Zaina Namuleme
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 9 January 2000 | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Makerere University | ||
| Number | 13 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2013–2016 | Gadhafi Integrated Academy | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2016–2024 | Kampala Queens | ||
| 2024– | Makerere University | ||
| International career | |||
| 2020 | Uganda U20 | 2 | (0) |
| 2016– | Uganda | +4 | (2) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Zaina Namuleme (born 9 January 2000) is an Ugandan footballer who plays as a midfielder for FUFA Women Super League club Makerere University and captains the Uganda national team.
Club career
[edit]Namuleme began her football career with Gadhafi Integrated Academy in 2013, remaining with the team until 2016 when it transitioned into Kampala Queens, where she continued her playing career.[1] In May 2022, the striker, formerly regarded as one of the team's key forwards, transitioned to a midfield role, showcasing her versatility and effectiveness in both positions.[2] She played a key role in the team's first title win during the 2022–23 season.[3]
In April 2024, Namuleme stepped down as club captain after serving for two and a half seasons.[4] In July 2024, Kampala Queens announced the departure of the midfielder, who had been with the club since its inception eight years prior.[5] She soon joined fellow league side Makerere University, where she made an instant impact by becoming the first player to score a super hat-trick in the 2024–25 season.[6]
International career
[edit]At youth level, Namuleme represented Uganda at the under-20 level, featuring in the 2020 African U-20 Women's World Cup qualifiers against Tanzania.[7]
In June 2016, at the age of 16, Namuleme received her first call-up to the senior national team for a friendly match against Kenya.[8] She was later named in Uganda's final squad for the 2016 CECAFA Women's Championship, and also featured in the 2018 and 2019 editions.[9]
Having not featured for the senior team since 2019, she caught the attention of South African coach Sheryl Botes, who promptly called her up for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Ethiopia. On 21 February 2025, she scored her first international goal in stoppage time, which was later followed by another goal from Ikwaput to secure a 2–0 victory for Uganda.[10][11] In June 2025, ahead of her fourth appearance at the CECAFA Women's Championship, Namuleme was appointed captain of the Crested Cranes to lead the team throughout the 2025 edition.[9]
International goals
[edit]- Scores and results list Uganda's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Namuleme goal.
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 21 February 2025 | Nakivubo Stadium, Kampala, Uganda |  Ethiopia |
1–0 | 2–0 | 2026 WAFCON qualifying |
| 2 | 15 June 2025 | Chamazi Stadium, Chamazi, Tanzania |  South Sudan |
3–0 | 3–0 | 2025 CECAFA Women's Championship |
References
[edit]- ^ "Profiles of players for the new FUFA Women Super League Trophy tour". fufa.co.ug. Federation of Uganda Football Associations. 15 May 2025. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ "Women Football: Revitalized Zaina Namuleme Speaks Out On Her New Playing Position at KQ". voiceofbugerere.com. 1 May 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ Ntege, John Paul (5 November 2023). "Zaina Namuleme Sends Kampala Queens to the Top". sportsnation.co.ug. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ Mugabi, Geoffrey (4 April 2024). "Namuleme Steps Down As Kampala Queens Captain". nnalubaalesports.com. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ Muyita, Joel (4 July 2024). "Kampala Queens part ways with Zaina Namuleme". kawowo.com. Kawowo Sports. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ Rajub Senoga, Sinan (7 April 2025). "Namuleme scores four goals as Makerere aggravate Wakiso Hill woes". swiftsportsug.com. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ "FIFA U-20 Women World Cup: Uganda U-20 XI Vs Tanzania". fufa.co.ug. 19 January 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ "Crested Cranes final squad to Kenya named". fufa.co.ug. 30 June 2016. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ a b Rajub Senoga, Sinan (13 June 2025). "Zaina Namuleme named Crested Cranes captain ahead of CECAFA opener". swiftsportsug.com. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ Mugalu, Jeremiah (21 February 2025). "Namuleme shines brightest as Crested Cranes edge Ethiopia in WAFCON 2026 Qualifier". thetouchlinesports.com. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ Muziransa, Makhtum (24 February 2025). "Namuleme goal an inspiration for all". monitor.co.ug. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
External links
[edit]- Zaina Namuleme at Flashscore.com
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