Uganda: Ikwaput Hopes to Keep Repaying Coach's Faith

By Makhtum Muziransa

Jinja — It is less than two hours since her solitary goal at Njeru Technical Centre sent Burundi packing from the Cecafa Women Championship on Thursday.

Crested Cranes striker Fazirah Ikwaput, wanders about alone in the centre they have called home and office for close to two weeks now.

Like she had done to the Zanzibar - on Tuesday - and Burundi defences, Ikwaput had escaped my rather watchful eye when she 'stealthily' made her way out of the dining hall where the rest of the squad were having their evening tea.

"We were many but they couldn't make the final squad. I am trying to fit in with the other girls as much as I can," Ikwaput says of the rest of her teammates at Divine Club.

If there are any doubts about her relationship with teammates off the pitch, at least they are well disguised on it. Since coming into the side against Zanzibar, Ikwaput, 19, has had a lethal partnership with renowned Fufa Women Elite League MVP (Most Valuable Player) Hasifa Nassuna, who struggled as a lone striker in the opener against Kenya.

The striking partnership, is the only department, coach Majidah Nantanda, has put her trust in teenagers and for now she can't have any complaints.

The defence has Christine Wanyana while her namesake Nambirige and Jean Sseninde, offer some needed experience in midfield. "I know I am young but this is our country and we have to stay here for it. I am under no pressure at all and I believe the tournament is working out well for us," Ikwaput says.

Today, Crested Cranes will be under more scrutiny as they look to beat an aggressive Tanzania side to make it to Tuesday's finals. The hard running and quick thinking Mbale Progressive SS striker will likely lead the line again.

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