)
Defenders
Elizabeth Ambogo (Spedag), Phelistas Kadari (Vihiga Queens), Dorcas Shikobe (Oserian Ladies), Anita Adongo (Oserian Ladies), Vivian Nasaka (Vihiga Queens), Lilian Adera (Vihiga Queens), Wendy Achieng (Spedag)
Midfielders
Caroline Anyango (Spedag), Ruth Ingosi (Eldoret Falcons), Sheryl Angachi (Gaspo Ladies), Cheris Avilia (Spedag), Cynthia Shilwatso (Vihiga Queens), Mwanalima Adams (Thika Queens), Esse Akida (Spedag), Mercy Achieng (Thika Queens)
Forwards
Neddy Atieno (Makolanders), Terry Engesha (Vihiga Queens), Martha Amunyolete (Trans-Nzoia Falcons)
CECAFA Women Challenge Cup 2018 Full Fixtures
Thursday, July 19
Kenya vs Uganda (Stade de Kigali, 14h00)
Rwanda vs Tanzania (Stade de Kigali, 16:15)
Friday, July 20: Rest Day
Saturday, July 21
Ethiopia v Uganda (Stade de Kigali, 14h00)
Kenya v Tanzania (Stade de Kigali, 16:15)
Sunday, July 22: Rest Day
Monday, July 23
Uganda vs Tanzania (Stade de Kigali, 14h00)
Rwanda vs Ethiopia (Stade de Kigali, 16:15)
Tuesday, July 24: Rest Day
Wednesday, July 25
Kenya vs Ethiopia (Stade de Kigali, 14h00)
Uganda vs Rwanda (Stade de Kigali, 16:15)
Thursday, July 26: Rest Day
Friday, July 27
Ethiopia vs Tanzania (Stade de Kigali, 14h00)
Rwanda vs Tanzania (Stade de Kigali, 16:15)