If there is anything that was unheard of in women’s football in Uganda, it has got to be unveiling new players.
However, Ajax Queens set a precedent by unveiling their squad plus new players that will be uses ahead of the 2017/18 season.
In a function held on Saturday at Buddo Secondary School, Ajax Queens revealed to the media eight new players that have been acquired.
Key among them is crafty midfielder Phiona Nabumba who joins the Bulenga based side from Rinnes Women’s Football Club.
Nabumba is looked at as the immediate replacement for midfielder Harriet Nakuba who left Ajax and joined Uganda Martyrs High School Rubaga.
The other new arrivals include Grace Ayikol and Gertrude Likicho who join the Bulenga based side from newly promoted side Isra Women’s Football Club.
The duo was influential in helping Isra win promotion to the women elite league but also guide Mukono High School to winning this year’s national championship.
Terry Engesha and Elizabeth Wambui are the other new players at Ajax coming from Mathare United and Thika Queens respectively.
Margaret Nalubega and Moreen Nangozi have been promoted from the junior team while goalkeeper Pamela Kayondo who has been on loan at Uganda Martyrs has returned to give competition to first choice goalkeeper Gloria Namakula.
Club CEO, Charles Lwanga Kayemba indicated the squad assembled will be able to compete and challenge for trophies this season.
“We have assembled a strong squad that I believe will yield results and challenge for trophies in the coming season,” he said.
At the same function, the club also unveiled the new coaching staff with Michael Natima as head coach and John Ssemuli as his assistant.
Natima has vast experience in women’s football with a CAF C license while Ssemuli has been the brain behind Mukono High School’s success this year.
Ajax Queens squad for 2017/18
Gloria Namakula, Rukia Namubiru(captain), Christine Nankya, Joan Nassali, Rachael Nalunga, Bridget Nabisaalu, Grace Nakanwagi, Moureen Afoyo, Carol Nakyanzi, Annet Namwenge, Phiona Wanyana, Angella Kemigisha, Pira Mary, Brenda Nassozi, Dorothy Nalukwago and Uwamaria Diana.
New signings
Pamela Nakayondo(returns from loan at Uganda Martyrs High School Rubaga)
Margaret Nalubega(promoted from junior team)
Phiona Nabumba(Rinnes WFC)
Gertrude Likicho(Isra WFC)
Gloria Ayikol(Isra WFC)
Terry Engesha(Mathare United)
Elizabeth Wambui(Thika Queens)
Moureen Nangonzi(promoted from junior team)
Coaching staff
Michael Natima -Head Coach
John Ssemuli – Assistant Coach
Sowedi Kawooya -Goalkeeping Coach
Andrew Ssettuba – Goalkeeping coach
Joseph Sserwanga- Fitness Coach